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 are often misunderstood by their struggles and are overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning problems that are that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet and working with a therapist familiar with adhd can ease your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than it does for men. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily noticed by others) They also create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear disoriented during conversations. This can make it difficult for them to connect socially and can exacerbate problems with impulsivity and inattention. Unhealthy coping behaviors such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality TV) and eating too much, are also common in women suffering from ADD/ADHD. The difficulty in remembering names is another common indication of ADHD in women. It can be caused by a myriad of factors that are related to age, health, and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also at a higher risk of depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from various other medical conditions and mental health disorders, like tics, eating disorders and fibromyalgia. PTSD. It is important to treat these disorders in order to control and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It can also be more difficult for women with ADD/ADHD to get good quality sleep than other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can also make it more difficult to stay focused at work, at school, or on household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, however sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social construct assigned at birth based on the person's inner self-perception of being male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is different from a person's sexual preference as well as genital anatomies and the chromosomal makeup.
Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are many ways to improve your sleep and decrease stress. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD face particular challenges when seeking treatment. It may be harder to spot symptoms within themselves, and it can be more difficult to get the help they need. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. They are also more likely to get a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than the men.
The difficulties of ADHD may be exacerbated due to hormonal changes that take place during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can cause an increase in the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with age can also lead to cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. It's crucial that health care providers distinguish between normal signs of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatments for people suffering from ADHD that include lifestyle changes and medications. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene - setting a bedtime routine and avoiding time spent on screens prior to bed, and eating a regular diet will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is also essential and many people who suffer from ADHD find that meditative or yoga helps to relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about the treatments that are right for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from joining a group for support. These groups provide an environment where you can talk about the challenges that arise in relationships, work and other areas of life when you suffer from ADHD. Women who have ADHD might benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you to accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative thoughts for healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you discover the reason you've been struggling and provide you with an opportunity to improve your life. Some people prefer working with an expert coach who will help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their life.
Self-help
There is a wide selection of professional treatment options for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These methods could include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications, therapy, or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques as well as home and work adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these methods it is essential to consult with a medical professional to ensure they are safe and will meet your requirements.
One of the main challenges for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships and family members. Disregard and mistrust from spouses as well as coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms like absence, forgetfulness, and impulsive decision-making can cause frustration to the most understanding family members. Couples therapy classes that focus on the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other methods can help.
Some people who have ADHD also struggle with anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that can be in the form of cutting, burning, or scratching. NSSI is a potentially dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is important to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare professional.
Women suffering from ADHD can also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can cause lack of motivation, procrastination, and low self-esteem. Supporting a person who can recognize these issues and teach you how to cope with them can make a huge difference in the quality of your life.
ADHD symptoms can be influenced by different levels of estrogen in menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopause. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these periods and require more medication to treat their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. treatment for adhd in women can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate your body's production of estrogen. Additionally you can consult an ADHD coach can help you create a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel more at ease with your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA of a person - their chromosomal traits - determines the risk of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Many studies have shown that genetic links exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents' age at death and demographics like the number of children in a household, the age of the child who was born first and the gender of the child at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these conditions, and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women with ADHD may develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, which could make it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. Masking may mean investing all their energy into their work, avoiding their problems from their family and friends, or changing behaviors to meet social expectations. Some of these strategies can be healthy, however some are not. They can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
Additionally women and mothers are often required to look after their children because of societal and family expectations. A higher expectation and self-esteem issues and the difficulties that come with ADHD can cause depression and anxiety. These emotions can trigger or worsen ADHD-related symptoms like mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal periods when estrogen levels drop. This is probably due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to drop and make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They usually feel relieved that they finally have an external explanation for their difficulties and can seek help and treatment. In certain instances the diagnosis can allow people to accept the misfortunes that they have suffered through the course of their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be challenging to separate gender differences between men and women from socially constructed differences in gender. This article is applicable to all women and those born female regardless of their declared gender identity.