Chapter 4

Chapter 4: The Science Behind ADHD and PMDD

Recommended Reading

1. “Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder” by Dr. Gabor Maté
   • Amazon Link
   • Explores ADHD’s neurobiological roots and the impact of environment and trauma.
2. “The Women’s Brain Book” by Dr. Sarah McKay
   • Amazon Link
   • Provides insights into female hormonal health and brain science, including PMDD.

Self-Assessment Tools

1. Genetic and Epigenetic Risk Factors Test
   • Provided by DNA testing companies like DNA Life tests can be done through Health Corp Dubai , 23andMe and AncestryDNA, which can help identify genetic predispositions to ADHD and PMDD.
2. Hormonal Health and Cycle Symptom Tracker
   • Apps like Flo or Clue allow detailed tracking of cycle and symptoms related to ADHD/PMDD overlaps.

Apps for Tracking Hormonal and Cognitive Health

1. Clue App
   • Focused on cycle and hormonal health with actionable insights.
2. ADHD Organizer App
   • Includes executive functioning aids tailored to hormonal cycles.

Web Resources

1. ADHD and Hormonal Cycles (CHADD)
   • CHADD Official Website
   • Provides ADHD-specific resources for women and discusses the impact of hormonal changes.
2. Neurotransmitter Dysregulation and PMDD
   • Science-based overviews on serotonin and GABA pathways.

Expert Resources

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
   • Guidelines on PMDD and ADHD.
2. Epigenetics Research Publications
   • Peer-reviewed journals focusing on environmental influences on gene expression.

Support Networks

1. Neurodivergent Women Peer Groups
   • Facebook or Reddit groups like “ADHD Women” or “PMDD Support Group.”
2. PMDD Research and Advocacy
   • IAPMD forums and webinars for women with overlapping conditions.

Advanced Therapies and Medical Options

1. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
   • Suggested practitioners and organizations offering evidence-based treatments.
2. Nutrigenomics and Personalized Nutrition
   • Companies like InsideTracker for tailored health and nutrition plans based on genetic insights.

References

1. Hirvikoski, T., et al. (2020).
   • Serotonin and Dopamine Dysregulation in ADHD and PMDD.
2. Epperson, C.N., et al. (2002).
   • The Role of GABA and Hormonal Sensitivities in PMDD.
3. Girdler, S.S. (2007).
   • Psychoneuroendocrinology: Trauma’s Effect on PMDD and ADHD Neurotransmitter Dysregulation.

Additional Learning

1. Books:
   • “The End of Mental Illness“ by Dr. Daniel Amen
   • Focuses on brain-based therapies and prevention.
2. Podcasts and Webinars:
   • IAPMD’s “Hormonal Health Explained” series.