ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and are overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopausal change can increase emotional dysregulation as well as executive functioning issues that are that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet and working with an adhd-specific therapist can improve your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to many factors, such as the fact that women are more likely to present with more inattentive symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily noticed by others) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause can amplify symptoms.
People with ADD/ADHD are often absent in conversations. This can make it difficult to make connections with others and can exacerbate problems with inattention and impulsivity. Poor coping habits, such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV), and overeating, are also common in women suffering from ADHD or ADD. Another common symptom of ADHD is having trouble remembering names. This can be caused in a variety of ways as well as by health issues, aging and menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have higher risks of depression than men. In addition, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from a variety of other mental health disorders, like tics, eating disorders as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is important to treat any underlying condition.
It can also be more difficult for women with ADD/ADHD to get good quality sleep than other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it more difficult to stay focused on work, school, or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" in the same way, however sex refers to biology, while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on an individual's inner self-perception of being male female, nonbinary, or male. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference, genital anatomy, and the chromosomal makeup.
Regardless of whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same strategies for improving your sleep and reducing stress are applicable to. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as making a healthy sleep routine.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have unique experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It may be harder to identify symptoms in themselves, and can be more difficult for them to receive the assistance they require. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to receive a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than the men.
The challenges of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during menopausal and perimenopausal. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can cause an increase in the executive functioning and emotional problems that often come with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with aging may also cause cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. This is why it is crucial for health care providers to recognize the differences between a natural part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatments available to people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medications. Practicing good sleep hygiene - setting a bedtime routine, avoiding screen time before bed, and eating a regular diet - can improve sleep quality. Exercise is important. Many people suffering from ADHD discover that yoga or meditation helps to relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD are benefited by joining an organization for support. These groups can offer a safe space to discuss the challenges that arise in work, relationships and other areas when you suffer from ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD might also benefit from participating in group or individual therapy which concentrates on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy may also include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you 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 have been struggling and give you a framework to improve your life. Some people also choose to engage coaches who can teach them behavioral strategies and help them set goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by tackling it. There are a myriad of professional solutions for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline methods and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD implement stress management strategies, home and work accommodations and changes to their diet into their daily routines. It is crucial to consult with a doctor prior to beginning any of these strategies to ensure they are safe for you and address all of your needs.
One of the major issues for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships and family members. Misunderstandings and criticisms from spouses, partners and colleagues are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as absence, forgetfulness and impulsive decision-making may cause frustration to the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize communication and conflict resolution and other methods can help.
Certain people with ADHD may also experience anxiety and depression. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, some women might develop non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which may manifest as burning, scratching, or cutting. women and adhd is a very risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare professional.
It is also common for women suffering from ADHD to develop feelings of shame, depression, or self-pity after being misunderstood or dismissed by others. This can lead to low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack of motivation. A support system that understands the struggles you face and teaches you to cope can make a huge difference in your life.
ADHD symptoms are influenced by varying levels estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopausal. Some women find that their symptoms become more severe during these times and require additional medication to control them. Consult your physician about hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and control your body's production of estrogen. Additionally you can consult an ADHD coach can assist you to develop a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day obligations.
Genetics
The the chromosomal makeup of an individual determines the risk for certain disorders, including ADHD. Many studies have shown that genetic links exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer or coronary heart disease. parents' age at death and demographics, such as the number of children in a family, age of the first child born, and sex at birth. These results suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these conditions and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, which can make it more difficult to diagnose and treated. This could include putting all their energy into their jobs, avoiding their problems from loved ones, or changing their behaviors to meet societal expectations. Some of these methods are healthy, however others are not and can result in a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally, social and family expectations can put the burden of caretaking on mothers and women. Expectations that are higher and self-esteem issues and the challenges associated with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. It is not uncommon for these emotions to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, including mood swings and feelings of inadequacy.
Certain women experience symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during menopausal perimenopausal periods as estrogen levels decrease. This is likely to 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 say that they have experienced their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb moment." They are often content that they have a reason to explain their struggles and can now seek help and treatment. In certain cases the diagnosis enables them to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've experienced in their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than 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 is applicable to all women and people born female, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.