ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common problem for women in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the issue worse. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and are overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning problems that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet and working with a therapist familiar with adhd can help alleviate your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD can be more late in life than for males. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that women typically exhibit more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by other people) They also develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.
Appearing aloof during conversations is a typical symptom for women with ADD/ADHD. This can make it hard for them to interact with other people and can increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. Insane coping strategies like shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV), and overeating are also common among women suffering from ADHD or ADD. Another common symptom of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be aggravated in a number of ways as well as by health issues, aging, and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to struggle with depression than men. In addition, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from various other medical conditions and mental health disorders such as eating disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. PTSD. It is important to treat these issues in order to manage and reduce symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD have a harder time getting enough sleep, especially in comparison to other adults. This can result in fatigue, which can cause more symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it difficult to stay focused on work, school, or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, however sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on the person's inner self-perception of being male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference as well as genital anatomies and chromosomal make-up.
Regardless of whether you have ADHD or ADD, a lot of the same strategies to improve your sleep and reduce stress are applicable to. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, performing meditation or deep breathing exercises and making a healthy sleep routine.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have their own unique challenges when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for women with ADHD to identify their symptoms and get 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 can be made more difficult due to hormonal changes that occur in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can cause an increase in the executive dysfunction and emotional problems that often come with ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow associated with aging can cause some cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. It is therefore essential that health professionals distinguish between a normal part of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options for people with ADHD, including changes in lifestyle 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 discover that meditation or yoga can help to relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can benefit from joining an organization for support. These groups can provide a safe space to discuss the challenges that arise in work, relationships and other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women who have ADHD may 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 thinking patterns with healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing event for women. It can help you to understand why you have been struggling and give you an opportunity to improve your life. Many people choose to engage an expert coach who can teach them behavior strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
There's a broad selection of professional treatment options for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies include self-discipline techniques as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD implement stress management strategies as well as work and home accommodations and dietary changes into their daily routines. Before beginning any of these strategies, it is important to speak with a doctor to ensure that they are safe and suit your needs.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major issue for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of partners, spouses and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as absence, forgetfulness, and impulsive decision-making can also be a source of frustration for the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other techniques can help.
Certain people with ADHD may also experience anxiety and depression. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which can be in the form of burning, cutting or scratching. NSSI is a risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
It is also typical for women suffering from ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame or self-pity following being ignored or disregarded by others. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. Having a support system that can recognize these issues and help you overcome them can make a huge difference in your quality of life.
signs of add in adult women of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopausal periods can impact your ADHD symptoms. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these cycles and require additional medication to treat their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to help manage your body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can assist you in developing a customized strategy to meet your goals and feel more in control of the day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The the chromosomal makeup of an individual determines the risk of developing certain disorders including ADHD. Several different studies have reported that genetic links exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents who died and demographics, such as the number of children in a family, the age of the first child born and the gender of the child at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic basis with these disorders. They also indicate that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat them. This masking may consist of putting all their effort into their jobs, avoiding their problems from family members, or changing their behaviors to conform to social norms. Certain of these strategies may be healthy, however some are not. They can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
Additionally, mothers and women are frequently required to look after their children due to societal and familial expectations. Expectations that are higher and self-esteem issues and the difficulties that come with ADHD can cause depression and anxiety. It is not unusual for these emotions to trigger or even exacerbate ADHD symptoms, including mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness.
Certain women experience more severe symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal symptoms when estrogen levels drop. This could be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to decrease and can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women say that their ADHD diagnoses as an "lightbulb" moment. They are relieved to finally have a reason for their struggles and are now able to seek support and treatment. In some cases the diagnosis allows the woman to forgive herself for the mishaps she's experienced in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be difficult to distinguish the biological differences between women and men from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to all women and those assigned female at birth, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.