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 by their struggles and are overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning problems that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet, and seeking out an adhd-specific therapist can ease your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This is due to several reasons, including the fact that women are more likely to present with more inattentive symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily spotted by other people) They often develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.
Appearing aloof during conversations is a common sign of women suffering from ADD/ADHD. This can make it difficult for them to connect socially and can lead to problems with impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADHD are also prone to unhealthy coping behaviors like shopping or watching TV (especially reality shows), or overeating. Another common sign of ADHD is the difficulty in remembering names. This can be exacerbated by a variety of factors such as health issues, aging and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from a variety of other medical conditions and mental health issues, including tics, eating disorders and fibromyalgia. PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is important to treat any underlying issues.
Women with ADD/ADHD also suffer from difficulty getting a good night's sleep when 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 more difficult to concentrate on work, school, or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people mistakenly use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" in the same way, however sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social construct assigned at birth based on a person's internal sense of self as male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexuality or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal makeup.
Regardless of 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 creating a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and increase your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women with ADHD have unique challenges when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for those suffering from ADHD to identify their symptoms and get the help they require. They are more likely to mask ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to receive an early diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than males.
The difficulties of ADHD may be exacerbated because of hormonal changes that happen during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can cause an increase in the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning problems that often come with ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow that occur with aging can cause some cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. This is why it's important for health care providers to be aware of the differences between a normal part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are several treatment options for people with ADHD which include changes in lifestyle and medications. A good sleep hygiene routine, such as setting a routine prior to the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regularly can improve sleep. Exercise is important. Many people with ADHD discover that meditation or yoga can help to relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD benefit from joining an ADHD support group. These groups offer an opportunity to talk about the difficulties you encounter in your relationships as well as at work and in other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD may also benefit by participating in group or individual therapy that focuses on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative thought patterns with more positive ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you've been struggling, and it can give you a framework to improve your life. Many people choose to engage an expert coach who can guide them through ways to manage their behavior and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your health by tackling it. There are a variety of professional solutions for ADHD. These strategies may include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications therapy, counseling, or both. Many people suffering from ADHD also implement stress management strategies such as work and home accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. It is essential to consult with a medical professional prior to beginning any of these strategies to ensure they are suitable for you and will meet your individual requirements.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major challenge for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses or coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, missing appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also test the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize conflict resolution and communication, and other methods can help.
Some people who have ADHD also struggle with anxiety and depression which can worsen ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which may be characterized as burning, scratching, or cutting. NSSI is a dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your healthcare professional.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to experience feelings of shame, depression or self-pity following being ignored or disregarded by others. This can lead to depression, self-esteem issues, and a lack of motivation. A support system that can understand these struggles and teach you how to overcome them can make all the difference in your quality of life.
ADHD symptoms are influenced by different levels of estrogen in menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopause. Some women notice that their symptoms become more severe during these times and require additional medication to manage them. Consult your physician about hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate the body's production of estrogen. A ADHD coach can assist you in establishing a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel confident in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's DNA - their chromosomal characteristics - determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have proven that there are genetic connections between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer and coronary artery disease. parents who died at a certain age, and demographics such as the number of children, age of first born, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a common genetic cause with these disorders, and they also indicate that there are common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
adhd symptoms in women adults who have ADHD might develop strategies for coping to mask their symptoms, which could make it difficult to be diagnosed and treated. Masking may mean investing all their energy in their career, hiding their problems from their family members or altering their behavior to conform to social expectations. Certain of these strategies may be healthy, but some are not. They can lead to feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
In addition, mothers and women are frequently expected to care for their children due to social and family expectations. Increased expectations, low self esteem, and the challenges that come with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. These feelings can trigger or worsen symptoms associated with ADHD like mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Some women find that their symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during menopausal perimenopausal periods, when estrogen decreases. This could be due to the the decrease in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to decrease which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They often feel relieved that they finally have an external explanation for their difficulties and can seek treatment and support. In certain instances, the diagnosis allows them to be able to forgive themselves for the misfortunes that they have experienced in their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be challenging to discern biological differences between women and men from socially constructed differences in gender. This article is applicable to all women as well as those assigned female at birth regardless of their confirmed gender identity.