ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue among 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 increase executive functioning difficulties that are associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and finding a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could aid in reducing symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than for men. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that women are more likely to have more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily noticed by other people) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear distant during conversations. This can make it hard for them to interact with others and can worsen their impulsivity or inattention. Women with ADD/ADHD are also susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies like shopping or watching television (especially reality shows) or overeating. Another common sign of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be caused in a variety of ways as well as by health issues, aging and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also at a higher risk of depression than men. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of developing other mental health conditions, including tics, eating disorder, fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is essential to treat these disorders to manage and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It is also harder for women with ADD/ADHD to get enough sleep than other adults. This can cause fatigue, which can cause more symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it more difficult to concentrate on school, work, or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people mistakenly use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, however the term "sex" refers to biology while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on an individual's inner self-perception of being male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is different from a person's sexual preference as well as genital anatomies and the chromosomal makeup.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADHD or ADD, many of the same tips for improving sleep and reducing stress can be applied. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises and creating a healthy sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and increase your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women with ADHD have different experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for those with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and receive the help that they need. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to receive an early diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than males.
The challenges of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. Progesterone and estrogen levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues 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. Therefore, it is crucial for health professionals to recognize the differences between a normal part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are a myriad of treatment options for those who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. Good sleep hygiene, such as establishing a routine before bedtime, avoiding screen-time and eating regular meals can help improve sleep. Exercise is also important for those who suffer from ADHD find that meditative or yoga helps them relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about the treatments that are appropriate for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD benefit from joining a support group. These groups can offer a safe space to discuss the difficulties that arise in relationships, work and other areas when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD might also benefit from participating in group or individual therapy which concentrates on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thought patterns 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 a framework to improve your life. Some people also opt to work with a coach who can help them learn behavior strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by tackling it. There are a variety of professional treatments available for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline techniques as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD incorporate stress management techniques such as home and work arrangements, and nutrition changes into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these strategies, it is important to speak with a doctor to ensure they are safe and suit your requirements.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major challenge for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disregard and mistrust from spouses, partners, and colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness absence of appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. made my day , classes that emphasize communication and conflict resolution and other strategies can be helpful.
Certain people with ADHD also suffer from depression and anxiety. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, some women might develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI), which can manifest as burning, scratching or cutting. NSSI is a potentially dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your healthcare professional.
It is also normal for women suffering from ADHD to experience feelings of shame, depression, or self-pity after being ignored or disregarded by others. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination and low self-esteem. Having a support system that can comprehend these challenges and help you manage these issues can make all the difference to your quality of life.
ADHD symptoms can be influenced by varying levels estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and perimenopause. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these cycles and need more medication to manage their symptoms. Think about talking to your healthcare professional about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to regulate the body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can assist you in establishing a specific strategy to reach your goals and feel in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's DNA - their chromosomal traits - determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic correlations 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 child who was born first, and sex at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a common genetic basis with these disorders, and they also suggest that there are common neurobiological factors that link the two conditions.
Women who suffer from ADHD might develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, which could make it more difficult to diagnose and treated. This can include putting all their energy into their careers, hiding their problems from family members or altering their behavior to meet societal expectations. Certain of these strategies may be healthy, but some are not. They can lead to feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally, 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 be a recipe for anxiety and depression. These emotions can trigger or exacerbate ADHD-related symptoms such as mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Certain women experience more severe symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause or menopause when estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to decrease, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb moment." They usually feel at peace knowing that they have a rational explanation for their issues and are able to seek help and treatment. In some cases, the diagnosis allows 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 just biology, and it is often difficult to distinguish the biological gender differences between males and females from gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article applies to women and those who were deemed gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.
