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 often feel misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation and increase executive functioning issues that can be associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet and finding an therapist who is familiar with adhd can ease your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. This is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by others) They also develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, and also hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear distant during conversations. This can make it difficult for them to connect socially and can lead to problems with inattention and impulsivity. Unhealthy coping behaviors, such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV), and overeating, are also common in women suffering from ADD/ADHD. The difficulty in remembering names is a common sign of ADHD in women. It can be caused by a myriad of factors particularly those that have to do with health, aging, or menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also at a higher risk of depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to various other mental health issues, like tics, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. It is crucial to treat these issues in order to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It can be difficult for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to get good quality sleep than other adults. This can cause exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Poor or insufficient sleep can also make it more difficult to concentrate at work, in school, or with household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, however the term "sex" 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, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation as well as genital anatomy and the chromosomal makeup.
Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are plenty of strategies that can help you improve your sleep and ease stress. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises and making a healthy sleep routine.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have unique experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for them to identify symptoms in the individual, and it could be more difficult to get the help they require. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms. They are also more likely to get a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than the men.
adhd women uk of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause. The fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can exacerbate the executive functioning and emotional issues that are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with aging can also trigger cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. As a result, it's crucial for health professionals to be aware of the differences between a normal part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments for people suffering from ADHD which include lifestyle changes and medication. 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 help improve sleep quality. Exercise is also important for those who suffer from ADHD find that meditative or yoga helps to relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about what treatments are best for you.
Some people with ADHD might benefit from joining a group for support. These groups provide an environment where you can talk about the issues that arise in relationships, work and other areas when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD may also benefit by engaging in group or individual therapy that is focused on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative thinking patterns with healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you understand why you've had a hard time and can provide you a plan to help you improve your life. Some people choose to work with an expert coach who can assist them to discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their life.
Self-help
While there are a wide variety of professional treatments for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies could include self-discipline strategies as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques as well as home and work accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these techniques, it is important to consult with a medical professional to ensure they are safe and will meet 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. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses or coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, late appointments, and impulsive decisions can also test the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize communication and conflict resolution and other methods can help.
Some people with ADHD have depression and anxiety which can cause ADHD symptoms. Some women 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. adhd women uk is crucial to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
It is also normal for women suffering from ADHD to experience feelings of shame, depression or self-pity when they are ignored or disregarded by other people. This can result in depression, self-esteem issues, and a lack of motivation. A support system that understands these issues and teaches you how to deal with them can make a big impact on your life.
ADHD symptoms are influenced by fluctuating levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and perimenopausal. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these cycles and require more medication to treat their symptoms. Consult your physician about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and regulate your body's production levels of estrogen. A ADHD coach can also assist you in developing a customized strategy to reach your goals and feel confident in control of the day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA of a person and chromosomal characteristics determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer or coronary artery disease. parents who died at a certain age and demographics like the number of children, the age of first born and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these diseases, and that there are also common neurobiological processes that connect the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop strategies for coping to hide their symptoms, which may make it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. Masking can include putting their entire energy into their job, hiding their issues from their family members or changing their behavior in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others aren't, and could lead to a sense of exhaustion and overwhelm.
Additionally, social and family expectations can put the burden of caretaking on mothers and women. A higher expectation and self-esteem issues and the challenges that come with ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression. It is not unusual for these emotions to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, including mood swings and feelings of inadequacy.
Certain women experience symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during perimenopause and menopause as estrogen levels decrease. This could 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 describe their ADHD diagnoses as an "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have a reason for their issues and are now able to seek help and therapy. In some instances, the diagnosis allows the woman to be able to forgive herself for the mishaps she's experienced in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than biology, and it can be difficult to separate the biological differences between males and women from gender-based differences that are constructed by society. This article applies to women and people who were designated female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.