ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD caused by hormonal changes. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning difficulties that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet and working with a therapist familiar with adhd can ease your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD can be more late in life than it does for men. This is due to a number of factors, including that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by others), they develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear disoriented during conversations. This can make it hard to connect with other people and can increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. Women with ADD/ADHD are also prone to unhealthy coping behaviors such as shopping or watching TV (especially reality shows) or overeating. Another common symptom of ADHD is the difficulty in remembering names. This can be aggravated by a variety of factors such as health issues, aging and menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at greater risk of developing other mental health problems, including eating disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is crucial to treat any underlying issues.
It can be difficult for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to get enough sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it harder to focus on work, school, or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, however the term "sex" refers to biology while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on the person's inner self-perception of being male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation, genital anatomy, and the chromosomal makeup.
Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are many strategies that can help you improve your sleep and reduce stress. 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 with ADHD have their own unique challenges when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for those suffering from ADHD to identify their symptoms and get the help they require. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and are less likely to be treated in the same way as men.
The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult because of hormonal changes that occur in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can exacerbate the executive functioning and emotional issues that are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with aging may also cause cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. It's crucial that health professionals distinguish between a normal aspect of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are a myriad of treatments available to people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. A good sleep hygiene routine includes setting a routine prior to bed, avoiding screens and eating a regular diet, can improve sleep. Exercise is essential. Many people suffering from ADHD find that yoga or meditation helps them relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about which treatments are best for you.
Some people with ADHD can benefit from joining a support group. These groups can offer an environment where you can talk about the difficulties that arise in relationships, work and other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD might also benefit from individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while swapping out negative patterns of thinking for healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you've been struggling and can provide you a direction to help you improve your life. Some people also choose to engage a coach who can help them learn ways to manage their behavior and help them set 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 methods could include self-discipline and lifestyle changes or therapy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also implement stress management strategies as well as home and work accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before commencing any of these techniques to ensure they are suitable for you and will meet your individual requirements.
One of the biggest challenges for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships as well as family members. Misunderstandings and criticisms from spouses, partners and colleagues are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, absence of appointments, and impulsive decisions can also test the patience of even the most understanding family members. adhd symptoms in women adults that focus on the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other strategies can be helpful.
Some people with ADHD are also afflicted with depression and anxiety. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Additionally, some women may develop non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which could manifest as burning, scratching or cutting. NSSI is a risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare professional.
It is also normal for women suffering from ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame, or self-pity after being misunderstood or dismissed by others. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination and low self-esteem. A support system that can understand these struggles and helps you learn to manage them can make a significant difference in your life.
ADHD symptoms can be influenced by varying levels estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopausal. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these cycles and require more medication to treat their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and regulate your body's production levels of estrogen. Additionally An ADHD coach can assist you to develop a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more at ease with your day-to-day responsibilities.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk of having certain disorders including ADHD. Numerous studies have proven that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer or coronary artery disease. parents age at death and demographics such as the number of children, the age of the first born, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these conditions and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women who suffer from ADHD might develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, which can make it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated. This masking may consist of putting all their effort into their jobs, avoiding their issues from family members or changing their behavior in order to conform to the expectations of society. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others aren't, and could result in a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
Additionally, women and mothers are often expected to care for their children due to social and family expectations. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create an ideal recipe for depression and anxiety. It is not unusual for these emotions to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, including mood swings and feelings of inadequacy.
Women may experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal periods when estrogen levels drop. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to drop and can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women have described their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb" moment. They are relieved to finally have an explanation for their issues, and can now seek help and treatment. In certain cases the diagnosis can allow them to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've suffered through the course of their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than just biology and it is often difficult to distinguish the biological gender differences between males and females from gender-based differences that are constructed by society. This article applies to all women and people assigned female at birth regardless of their confirmed gender identity.