ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common problem among women* in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the issue worse. They often report feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopausal change can increase emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and finding a therapist that is familiar with adhd may aid in reducing symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than for men. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that women typically exhibit more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily noticed by other people) They also create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, and also hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear disoriented during conversations. This can make it difficult to communicate with others and can worsen their impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADHD are also more prone to unhealthy coping habits such as shopping and watching television (especially reality shows) or overeating. The difficulty in remembering names is another common indication of ADHD in women, which can be made worse by a myriad of factors particularly those related to health, aging, or menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also more likely to experience depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more prone to various other mental health issues, like tics, eating disorders and fibromyalgia. PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is essential to treat any underlying conditions.
Women with ADD/ADHD also are more likely to have difficulty getting good quality sleep as compared to other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Lack of sleep or a lack of quality sleep can make it harder to focus on work, school or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, but sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social construct assigned at birth based on the person's internal perception of themselves as male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is different from a person’s sexual orientation as well as genital anatomies and the chromosomal makeup.
If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of strategies that can help you improve your sleep and reduce stress. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and creating a healthy sleeping routine.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have unique experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It is sometimes difficult to identify symptoms in the individual, and it could be more difficult to get the help they require. They are also more likely to conceal their ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to receive a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than males.
The challenges of ADHD may be exacerbated due to hormonal changes that occur in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Progesterone and estrogen levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues are often linked to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with age can also lead to cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. It's crucial to make sure that health professionals can differentiate between a normal part of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are several treatment options for people with ADHD, including lifestyle changes and medications. Practicing good sleep hygiene such as establishing a routine for bedtime and avoiding screens before going to bed, and eating a regular diet can help improve sleep quality. Exercise is crucial. Many people with ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help to relax. It is important to talk with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can benefit from joining a group of support. These groups offer the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the difficulties you face in your relationships, at work, and in other aspects of your life when you have ADHD. Women who have ADHD might benefit from either individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative thoughts with more positive ones.
Being diagnosed with adhd in adult women treatment can be a life-changing event for women. It will help you understand the reason you've had a hard time and give you a plan for improving your life. Some people also choose to work with an expert coach who can teach them behavioral strategies and help them develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
There's a broad range of professional treatments for ADHD and other disorders, you can 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 suffering from ADHD incorporate stress management techniques, home and work accommodations and dietary changes into their daily schedules. It is essential to consult with a doctor prior to starting any of these methods to ensure they are suitable for you and will meet all of 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. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses as well as colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms like absence, forgetfulness and impulsive decision-making may also be frustrating to even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can help.
Some people suffering from ADHD also suffer from depression and anxiety. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women develop non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which may manifest as burning, scratching, or cutting. NSSI is a dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare provider.
Women with ADHD may also develop feelings of self-pity or shame when they are misunderstood by others. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination, and low self-esteem. A support system that can understand these struggles and help you overcome these issues can make all the difference in the quality of your life.
The different levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopausal periods can affect your ADHD symptoms. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these cycles and require more medication to manage their symptoms. Consider talking with your healthcare professional about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to control the body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can also assist you in developing a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel confident in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk of having certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic correlations exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer and coronary heart disease. parents' age at death and demographics, such as number of children in a family, age of the first child born and sex at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these conditions and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women who suffer from ADHD may develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms, which can make it difficult to be diagnosed and treated. This can include putting all their energy into their work, avoiding their problems from family members, or changing their behaviors to conform to social norms. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others aren't and could result in a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally, social and family expectations can put the burden of caretaking on women and mothers. Increased expectations, low self esteem, and the challenges associated with ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression. These emotions can trigger or intensify ADHD-related symptoms like mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause or menopause as estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to drop and can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb moment." They often feel content that they have a rational explanation for their difficulties and can seek treatment and support. In certain instances the diagnosis can allow them to forgive themselves for the misfortunes that they have experienced in their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be difficult to distinguish the gender differences between women and men from socially constructed gender distinctions. This article applies to females and those who were deemed gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.