ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue among women* in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the issue worse. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation and increase executive functioning problems that are that are associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and locating a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could aid in reducing symptoms.
Symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by others) They also develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear absent in conversations. This can make it hard to communicate with other people and can increase their impulsivity and inattention. Poor coping habits such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality shows) and eating too much, are also common in women with ADD/ADHD. Having trouble remembering names is a common sign of ADHD in women, which can be caused by a myriad of factors particularly those that have to do with age, health, and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more prone to various other mental health disorders, such as tics, eating disorders as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is important to treat any underlying issues.
It can be difficult for women with ADD/ADHD to get enough sleep than other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can make it harder to focus at work, at the classroom, or in household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people mistake "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However sexuality is a biological phenomenon and gender is a social construct that is based on a person’s internal sense of themselves as male, female or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal makeup.
If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of tips that can help improve sleep and reduce stress. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as creating a healthy sleeping routine.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD face particular challenges when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for women with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and receive the help that they need. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and less likely to be treated as effectively as men.
The challenges of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. Progesterone and estrogen levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. In addition, the changes in blood flow that occur with aging can cause some cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. As a result, it's important for health professionals to be aware of the distinction between the natural occurrences of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatment options for people with ADHD which include lifestyle changes and medications. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene - setting a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before going to bed, and eating a regular diet can help improve sleep quality. Exercise is important. Many people with ADHD discover that yoga or meditation helps them relax. It is important to talk with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD are benefited by joining an organization for support. These groups offer an opportunity to talk about the issues you encounter in your relationships, at work, and other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD can also benefit from participating in group or individual therapy which concentrates on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative thoughts with healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It can help you understand why you have struggled and provide an opportunity to improve your life. Some people choose to work with a professional coach who will help them develop strategies for coping with stress and set goals for their life.
Self-help
There is a wide selection of professional treatment options for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies include self-discipline strategies as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. adhd in women checklist suffering from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques such as work and home accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these methods it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to ensure that they are safe and meet your needs.
One of the biggest challenges for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships as well as family members. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses as well as colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, absence of appointments, and impulsive decisions can also test the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize conflict resolution and communication, and other techniques can help.
Certain people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from depression and anxiety. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which can be in the form of cutting, burning or scratching. NSSI can be very dangerous and is often an indication of untreated ADHD It is essential to talk to your healthcare provider regarding any concerns you may have.
Women with ADHD might also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination and low self-esteem. A support system that is aware of the struggles you face and helps you learn to deal with them can make a big impact on your life.
ADHD symptoms can be affected by the fluctuating levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and perimenopausal. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these cycles and require more medication to manage their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and control the body's production of estrogen. 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 developing certain diseases, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have proven that there are genetic connections between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer and coronary artery disease. parents who died at a certain age and demographics such as the number of children, the age of the first child and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic cause with these conditions, and also indicate that there are common neurobiological factors connecting the two conditions.
Women with ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult to identify and treat them. Masking may mean investing all their energy into their work, avoiding their issues from their family and friends or altering their behavior to conform to social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, while others are not and can lead to a sense of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally mothers and women are frequently required to look after their children due to societal and familial expectations. Expectations that are higher and low self-esteem and the challenges that come with ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression. It is not unusual for these emotions to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, including mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness.
Women may experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause when estrogen levels decrease. This is likely due to the the reduction in estrogen causes seletonin and dopamine levels to decrease and make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb moment." They usually feel content that they have an external explanation for their issues and are able to seek treatment and support. In certain cases the diagnosis enables them to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've endured in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be challenging to separate biological differences between males and females from socially constructed differences in gender. This article is applicable to women and those who were deemed gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.