ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue among women* in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning issues that can be caused by adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet and finding an adhd-specific therapist can ease your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than it does for men. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that women are more likely to present with more inattentive symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily observed by other people) They often develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear absent in conversations. This can make it difficult for them to connect socially and can exacerbate problems with inattention and impulsivity. Women with ADD/ADHD are also more prone to unhealthy coping habits like shopping and watching TV (especially reality shows) or eating too much. The difficulty in remembering names is another typical indication of ADHD in women. It can be aggravated by a variety of circumstances, especially those that have to do with age, health, and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have greater chance of developing other mental health problems, including tics, eating disorder and fibromyalgia. PTSD. It is important to treat these conditions to manage and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It can also be more difficult for women with ADD/ADHD to get enough sleep than other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can also make it harder to concentrate at work, at the classroom, or in household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people confuse "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However sexuality is a biological phenomenon and gender is a social construct based on the person's own internal view of their gender as male, female or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal make-up.
No matter if you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same tips for improving your sleep and reducing stress are applicable to. Regular exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleeping routine can help you get better sleep and increase your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD face particular issues when seeking treatment. It can be challenging for those suffering from ADHD to identify their symptoms and to get the help they require. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms. They are also more likely to get a late diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than men.
The challenges of ADHD may be exacerbated because of hormonal changes that occur in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen, and executive functioning issues that are often linked to ADHD. Additionally, the changes in blood flow that occur with aging can trigger a cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. As a result, it is crucial for health professionals to be aware of the distinction between a normal part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD that include lifestyle changes and medication. A good sleep hygiene routine includes setting a routine prior to the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regularly can improve sleep. Exercise is also important for those with ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help them relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD may benefit from joining a group for support. These groups offer an opportunity to talk about the issues you encounter in your relationships at work, in your relationships, and in other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD may also benefit by engaging in group or individual therapy which is focused on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps 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 to discover the reason you've been struggling and give you the framework to improve your life. Some people opt to work with an expert coach who will help them discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their lives.
Self-help
There is a wide range of professional treatments for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies include self-discipline techniques, lifestyle modifications, and therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from 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 suitable for you and will meet all of your specific needs.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major challenge for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses as well as colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, missed appointments and impulsive decision-making may also be a source of frustration for the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other strategies can be helpful.
Certain people with ADHD are also afflicted by anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which can be in the form of cutting, burning or scratching. NSSI is a very dangerous symptom that is often caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Women who suffer from ADHD may also develop feelings of self-pity or shame when they are misunderstood by others. This can result in feelings of self-doubt, procrastination, and a lack of motivation. Having a support system that can comprehend these challenges and help you manage them can make all the difference in the quality of your life.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopause can impact your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience symptoms become more severe during these periods and require more medication to manage them. Consider talking with your healthcare professional about an alternative therapy for hormones to manage your body's natural production of estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. Lastly An ADHD coach can help you create a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel more in control of your day-today tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome - their chromosomal characteristics - determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic correlations 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, the age of the first born, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these conditions and that there are also common neurobiological processes that connect the two conditions.
Women who have ADHD may develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, which may make it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. This masking may involve putting all their energy into their jobs, avoiding their problems from family members or altering their behavior to conform to social norms. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others aren't and could lead to a sense of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally, social and family expectations can put the burden of caring for mothers and women. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create the perfect recipe for anxiety and depression. It is not uncommon for these feelings to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, like mood swings and feelings of inadequacy.
Some women find that their symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles as estrogen levels decrease. This is probably due to the the reduction in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to decrease which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb moment." They usually feel content that they have an external explanation for their difficulties and can seek help and assistance. In adhd in young women can allow people to accept the misfortunes that they have endured in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be challenging to discern biological differences between men and women from socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to all women as well as those born female regardless of their declared gender identity.