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 by their struggles and are overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning difficulties associated with adhd. adhd in adult women treatment , a healthy diet and working with an therapist who is familiar with adhd can improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than for males. adhd symptoms in women adults is due to several factors, including the fact that women tend to have more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily spotted by others), they often develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause can amplify symptoms.
Appearing aloof during conversations is a common sign of women suffering from ADHD or ADD. This makes it difficult for them to connect socially and can cause problems with inattention and impulsivity. Women with ADHD are also prone to unhealthy coping behaviors such as shopping, watching television (especially reality shows) or eating too much. Another common symptom of ADHD is having trouble remembering names. This can be exacerbated in a number of ways as well as by health issues, aging, and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also at an increased risk of developing depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have a higher chance of developing mental health problems, including tics, eating disorder as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is important to treat any underlying issues.
Women with ADD/ADHD also suffer from difficulty getting good quality sleep as compared to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it harder to stay focused on work, school, or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, however the term "sex" refers to biology while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on an individual's internal perception of themselves as male female, nonbinary, or male. Gender is distinct from a person’s sexual orientation, genital anatomies, and chromosomal make-up.
Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are plenty of strategies that can help you improve your sleep and decrease stress. Getting regular exercise, practicing 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 unique challenges when seeking treatment. It can be challenging for women with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and get the help they require. They are also more likely to conceal their ADHD symptoms. They are also more likely to get a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than men.
The difficulties of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that are associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. The fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can exacerbate the executive functioning and emotional issues that are common to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that come with age can also lead to cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial for health care providers to be aware of the differences between a normal part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are a myriad of treatments available to people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. A good sleep hygiene routine includes setting a routine prior to bedtime, avoiding screen-time and eating regular meals can improve sleep. Exercise is also important for those who suffer from ADHD find that meditative or yoga can help them relax. You should talk to your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD can benefit by joining a group of support. These groups provide an environment where you can talk about the difficulties that arise in work, relationships and other areas of life when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD could benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses 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.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you understand why you've been struggling, and it can give you a direction to improve your life. Some people prefer working with a professional coach who will help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their life.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are a myriad of professional treatments available for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline methods, lifestyle modifications, and therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD incorporate stress management techniques such as home and work arrangements and dietary changes into their daily routines. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any of these strategies to ensure they are safe for you and address all of your needs.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major issue for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses or coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, missed appointments and impulsive decision-making may also be frustrating to even the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize communication and conflict resolution and other methods can help.
Certain people who suffer from ADHD may also experience anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women develop non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which could manifest as scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI can be extremely dangerous and is usually an symptom of untreated ADHD, so it is essential to talk to your doctor regarding any concerns you may have.
Women suffering from ADHD might also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination, and a low self-esteem. A support system that can understand these struggles and teaches you to manage them can make a big impact on your life.
The different levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopausal cycles can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Some women find that their symptoms get worse during these periods and require more medication to manage these symptoms. Consider talking with your doctor about an alternative therapy for hormones to help manage your body's natural production estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can also help you develop tailored strategies to meet your goals and feel in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA of a person - their chromosomal characteristics - determines the risk of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Several different studies have reported that genetic links exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer or coronary heart disease. parents who died and demographics such as the number of children in a household, the age of the first child born and the gender of the child at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these conditions, and that there are also common neurobiological processes that connect the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat them. Masking could mean investing all their energy in their work, avoiding their issues from their family and friends or altering their behavior to meet social expectations. adhd in young women of these strategies may be healthy, however some are not. They can result in feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
Additionally, social expectations and family expectations often place the burden of caring for women and mothers. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem, and the challenges of living with ADHD can create an ideal recipe for depression and anxiety. These emotions can trigger or exacerbate ADHD-related symptoms like mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women find that their symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during menopausal perimenopausal periods when estrogen levels drop. This is likely due to the fact that the reduction in estrogen causes seletonin and dopamine levels to drop, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women have described their ADHD diagnoses as being a "lightbulb" moment. They are relieved to finally have a reason for their problems, and can now seek help and treatment. In certain instances the diagnosis can allow them to be able to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've 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 discern gender differences between men and women from socially constructed differences in gender. This article is applicable to women and people who were designated female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.