ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common problem for women in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation as well as executive functioning issues that are caused by adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet and working with a therapist familiar with adhd can improve your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that women tend to present with more inattentive symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily noticed by others), they often develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear distant during conversations. This can make it hard for them to interact with other people and can increase their impulsivity and inattention. People with ADD/ADHD are more prone to unhealthy coping habits such as shopping and watching television (especially reality shows) or overeating. Another sign of ADHD is having trouble remembering names. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as health issues, aging 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 issues, such as tics, eating disorder as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. It is important to treat these conditions to manage and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD also are more likely to have difficulty getting enough sleep, especially compared to other adults. This can lead to exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can also make it more difficult to stay focused at work, at school, or with household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" in the same way, 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, male, or nonbinary. adhd in women adults is distinct from a person’s sexual orientation as well as genital anatomies and the chromosomal makeup.
Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are plenty of tips that can help improve sleep and reduce stress. Regular exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises, and creating a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and improve your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD face particular issues when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for those suffering from ADHD to identify their symptoms and receive the assistance they require. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to receive an early diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than males.
The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult because of hormonal changes that take place during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can cause an increase in the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning problems that often come with ADHD. In addition, the changes in blood flow associated with aging can trigger a cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. As a result, it's crucial for health care providers to be aware of the distinction between the natural occurrences of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are several treatment options for people with ADHD that include lifestyle changes and medications. Practicing good sleep hygiene - setting a bedtime routine, avoiding screen time before going to bed and eating regularly can help improve sleep quality. Exercise is crucial. Many people suffering from ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help to relax. You should talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD can benefit from joining a group for support. These groups provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the issues that arise in work, relationships and other areas when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD might also benefit from taking part in individual or group therapy that is focused on teaching strategies for dealing 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 will help you understand the reason you've had a hard time and can provide you a plan to improve your life. Some people also opt to collaborate with a coach who can guide them through behavior strategies and help them develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
While there are a wide range of professional treatments for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies could include self-discipline, lifestyle changes therapy, counseling, or both. Many people suffering from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques such as work and home 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 safe for you and meet all of your specific needs.
One of the major issues for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships and family members. Disregard and mistrust from spouses or coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as absence, forgetfulness and impulsive decisions can also be frustrating to even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication, and other strategies can be helpful.
Some people who have ADHD also struggle with anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which may be characterized as burning, scratching or cutting. NSSI is a potentially dangerous symptom that is often caused by untreated ADHD. It is important to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare professional.
Women who suffer from ADHD can also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are misunderstood by others. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination, and low self-esteem. A support system that understands these struggles and teaches you how to cope can make a big difference in your life.
ADHD symptoms are influenced by fluctuating levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and perimenopausal. Some women find that their symptoms worsen during these periods and require more medication to manage the symptoms. Consider talking with your healthcare professional about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to help regulate the body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. Lastly An ADHD coach can assist you to develop a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more in control of your day-today tasks.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's DNA and chromosomal characteristics determines their risk for developing certain disorders, like ADHD. Numerous studies have proven that there are genetic links 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 findings suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic basis with these disorders, and they also suggest that there are common neurobiological processes connecting the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms. This makes it difficult to identify and treat them. This could include putting all their energy into their work, avoiding their issues from family members or changing their behavior to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, while others aren't and could cause a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
In addition, societal expectations and family expectations often place the burden of caretaking on women and mothers. The combination of increased expectations, low self-esteem and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create an ideal recipe for depression and anxiety. It is not uncommon for these emotions to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, including mood swings and feelings of inadequacy.
Certain women experience symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during menopausal perimenopausal periods, when estrogen decreases. This is likely due to the the diminution in estrogen can cause dopamine and seletonin levels to decrease which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb moment." They are often relieved that they finally have a rational explanation for their issues and are able to seek help and treatment. In some instances, the diagnosis allows the patient to accept the misfortunes she has experienced in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be challenging to discern gender differences between women and men from socially constructed gender distinctions. This article applies to females and those who were deemed female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.