ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue for women in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the issue worse. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation and increase executive functioning issues that can be that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and finding a therapist who is familiar with adhd may help alleviate your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than it does for men. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily noticed by other people) and they develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
People with ADD/ADHD are often absent in conversations. This can make it difficult to make connections with others and can cause problems with impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADHD are also susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies like shopping and watching television (especially reality shows), or overeating. Another common symptom of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be caused in a variety of ways as well as by health issues, aging and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also at higher risks of depression than men. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of developing other mental health issues, such as tics, eating disorder as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is crucial to treat any underlying issues.
It can be difficult for women with ADD/ADHD to get good quality sleep than other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Lack of sleep or a lack of quality sleep can make it harder to focus on school, work, or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, however sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social concept that is assigned at birth based on the person's internal sense of self as male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference as well as genital anatomy and the chromosomal makeup.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same strategies for improving your sleep and reducing stress can be applied. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and improve your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have unique experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for women with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and receive the help that they need. They are also more likely to conceal their ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and are less likely to receive treatment in the same way as men.
The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult because of hormonal changes that occur in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning problems that often come with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with aging may also cause cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. As a result, it's important for health professionals to be aware of the differences between the natural occurrences of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options available for people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medications. A good sleep hygiene routine includes setting a routine prior to the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating a regular diet, can help you sleep better. Exercise is also essential and many people with ADHD discover that meditation or yoga helps them relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about the treatments that are right for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from joining a group of support. These groups can provide an environment where you can talk about the difficulties that arise in work, relationships and other areas of life when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD may also benefit from individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It will help you understand the reason you've been struggling and give you a plan to improve your life. Some people also opt to collaborate with an expert coach who can help them learn ways to manage their behavior and help them develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
There is a wide range of professional treatments for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies may include self-discipline, lifestyle changes or therapy. Many people suffering from ADHD employ stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations, and nutrition changes into their daily routines. It is important to speak with a medical professional prior to beginning any of these strategies to ensure that they are safe for you and address all of your needs.
One of the biggest challenges for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships and family members. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses or colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, missed appointments and impulsive decision-making may cause frustration to the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication can help.
Certain people with ADHD also struggle with anxiety and depression which can cause ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which may take the form of burning, cutting or scratching. NSSI is a dangerous symptom that is often caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Women suffering from ADHD might also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are misunderstood by others. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination, and low self-esteem. Having a support system that can understand these struggles and teach you how to overcome them can make a huge difference in the quality of your life.
The different levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopausal periods can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience symptoms worsen during these times and require additional medication to manage the symptoms. Think about talking to your healthcare professional about an alternative therapy for hormones to control the body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. A ADHD coach can assist you in developing a customized strategy to reach your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day tasks.
add test for women of a person's genome - their chromosomal characteristics - determines their risk for developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic correlations exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents who died and demographics like the number of children in a family, age of the child who was born first, and sex at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic basis with these disorders. They also suggest that there are common neurobiological factors connecting the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop strategies for coping to disguise their symptoms, which may make it harder to diagnose and treated. This could include putting all their energy into their work, avoiding their issues from family members or altering their behavior in order to conform to the expectations of society. Some of these methods are healthy, however others aren't, and could result in a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally, social expectations and family expectations often place the burden of caring for mothers and women. A higher expectation, low self esteem, and the challenges that come with ADHD can cause depression and anxiety. These feelings can trigger or worsen ADHD-related symptoms such as mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Certain women experience symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during perimenopause and menopause as estrogen levels decrease. This is likely due to the the reduction in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to drop which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women say that they have experienced their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb moment." They often feel at peace knowing that they have a reason to explain their issues and are able to seek treatment and support. In certain cases, the diagnosis allows people to accept the misfortunes that they have suffered through the course of their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be difficult to discern gender differences between males and females from socially constructed gender distinctions. This article is applicable to all women and those born female regardless of their declared gender identity.