ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue for women in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They often feel misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopausal change can increase emotional dysregulation, and executive dysfunction that is caused by adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and locating a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could help alleviate your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than for males. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by other people) and they create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, and also hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Appearing aloof during conversations is a common symptom for women with ADD/ADHD. This makes it difficult for them to connect socially 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 suffering from ADD/ADHD. Another common symptom of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be caused by a variety of factors as well as by health issues, aging and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to a myriad of other medical conditions and mental health disorders including eating disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. PTSD. It is crucial to treat these issues in order to manage and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It is also harder for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can cause exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Poor or insufficient sleep can make it harder to concentrate at work, at school, or on household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" in the same way, however sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on the person's internal perception of themselves as male female, nonbinary, or male. Gender is different from a person's sexual preference as well as genital anatomies and chromosomal make-up.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same suggestions for improving sleep and reducing stress can be applied. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and creating a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and improve your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have unique challenges when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for them to identify symptoms in themselves, and it can be more difficult for them to receive the help they require. They are more likely to mask 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 challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult due to hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause or menopause. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can increase the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. Additionally, the changes in blood flow associated with aging may cause cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. As a result, it is crucial for health care providers to be aware of the differences between a natural part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments for people suffering from ADHD, including lifestyle changes and medications. Good sleep hygiene, such as creating a routine before bed, avoiding screens and eating regular meals can improve sleep. Exercise is also important and many people who suffer from ADHD find that meditative or yoga can help to relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about which treatments are best for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD are benefited by joining an ADHD support group. These groups offer an opportunity to talk about the difficulties you face in your relationships at work, in your relationships, and in other aspects of your life when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD could benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thoughts with more positive ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you've struggled and can provide you a direction for improving your life. Many people choose to work with coaches who can help them learn ways to manage their behavior and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are many professional treatments available for ADHD. These methods could include self-discipline, lifestyle changes therapy, counseling, or both. Many people suffering from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques, work and home life accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. It is essential to consult with a medical professional prior to beginning any of these strategies to ensure that they are safe for you and meet your individual requirements.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major problem for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses, partners, and colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, missed appointments and impulsive decisions can cause frustration to the most understanding family members. Couples therapy classes that focus on the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other techniques can help.
Certain people with ADHD have anxiety and depression which can cause ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which can be in the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI is extremely risky and is often an symptom of untreated ADHD It is essential to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have.
It is also common for women with ADHD to develop feelings of depression, shame or self-pity following being misunderstood or dismissed by others. This can result in feelings of self-doubt, procrastination, and a lack motivation. A support system that can comprehend these challenges and teach you how to manage them can make a huge difference to your quality of life.
The varying levels of estrogen that occur during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopausal cycles can impact your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience symptoms worsen during these times and require more medication to control these symptoms. Think about talking to your healthcare professional about an alternative therapy for hormones to help manage your body's natural production estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally women and adhd can consult an ADHD coach can assist you to develop a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more at ease with your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome - their chromosomal traits - determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic connections 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, age of the first born, and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these conditions and that there are common neurobiological processes that connect the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult to identify and treat them. This masking may involve putting all their energy into their careers, hiding their issues from family members, or changing their behaviors to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others aren't and could lead to a sense of exhaustion and overwhelm.
Additionally, social and family expectations can put the burden of taking care of mothers and women. Increased expectations and self-esteem issues and the challenges that come with ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety. These feelings can trigger or exacerbate ADHD-related symptoms such as mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal symptoms as estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact the decrease in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to drop and make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They usually feel at peace knowing that they have a rational explanation for their struggles and can now seek help and assistance. In some instances, the diagnosis allows the patient to be able to forgive herself for the mishaps she's experienced in her life due to 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 females from gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article is applicable to all women as well as those born female regardless of their confirmed gender identity.