ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. read article are often misunderstood by their struggles and overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation and increase executive functioning issues that can be associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and seeking out an adhd-specific therapist can help alleviate your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This is due to a number of factors, such as the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily noticed by others) and they develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
People with ADD/ADHD are often absent in conversations. This can make it hard to connect with other people and can increase their impulsivity and inattention. Unhealthy coping behaviors such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality TV), and overeating are also common among women with ADD/ADHD. Another sign of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be aggravated in a variety of ways, including by health issues, aging, and menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at an increased chance of developing other mental health issues, such as eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is essential to treat these issues to manage and reduce symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It is also harder for women with ADD/ADHD to have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can cause exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it more difficult to focus on work, school, or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people mistake "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However, sex is biology and gender is a social construct based on an individual's internal perception of their self as female, male or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.
Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are plenty of tips that can help improve sleep and ease stress. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleeping routine can help you get better sleep and increase your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have their own unique challenges when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for them to recognize symptoms in themselves, and it can be more difficult to access the assistance they require. They are more likely to mask ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and less likely to be treated in the same way as men.
The difficulties of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during menopausal and perimenopausal. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen and executive functioning issues that are frequently associated with ADHD. In addition, the changes in blood flow that occur with aging may cause cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. As a result, it's crucial for health professionals to recognize the differences between a natural part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are a myriad of treatment options for those with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene - setting a bedtime routine and avoiding time spent on screens prior to bed and eating regular meals will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is essential. Many people with ADHD discover that meditation or yoga can help to relax. It is important to talk with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD can benefit from joining a support group. These groups can offer a safe space to discuss the difficulties that arise in work, relationships and other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD may also benefit by engaging in group or individual therapy that concentrates on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. This Web site can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you accept your thoughts and feelings while changing your negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you understand why you've been struggling and can provide you a plan to help you improve your life. Many people choose to engage coaches who can help them learn behavioral strategies and help them set goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by tackling it. There are many professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies may include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications, therapy, or counseling. Many people who suffer from ADHD also implement stress management strategies as well as home and work accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any of these strategies to ensure that they are safe for you and meet your individual requirements.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major problem for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses as well as coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms like absence, forgetfulness, and impulsive decision-making can also be a source of frustration for the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication can be helpful.
Certain people with ADHD have anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, some women might develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI), which can take the form of scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI is a potentially dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
It is also normal for women suffering from ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame or self-pity when they are misunderstood or dismissed by others. This can lead to depression, self-esteem issues, and a lack motivation. A support system that is aware of these issues and teaches you how to deal with them can make a significant difference in your life.
ADHD symptoms can be influenced by varying levels estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopausal. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these cycles and require additional medication to control their symptoms. Consider talking with your doctor about an alternative therapy for hormones to manage your body's natural production estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. Lastly, an ADHD coach can help you develop a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day obligations.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's chromosomes determines the risk of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have proven that there are genetic connections between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer and coronary artery disease. parents' ages at death and demographics such as the number of children, the age of first born, and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic cause with these disorders, and they also indicate that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women who suffer from ADHD might develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms, which may make it difficult to diagnose and treated. This could involve putting all their energy into their careers, hiding their problems from family members, or changing their behaviors to conform to social norms. Some of these methods are healthy, however others are not and can result in a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition, social and family expectations can put the burden of caring for mothers and women. The combination of increased expectations, low self-esteem and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create the perfect recipe for depression and anxiety. It is not unusual for these feelings to trigger or even exacerbate ADHD symptoms, including mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness.
Women may experience more severe symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal periods as estrogen levels decrease. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to drop which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women have described their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally understand the reason for their struggles, and can now seek help and therapy. In certain cases the diagnosis enables them to be able to forgive themselves for the misfortunes that they have endured in their lives as a result of their 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 socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to women and those who were deemed female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.