ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue among women* in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopausal change can increase emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are caused by adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and finding a therapist who is familiar with adhd can improve your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD can be more late in life than it does for men. signs and symptoms of adhd in women is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that women tend present with more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by others), they develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
A lack of interest in conversations is a typical characteristic of women suffering from ADHD or ADD. This can make it hard to communicate with others and may increase their impulsivity or inattention. Insane coping strategies such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows) and eating too much, are also common in women with ADHD or ADD. Trouble remembering names is another typical sign of ADHD for women. This can be caused by a variety of situations that are that have to do with age, health, and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also at a higher risk of depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more prone to a variety of other mental health issues, like tics, eating disorders and fibromyalgia. PTSD. It is crucial to treat these conditions in order to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD suffer from difficulty getting good quality sleep in comparison to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it harder to concentrate on school, work, or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people mistake "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However the sex of a person is a matter of biology and gender is a social construct based on a person’s internal sense of their self as female, male or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexuality or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same strategies for improving sleep and reducing stress can be applied. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises and creating a healthy sleeping routine.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD face particular issues when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for them to recognize symptoms in themselves, and it can be more difficult to get the help they require. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and are less likely to be treated as effectively as men.
The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes that occur during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can increase the executive dysfunction and emotional issues that are often associated with ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow associated with aging can trigger a cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. As a result, it's important for health professionals to be aware of the distinction between a normal part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are several treatment options for people with ADHD which include changes in lifestyle and medications. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene by establishing a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before going to bed and eating regular meals - can improve sleep quality. Exercise is important. Many people suffering from ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help them relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about the treatments that are appropriate for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD might benefit from joining a group for support. These groups can provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the difficulties that arise in work, relationships and other areas of your life when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD may also benefit by taking part in individual or group therapy that is focused on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you've had a hard time and give you a framework for improving your life. Some people opt to work with an expert coach who can help them discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your health by tackling it. There are a variety of professional solutions for ADHD. These methods could include self-discipline and lifestyle changes therapy, counseling, or both. Many people with ADHD incorporate stress management techniques such as home and work arrangements and changes to their diet into their daily schedules. Before you begin any of these methods it is essential to consult with a medical professional to ensure they are safe and meet your requirements.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major problem for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticisms from spouses, partners and colleagues are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, missed appointments, and impulsive decision-making can also be a source of frustration for the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication can be helpful.
Certain people with ADHD have depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that can be in the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI is extremely dangerous and is often a symptom of untreated ADHD and it is essential to talk to your doctor regarding any concerns you may have.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to experience feelings of shame, depression or self-pity when they are misunderstood or dismissed by others. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. Supporting a person who can comprehend these challenges and help you cope with these issues can make all the difference in your quality of life.
The different levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause can affect your ADHD symptoms. Some women find that their symptoms worsen during these periods and require more medication to manage these symptoms. Talk to your healthcare professional about a hormone replacement therapy to help manage the body's natural production of estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Lastly you can consult an ADHD coach can assist you to build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day obligations.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Several different studies have reported that genetic correlations exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer or coronary heart disease. parents who died and demographics, such as the number of children in a household, the age of the first child born and the gender of the child at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic cause with these disorders. They also suggest that there are common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop strategies for coping to hide their symptoms, which may make it harder to be diagnosed and treated. Masking can include putting their entire energy into their career, hiding their issues from their family members or altering their behavior to meet social expectations. Some of these strategies could be healthy, but some aren't. They can leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition, women and mothers are often expected to take care of their children due to societal and familial expectations. Increased expectations and self-esteem issues and the challenges associated with ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression. These feelings can trigger or intensify symptoms associated with ADHD like mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women find that their symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles as estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to fall and can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They usually feel relieved that they finally have a rational explanation for their difficulties and can seek help and treatment. In certain cases, the diagnosis allows people to accept the mishaps they've endured in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be challenging to distinguish the biological differences between women and men from socially constructed gender distinctions. This article is applicable to all women as well as those assigned female at birth regardless of their declared gender identity.