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 are often misunderstood by their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopausal change can increase emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning problems associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet and finding an adhd-specific therapist can ease your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. This is due to many factors, including the fact that women tend to have more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily noticed by others) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms.
A lack of interest in conversations is a common symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. This makes it difficult to make connections with others and can cause problems with inattention and impulsivity. Poor coping habits, such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality shows), and overeating, are also common in women suffering from ADD/ADHD. Another sign of ADHD is having trouble remembering names. This can be exacerbated in a variety of ways as well as by health issues, aging and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing depression than men. In addition, women with ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to various other medical conditions and mental health issues, such as tics, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. It is essential to treat these issues in order to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It can be difficult for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Poor or insufficient sleep can make it more difficult to focus at work, at school, or with household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people mistake "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However sexuality is a biological phenomenon and gender is a social construct based on an individual's internal perception of themselves as male, female or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal makeup.
No matter if you suffer from ADHD or ADD, a lot of the same strategies for improving sleep and reducing stress are applicable to. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and increase your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women with ADHD face particular issues when seeking treatment. It may be harder to identify symptoms in the individual, and it could be more difficult to access the help they require. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to receive an early diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than men.
The difficulties of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during menopausal and perimenopausal. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can increase the executive dysfunction 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. As a result, it's important for health professionals to be aware of the differences between the natural occurrences of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are several treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD which include lifestyle changes and medications. Practicing good sleep hygiene such as establishing a routine for bedtime and avoiding screens before going to bed, and eating a regular diet will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is also essential for those who suffer from ADHD discover that meditation or yoga helps them relax. You should talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from joining a support group. These groups can offer a safe space to discuss the issues that arise in relationships, work and other areas when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD may also benefit by engaging in group or individual therapy which concentrates on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you to discover the reason you've struggled and provide an opportunity to improve your life. Some people also opt to collaborate with an expert coach who can help them learn behavior strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
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 could include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications or therapy. Many people with ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques, work and home life adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. It is crucial to consult with a medical professional prior to beginning any of these strategies to ensure that they are safe for you and address all of your needs.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major issue for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disagreements and criticisms from partners, spouses and colleagues are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, missed appointments and impulsive decisions can also be frustrating to even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize conflict resolution and communication, and other methods can help.
Some people with ADHD have depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that can be in the form of cutting, burning, or scratching. NSSI can be extremely dangerous and is often an indication of untreated ADHD It is crucial to talk with your doctor about any concerns you have.
Women suffering from ADHD might also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are misunderstood by others. This can cause lack of motivation, procrastination, and a low self-esteem. Supporting a person who can comprehend these challenges and teach you how to cope with these issues can make all the difference in the quality of your life.
The varying levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal periods can impact your ADHD symptoms. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these periods and require more medication to manage their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about an alternative therapy for hormones to help manage the body's natural production of estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can also help you develop tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel confident in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome and chromosomal characteristics determines their risk for developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Many studies have shown that genetic correlations exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer and coronary heart disease. parents dying at a certain age, and demographics, such as number of children in a family, the age of the first child born and the gender of the child at birth. adhd in women checklist suggest that ADHD is a genetic basis with these disorders, and they also indicate that there are common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women who have ADHD might develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms, which can make it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated. This could involve putting all their energy into their jobs, avoiding their issues from family members or changing their behavior in order to conform to the expectations of society. Some of these methods are healthy, however others are not and can result in a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition, societal and family expectations often put the burden of caretaking on mothers and women. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem, and the challenges of living with ADHD can be the perfect recipe for anxiety and depression. It is not uncommon for these emotions to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, including mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness.
Certain women experience symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during perimenopause and menopause, when estrogen decreases. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to fall and can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They often feel at peace knowing that they have a reason to explain their issues and are able to seek help and assistance. In some cases, the diagnosis allows the patient 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 just biology and it is often difficult to distinguish the biological differences between males and women from socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to women and people who were assigned female at birth regardless of their gender identity.