ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue among women* in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the situation worse. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopausal change can increase emotional dysregulation as well as executive functioning problems associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet and finding an therapist who is familiar with adhd can ease your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. This is due to a variety of factors, including that women tend present with more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by others) They also develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
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 more prone to unhealthy coping habits like shopping and watching TV (especially reality shows) or eating too much. Another sign of ADHD is the difficulty in remembering names. This can be aggravated in a number of ways, including by health issues, aging and menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of developing other mental health issues, such as tics, eating disorder and fibromyalgia. PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is crucial to treat any underlying condition.
It is also harder for women with ADD/ADHD have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it more difficult to focus on school, work, or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, but the term "sex" refers to biology while gender is a social concept that is assigned at birth based on a person's internal perception of themselves as male female, nonbinary, or male. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal makeup.
If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are many strategies that can help you improve your sleep and reduce stress. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as creating a healthy sleeping routine.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD face particular difficulties when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for them to recognize symptoms in themselves, and it can be more difficult for them to receive the assistance they require. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to get a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than males.
The challenges of ADHD may be exacerbated by hormonal changes that happen during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. In addition, the changes in blood flow associated with aging may cause cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. It's therefore important that health professionals distinguish between a normal part of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are a myriad of treatment options available for people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. Practicing good sleep hygiene such as establishing a routine for bedtime and avoiding screens before going to bed and eating regular meals can help improve sleep quality. Exercise is crucial. Many people suffering from ADHD discover that meditation or yoga can help them relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD might benefit from joining a group of support. These groups provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the challenges that arise in relationships, work and other areas of life when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD could benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to help you accept your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thinking patterns with healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you know the reasons you've struggled and provide an opportunity to improve your life. Some people choose to work with a professional coach who can help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
While there are a wide selection of professional treatment options for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies can include self-discipline techniques and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people who suffer from ADHD also implement stress management strategies, work and home life adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. Before adhd in women signs begin any of these techniques, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and suit your needs.
One of the main challenges for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships as well as family members. Disregard and mistrust from spouses or colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness missing appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy classes that focus on the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other techniques can help.
Certain people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that may take the form of cutting, burning or scratching. NSSI is extremely dangerous and is often a symptom of untreated ADHD, so it is essential to talk to your doctor regarding any concerns you may have.
Women with ADHD may also develop feelings of self-pity or shame when they are misunderstood by others. This can lead to low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack motivation. A support system that understands these issues and helps you learn to deal with them can make a huge impact on your life.
ADHD symptoms can be affected by the fluctuating levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and perimenopausal. Certain women experience symptoms become more severe during these times and require additional medication to control these symptoms. Consider talking with your physician about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to help control your body's natural production estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. Finally An ADHD coach can help you build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day obligations.
Genetics
The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome and chromosomal characteristics determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Several different studies have reported that genetic correlations exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as 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 sex at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these conditions and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat them. Masking could mean putting their entire energy into their job, hiding their problems from their loved ones or altering their behavior in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these strategies can be healthy, however some are not. They can result in feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
In addition, societal and family expectations can put the burden of caretaking on mothers and women. A higher expectation, low self esteem, and the challenges associated with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. These feelings can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of ADHD, like mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women find that their symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal perimenopausal periods when estrogen levels drop. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to decrease, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women say that they have experienced their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They are often relieved that they finally have a rational explanation for their struggles and can now seek help and treatment. In some instances, the diagnosis allows the patient to be able to forgive herself for the mistakes she has made in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than biology, and it can be difficult to separate the biological gender differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to all women as well as those assigned female at birth regardless of their declared gender identity.