ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They often feel misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning difficulties caused by adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and finding a therapist who is familiar with adhd can aid in reducing symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than it does for men. This is due to a number of factors, such as the fact that women typically exhibit more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by other people), they develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Being aloof in conversations is a typical characteristic of women suffering from ADD/ADHD. This can make it difficult for them to socialize and can cause problems with impulsivity and inattention. Poor coping habits, such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV) and eating too much, are also common in women with ADHD or ADD. Another common sign of ADHD is having trouble remembering names. This can be exacerbated in a variety of ways such as health issues, aging and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have higher risks of depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at a higher chance of developing mental health issues, such as eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia and PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is essential to treat any underlying issues.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have a harder time getting enough sleep, especially in comparison to other adults. This can cause fatigue, which can cause more symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it more difficult to concentrate on school, work, or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people confuse "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However sexuality is a biological phenomenon and gender is a social construct based on the person's own internal view of their gender as male, female or non-binary. Gender is different from a person’s sexual orientation, genital anatomies, and the chromosomal makeup.
Regardless of whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same suggestions for improving your sleep and reducing stress are applicable to. Regular exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleeping routine can help you achieve better sleep and improve your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women with ADHD have unique challenges when seeking treatment. It may be harder to recognize symptoms in themselves, and it can be more difficult for them to receive the help they require. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive late diagnosis and less likely to be treated as effectively as men.
The difficulties of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. The decrease in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen and executive functioning issues are often linked to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with age can also lead to cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. This is why it's crucial for health care providers to recognize the differences between the natural occurrences of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are a myriad of treatment options available for people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medications. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene such as establishing a routine for bedtime and avoiding time spent on screens prior to bed, and eating a regular diet can help improve sleep quality. Exercise is crucial. Many people with ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps to relax. It is important to talk with your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD can benefit from joining a group of support. These groups can provide a safe space to discuss the issues that arise in relationships, work and other areas of 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 also include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you accept your thoughts and feelings while changing negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you've had a hard time, and it can give you a plan to improve your life. Some people prefer working with a professional coach who can help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are a myriad of professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies may include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications therapy, counseling, or both. Many people suffering from ADHD also implement stress management strategies as well as home and work modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. Before beginning any of these techniques it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and suit your requirements.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major issue for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disagreements and criticisms from partners, spouses, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, late appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication can be helpful.
Some people with ADHD may also experience anxiety and depression. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Additionally, some women may develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which could manifest as scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI can be extremely dangerous and is often a symptom of untreated ADHD, so it is important to speak with your healthcare professional about any concerns you have.
It is also common for women with ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame, or self-pity after being ignored or disregarded by others. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination, and low self-esteem. A support system that can recognize these issues and teach you how to cope with them can make all the difference in your quality of life.
The varying levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopause can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these periods and require more medication to control their symptoms. Consider talking with your healthcare professional about an alternative therapy for hormones to help regulate your body's natural production of estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can help you develop tailored strategies to achieve your goals and feel confident in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome and chromosomal characteristics determines the risk of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic connections between ADHD and medical conditions such as 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 results suggest that ADHD has a common genetic basis with these conditions, and also indicate that there are common neurobiological factors linking the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat them. Masking may mean investing all their energy in their work, avoiding their issues from their family and friends or altering their behavior in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others are not and can cause a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
Additionally, mothers and women are typically expected to take care of their children because of societal and familial expectations. The combination of increased expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create a recipe for depression and anxiety. These feelings can trigger or exacerbate symptoms associated with ADHD such as mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal periods as estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to drop which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb moment." They usually feel content that they have a rational explanation for their issues and are able to seek help and treatment. In some cases the diagnosis allows the patient to be able to forgive herself for the mistakes she has made in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be challenging to distinguish the biological differences between males and females from socially constructed differences in gender. click through the following web site applies to females and people who were assigned female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.
