ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue for women in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the situation worse. They often feel misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopausal change can increase emotional dysregulation as well as executive functioning issues that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet and working with a therapist familiar with adhd can ease your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to a number of factors, including that women typically exhibit more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by others) They also develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
People with ADD/ADHD are often disoriented during conversations. This makes it difficult to make connections with others and can exacerbate problems with impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADHD are also more prone to unhealthy coping habits like shopping, watching television (especially reality shows) or eating too much. The difficulty in remembering names is another typical sign of ADHD for women. This can be caused by a myriad of factors that are related to health, aging, and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to a myriad of other mental health disorders such as eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is essential to treat any underlying condition.
It can also be more difficult for women with ADD/ADHD get good quality sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can also make it more difficult to stay focused at work, in school, or on household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people confuse "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However, sex is biology and gender is a social construct that is 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, genital anatomy, and chromosomal makeup.
Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are plenty of tips that can help improve sleep and ease stress. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, performing meditation or deep breathing exercises and making a healthy sleep routine.
Treatment
Women with ADHD face unique issues when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for them to spot symptoms within themselves, and it can be more difficult for them to receive the help they need. They are also more likely to conceal their ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and are less likely to receive treatment as effectively as men.
adhd in older women of ADHD may be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles. Progesterone and estrogen levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow that occur with aging can trigger a cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. As a result, it's crucial for health care providers to be aware of the distinction between a normal part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are a myriad of treatments available to people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medications. Good sleep hygiene like setting a routine prior to bed, avoiding screens and eating regular meals can help improve sleep. Exercise is also essential for those with ADHD discover that meditation or yoga helps them relax. It is important to talk with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can benefit from joining an organization for support. These groups can provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the challenges that arise in work, relationships and other areas when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD might also benefit from participating in group or individual therapy that is focused on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thought patterns with more positive ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It will help you understand the reason you've been struggling and give you a plan to help you improve your life. Some people prefer working with a professional coach who can help them develop strategies for coping with stress and set goals for their life.
Self-help
There's a broad selection of professional treatment options for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies can include self-discipline techniques and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD employ stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations, and nutrition changes into their daily schedules. Before beginning any of these strategies it is crucial to speak with a doctor to ensure that they are safe and suit your needs.
One of the main challenges for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships and family members. The misinterpretation and criticism of partners, spouses and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms like inattention, missing appointments and impulsive decisions can also be a source of frustration for the most understanding family members. Couples therapy classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution and other methods can help.
Some people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen 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 risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
It is also typical for women suffering from ADHD to develop feelings of depression, shame or self-pity when they are disregarded or criticized by other people. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination and low self-esteem. A support system that understands the struggles you face and helps you learn to cope can make a significant difference in your life.
The different levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopausal cycles can affect your ADHD symptoms. Some women find that their symptoms get worse during these periods and require more medication to manage them. Consider talking with your healthcare professional about a hormone replacement therapy to help manage your body's natural production estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Lastly you can consult an ADHD coach can help you create a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day obligations.
Genetics
The genetic DNA of a person and chromosomal characteristics determines their risk for developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents' ages at death and demographics like the number of children, age of the first child, and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these diseases and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This makes it difficult to identify and treat them. This masking may involve putting all their energy into their work, avoiding their problems from family members or altering their behavior to conform to social norms. Some of these strategies are healthy, while others aren't and could result in a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
Additionally, social and family expectations can put the burden of caretaking on women and mothers. Expectations that are higher and self-esteem issues and the difficulties that come with ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression. It is not unusual for these feelings to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, including mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness.
Women may experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms when estrogen levels drop. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to drop, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women say that they have experienced their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb moment." They are often at peace knowing that they have an external explanation for their difficulties and can seek treatment and support. In some cases, the diagnosis can allow the woman to be able to forgive herself for the mistakes she has made in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than biology, and it is often difficult to distinguish the biological differences between males and females from gender-based differences that are constructed by society. This article is applicable to all women as well as those assigned female at birth regardless of their declared gender identity.