ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD caused by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopausal change can increase emotional dysregulation as well as executive dysfunction that is that are associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and locating a therapist who is familiar with adhd may improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. This is due to a number of factors, including that women are more likely to exhibit more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by other people) They also develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear distant during conversations. This can make it difficult for them to socialize and can exacerbate problems with impulsivity and inattention. Poor coping habits, such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality TV) and eating too much are also common among women with ADHD or ADD. Another sign of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be caused in a number of ways as well as by health issues, aging, and menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have higher risks of depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have an increased chance of developing other mental health problems, including eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is essential to treat any underlying condition.
Women with ADD/ADHD also are more likely to have difficulty getting a good night's sleep when as compared to other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep adhd symptoms women or of poor quality can make it harder to stay focused at work, in school, or with household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people are confused by "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However the sex of a person is a matter of 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 the chromosomal makeup.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADHD or ADD, many of the same suggestions for improving your sleep and reducing stress are applicable to. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises and creating a healthy sleeping routine.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD have unique difficulties when seeking treatment. It may be harder to spot symptoms within the individual, and it could be more difficult to get the help they require. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. They are also more likely to get an early diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than men.
The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult due to hormonal changes that take place in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can cause an increase in the executive dysfunction and emotional problems that often come with ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow that occur with aging can cause some cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. This is why it's important for health professionals to be aware of the distinction between a normal part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatment options available for people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. Practicing good sleep hygiene by establishing a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before going to bed, and eating a regular diet can help improve sleep quality. Exercise is crucial. Many people with ADHD discover that meditation or yoga helps to relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD might benefit from joining a group of support. These groups can offer a safe space to discuss the difficulties that arise in relationships, work and other areas of your life when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD could also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing your negative thoughts for healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you've struggled and give you a plan to help you improve your life. Some people choose to work with a professional coach who can help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
There is a wide 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 strategies as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques, work and home life adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. Before beginning any of these methods it is crucial to speak with a doctor to ensure they are safe and meet your requirements.
The negative impact on family relationships and friends is a major problem for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses or coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms like inattention, missing appointments, and impulsive decision-making can cause frustration to the most understanding family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other strategies can be helpful.
Some people who have ADHD are also afflicted by anxiety and depression which can cause ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which could take the form of cutting, burning or scratching. NSSI is a risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare professional.
It is also typical for women suffering from ADHD to develop feelings of shame, depression or self-pity following being ignored or disregarded by others. This can result in depression, self-esteem issues, and a lack motivation. A support system that can understand these issues and teaches you how to deal with them can make a big impact on your life.
The different levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal cycles can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these periods and need more medication to treat their symptoms. Think about talking to your physician about an alternative therapy for hormones to help control your body's natural production estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. A ADHD coach can assist you in developing a customized strategy to reach your goals and feel in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's DNA and chromosomal characteristics determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, like ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer or coronary artery disease. parents age at death and demographics such as the number of children, age of the first child and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic basis with these disorders. They also indicate that there are common neurobiological processes that link the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This makes it difficult to identify and treat them. This can involve putting all their energy into their work, avoiding their problems from family members or altering their behavior in order to conform to the expectations of society. Some of these strategies can be beneficial, but others aren't. They can result in feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
In addition mothers and women are frequently expected to care for their children due to social and family expectations. Expectations that are higher and low self-esteem and the challenges that come with ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety. These emotions can trigger or exacerbate symptoms associated with ADHD such as mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women find that their symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles as estrogen levels decrease. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to decrease and can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They are often relieved that they finally have a rational explanation for their difficulties and can seek treatment and support. In some cases, the diagnosis allows the patient to be able to forgive herself for the mistakes she has made in her life because of 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 women from gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article is applicable to women and those who were deemed female at birth regardless of their gender identity.