ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. Many women report feeling unappreciated and overwhelmed by their struggles.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation, and executive dysfunction that is that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and locating a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by other people) They also create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
A lack of interest in conversations is a common characteristic of women suffering from ADHD or ADD. This makes it difficult for them to connect socially and can cause problems with inattention and impulsivity. Insane coping strategies such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV), and overeating are also common among women suffering from ADHD or ADD. Another common sign of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be exacerbated by a variety of factors, including by health issues, aging and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also at a higher risk of depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at an increased chance of developing mental health issues, such as tics, eating disorder as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. It is crucial to treat these disorders in order to control and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD also are more likely to have difficulty getting a good night's sleep when compared to other adults. This can result in fatigue, which can cause more symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it harder to stay focused on school, work or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, but the term "sex" refers to biology while gender is a social construct assigned at birth based on a person's internal perception of themselves as male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person’s sexual orientation as well as genital anatomies and chromosomal make-up.
No matter if you suffer from ADHD or ADD, many of the same tips to improve your sleep and reduce stress can be applied. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, performing meditation or deep breathing exercises and creating a healthy sleeping routine.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD face unique challenges when seeking treatment. It is sometimes difficult to identify symptoms in themselves, and it can be more difficult to access the help they require. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to receive a late diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than the men.
The difficulties of ADHD are often exacerbated due to hormonal changes that happen during perimenopause or menopause. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can cause an increase in the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning problems that often come with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that come with age can also lead to cognitive decline, which mimics 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 variety of treatments available to people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medications. Practicing undiagnosed adhd in women by establishing a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before going to bed, and eating a regular diet will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is also essential, and many people with ADHD find that meditative or yoga helps to relax. It is important to talk with your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from joining a group for support. These groups offer the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the issues you face in your relationships at work, in your relationships, and other areas of your life when you're ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD can also benefit from engaging in group or individual therapy that concentrates on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can assist you in accepting your thoughts and feelings while replacing negative thought patterns with healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you understand why you've had a hard time, and it can give you a direction to help you improve your life. Many people choose to collaborate with a coach who can teach them ways to manage their behavior and help them set goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by tackling it. There are a variety of professional solutions for ADHD. These strategies include self-discipline methods and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD incorporate stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations and dietary changes into their daily schedules. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any of these methods to ensure that they are suitable for you and will meet all of your specific requirements.
One of the major issues for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships and family members. Disagreements and criticisms from spouses, partners, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness late appointments, and impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize communication and conflict resolution and other strategies can be helpful.
Some people who have ADHD have depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that may take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching. NSSI can be very dangerous and is usually an indication of untreated ADHD It is essential to talk to your doctor regarding any concerns you might have.
Women suffering from ADHD may also develop feelings of self-pity or shame when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can cause lack of motivation, procrastination, and a low self-esteem. adhd in older women that is aware of these struggles and teaches you to manage them can make a big difference in your life.
ADHD symptoms can be affected by the fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these cycles and require more medication to treat their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and control the body's production of estrogen. Lastly, an ADHD coach can assist you to create a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel more in control of your day-today responsibilities.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's DNA - their chromosomal traits - determines their risk for developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Several different studies have reported that genetic correlations exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer or coronary heart disease. parents' age at death and demographics, such as the number of children in a household, the age of the first child born and the gender of the child at birth. These results suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these diseases and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women with ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat them. Masking can include investing all their energy into their job, hiding their troubles from their loved ones, or changing behaviors to conform to social expectations. Some of these strategies can be beneficial, but others aren't. They can result in feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
In addition, societal and family expectations often put the burden of caring for women and mothers. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create a recipe for depression and anxiety. It is not unusual for these feelings to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, including mood swings and feelings of inadequacy.
Certain women experience symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles when estrogen levels drop. This could be due to the fact the diminution in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to decrease and make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb moment." They usually feel at peace knowing that they have a rational explanation for their struggles and can now seek treatment and support. In certain cases the diagnosis enables them to forgive themselves for the misfortunes that they have suffered through the course of their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be challenging to distinguish the biological differences between women and men from socially constructed gender distinctions. This article applies to all women as well as those born female, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.