ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue among women* in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the issue worse. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation and increase executive functioning difficulties that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet and finding an adhd-specific therapist can help alleviate your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than for men. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that women are more likely to have more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily noticed by others), they often develop coping mechanisms that mask these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms.
A lack of interest in conversations is a typical symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. This makes it difficult for them to socialize and can exacerbate problems with inattention and impulsivity. Poor coping habits like shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows) and eating too much are also common among women with ADD/ADHD. Another common symptom of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be caused in a variety of ways such as health issues, aging and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have higher risks of depression than men. In addition, women with ADD/ADHD are more prone to a myriad of other mental health disorders such as tics, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is crucial to treat any underlying issues.
It can be difficult for women with ADD/ADHD to have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can lead to fatigue, which can cause more symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it difficult 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 a person's internal sense of self as male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference as well as genital anatomy and the chromosomal makeup.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADHD or ADD, a lot of the same strategies to improve your sleep and reduce stress are applicable to. Getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and increase your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women with ADHD face particular difficulties when seeking treatment. It can be challenging for women with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and get the help that they need. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and are less likely to receive treatment in the same way as men.
The difficulties of ADHD may be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause or menopause. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are frequently associated with ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow associated with aging can trigger a cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. It's therefore important that health care providers distinguish between normal signs of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments available to people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. A good night's sleep by establishing a bedtime routine and avoiding time spent on screens prior to bed, and eating a regular diet - can improve sleep quality. Exercise is important. Many people suffering from ADHD find that yoga or meditation helps to relax. It's important to talk to your doctor about which treatments are best for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from joining a group of support. These groups can offer 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 who have ADHD could benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative thoughts with more positive ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It can help you understand why you've struggled and can provide you a framework for improving your life. Some people opt to work with an expert coach who can assist them to learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their life.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by tackling it. There are a variety of professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies include self-discipline strategies and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD also implement stress management strategies such as work and home modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any of these strategies to ensure they are safe for you and address all of your requirements.
One of the main challenges for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships and family members. Disregard and mistrust from spouses, partners, and coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as inattention, missing appointments and impulsive decision-making may cause frustration to the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication can be helpful.
Some people with ADHD have anxiety and depression which can cause ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI), which can manifest as burning, scratching or cutting. NSSI is a dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Women suffering from ADHD can also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can cause feelings of self-doubt, procrastination, and a lack of motivation. Supporting a person who can understand these struggles and teach you how to overcome them can make all the difference in the quality of your life.
The different levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal periods can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Some women find that their symptoms get worse during these times and require additional medication to manage the symptoms. Consider talking with your healthcare professional about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to help control your body's natural production of estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Finally, an ADHD coach can assist you to develop a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day obligations.
Genetics
The the chromosomal makeup of an individual determines the risk for certain disorders, including ADHD. Many studies have shown that genetic connections exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents dying at a certain age and demographics such as the number of children in a family, the age of the child who was born first and the gender of the child at birth. These results suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these diseases and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. This makes it difficult to identify and treat them. This can consist of putting all their effort into their careers, hiding their issues from family members, or changing their behaviors to conform to social norms. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others aren't and could lead to a sense of exhaustion and overwhelm.
Additionally mothers and women are frequently expected to care for their children due to societal and family expectations. The combination of increased expectations, low self-esteem, and the challenges of living with ADHD can create a recipe for anxiety and depression. These feelings can trigger or intensify ADHD-related symptoms such as mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Certain women 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 decrease in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to drop, 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 at peace knowing that they have a rational explanation for their struggles and can now seek treatment and support. In some cases the diagnosis can allow the woman to forgive herself for the mistakes she has made in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be difficult to discern biological differences between women and men from socially constructed gender differences. please click the following article is applicable to women and people who were assigned gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.