ADHD in Older Women
Many womenin their midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD caused by hormonal changes. inattentive adhd in women are often misunderstood by their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and finding a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could help alleviate your symptoms.
signs of adhd in women and symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than it does for men. This is due to many factors, such as the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily spotted by others), they often develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.
People with ADD/ADHD are often absent in conversations. This can make it difficult for them to interact with others and may increase their impulsivity or inattention. Insane coping strategies such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows), and overeating are also common among women suffering from ADHD or ADD. Another common symptom of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be aggravated in a number of ways such as 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 a higher chance of developing mental health problems, including eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia and PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is important to treat any underlying condition.
It can also be more difficult for women with ADD/ADHD to get enough sleep than other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which can aggravate 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" in the same way, however sex refers to biology, while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on an individual's internal sense of self as male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is different from a person's sexual preference or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.
If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are many ways to improve your sleep and ease stress. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, performing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD face unique challenges when seeking treatment. It may be harder to spot symptoms within themselves, and can be more difficult for them to receive the help they need. 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 males.
The difficulties of ADHD are often exacerbated due to hormonal changes that occur in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Progesterone and estrogen levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen and executive functioning issues are frequently associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with aging may also cause cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. It is therefore essential that health care providers distinguish between a normal aspect of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options for those with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medications. A good sleep hygiene routine, such as establishing a routine before bed, avoiding screens and eating regularly can help you sleep better. Exercise is crucial. Many people suffering from ADHD find that yoga or meditation helps to relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD are benefited by joining an ADHD support group. These groups offer the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the issues you encounter in your relationships as well as at work and in other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD might also benefit from taking part in individual or group therapy which concentrates on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may also include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It will help you understand the reason you've had a hard time, and it can give you a plan to improve your life. Some people choose to work with an expert coach who can help them discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their lives.
Self-help
There's a broad variety of professional treatments for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These methods could include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications or therapy. Many people with ADHD also implement stress management strategies as well as home and work modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. It is important to speak with a medical professional prior to starting any of these methods to ensure that they are safe for you and meet your individual requirements.
One of the main challenges for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships as well as family members. The misinterpretation and criticism of partners, spouses and colleagues are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness missing appointments, and impulsive decisions can also test the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on communication and conflict resolution can help.
Some people with ADHD are also afflicted by anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, some women might develop non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which can manifest as burning, scratching, or cutting. inattentive adhd in women is extremely dangerous and is often an symptom of untreated ADHD and it is crucial to talk with your doctor regarding any concerns you might have.
Women with ADHD may also develop feelings of self-pity or shame when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination, and low self-esteem. Having a support system that can recognize these issues and teach you how to cope with them can make all the difference to your quality of life.
ADHD symptoms can be influenced by fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopausal. Certain women experience symptoms get worse during these times and require more medication to manage the symptoms. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and control the body's production of estrogen. A ADHD coach can help you develop tailored strategies to meet your goals and feel in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk of developing certain disorders including ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, 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 findings suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these conditions and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women with ADHD may develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, which could make it more difficult to diagnose and treated. Masking may mean putting their entire energy into their work, avoiding their issues from their family and friends or changing their behavior to meet social expectations. Some of these methods are healthy, however others aren't, and could result in a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally, social 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 create the perfect recipe for anxiety and depression. It is not unusual for these feelings to trigger or even exacerbate ADHD symptoms, like mood swings and feelings of inadequacy.
Women may experience more severe symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause or menopause 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 which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women have described their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb" moment. They are happy to finally understand the reason for their struggles, and can now seek help and therapy. In some cases the diagnosis can allow the woman to forgive herself for 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 can be difficult to separate the biological gender differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to women and people who were designated female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.