ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue for women in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation and increase executive functioning difficulties caused by adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and finding a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could improve your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD can be more late in life than for males. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that women typically exhibit more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily noticed by other people) and they develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear disoriented during conversations. This can make it difficult to communicate with others and can worsen their impulsivity or inattention. Women with ADD/ADHD are also prone to unhealthy coping behaviors such as shopping, watching television (especially reality shows), or overeating. Another sign of ADHD is the difficulty in remembering names. This can be aggravated in a number of ways such as health issues, aging and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of depression than men. In addition, women with ADD/ADHD are more prone to a variety of other mental health disorders such as tics, eating disorders and fibromyalgia. PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is crucial to treat any underlying condition.
Women with ADD/ADHD also suffer from difficulty getting good quality sleep as compared to other adults. This can cause exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Poor or insufficient sleep can also make it harder to focus at work, at school, or with household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people confuse "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However sexuality is a biological phenomenon and gender is a social construct that is based on a person’s internal sense of their self as female, male or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexuality as well as genital anatomy and the chromosomal makeup.
Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are plenty of ways to improve your sleep and ease stress. Getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and improve your ability to focus.
adhd traits in women who suffer from ADHD face particular issues when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for women with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and to get the assistance they require. They are more likely to mask ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to receive a late diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than males.
The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can increase the executive dysfunction and emotional issues that are common to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with aging may also cause cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. It's therefore important to make sure that health professionals can differentiate between a normal aspect of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are a myriad of treatments available to people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. Practicing good sleep hygiene such as establishing a routine for bedtime and avoiding time spent on screens prior to bed, and eating a regular diet - can improve sleep quality. Exercise is also essential for those with ADHD find that meditative or yoga helps them relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about which treatments are best for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD may benefit from joining a group of support. These groups can offer the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the issues that arise in relationships, work and other areas when you have ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD can also benefit from participating in group or individual therapy that concentrates on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing your negative thoughts for healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It can help you understand why you've had a hard time, and it can give you a plan to help you improve your life. Some people choose to work with a professional coach who can help them develop strategies for coping with stress and set goals for their life.
Self-help
There is a wide variety of professional treatments for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies could include self-discipline techniques as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people who suffer from ADHD also implement stress management strategies, work and home life accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. Before beginning any of these techniques, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and suit your needs.
The negative impact on family relationships and friends is a major issue for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses, partners, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness missing appointments, and impulsive decisions can also test the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy and classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication can help.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are also afflicted with anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women develop non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which may take the form of burning, scratching, or cutting. NSSI is extremely risky and is often a symptom of untreated ADHD, so it is important to speak with your healthcare provider about any concerns you have.
Women suffering from ADHD can also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt, procrastination, and a lack motivation. Supporting a person who can comprehend these challenges and teach you how to manage them can make a huge difference in your quality of life.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopausal cycles can impact your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience symptoms worsen during these periods and require more medication to control these symptoms. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate the body's production of estrogen. An ADHD coach can help you develop tailored strategies to achieve your goals and feel confident in control of the day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The the chromosomal makeup of an individual determines the risk of having certain disorders including ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer or coronary artery disease. parents who died at a certain age and demographics such as the number of children, the age of the first child and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these diseases, and that there are common neurobiological processes that connect the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to identify and treat them. This masking may involve putting all their energy into their work, avoiding their problems from loved ones or changing their behavior to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies could be healthy, however some are not. They can leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition mothers and women are frequently expected to care for their children due to societal and family expectations. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create the perfect recipe for anxiety and depression. These emotions can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of ADHD, like mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women notice that their symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles when estrogen levels drop. This is likely due to the fact the diminution in estrogen can cause dopamine and seletonin levels to drop and make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women say that their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have an explanation for their struggles, and can now seek help and treatment. In some instances, the diagnosis can allow the woman to accept the mishaps she's experienced in her life because of 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 females from socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to all women and people born female regardless of their declared gender identity.