ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue among women* in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the issue worse. They often feel misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
Hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning issues that can be associated with adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and finding a therapist that is familiar with adhd may aid in reducing symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than for males. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by other people) They also develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Being aloof in conversations is a common symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. This makes it difficult for them to socialize and can exacerbate problems with inattention and impulsivity. People with ADD/ADHD are prone to unhealthy coping behaviors like shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows) or eating too much. Another common symptom of ADHD is having trouble remembering names. This can be caused in a number of ways such as health issues, aging and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have a higher chance of developing other mental health issues, such as eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is essential to treat these issues to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD have a harder time getting enough sleep, especially compared to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Lack of sleep or a lack of quality sleep can make it more difficult to focus on school, work or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people are confused by "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However sexuality is a biological phenomenon and gender is a social construct that is based on an individual's internal perception of their self as female, male or non-binary. Gender is different from a person's sexual preference, genital anatomies, and chromosomal make-up.
Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are plenty of tips that can help improve sleep and decrease stress. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and creating a healthy sleeping routine.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD face particular difficulties when seeking treatment. It may be harder to recognize symptoms in themselves, and can be more difficult to access the help they require. They are more likely to mask ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and less likely to receive treatment in the same way as men.
The difficulties of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during menopausal and perimenopausal. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can increase the executive dysfunction and emotional issues that are common to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with aging can also trigger cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. It's crucial that health professionals distinguish between a normal part of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments available to people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. A good sleep hygiene routine, such as creating a routine before the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating a regular diet, can help improve sleep. Exercise is also essential and many people who suffer from ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps them relax. You should talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD benefit from joining a support group. These groups can provide an environment where you can talk about the issues that arise in work, relationships and other areas of your life when you suffer from ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD can also benefit from taking part in individual or group therapy that concentrates on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to assist you in accepting your thoughts and feelings while replacing negative thinking patterns with more positive ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you to discover the reason you've been struggling and provide you with the framework to improve your life. Some people also choose to collaborate with a coach who can teach them behavior strategies and help them develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are many professional solutions for ADHD. These strategies include self-discipline techniques, lifestyle modifications, and 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. adhd in women adults is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any of these strategies to ensure they are safe for you and meet all of your requirements.
One of the biggest challenges for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships and family members. Disregard and mistrust from spouses or colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms like inattention, missing appointments, 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 strategies can be helpful.
Certain people with ADHD are also afflicted by anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which could take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching. NSSI is a risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Women with ADHD may also develop feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can lead to low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack motivation. Having a support system that can recognize these issues and help you cope with these issues can make all the difference in the quality of your life.
adhd in women adult can be affected by the fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopausal. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these periods and need more medication to treat their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate your body's production of estrogen. A ADHD coach can also assist you in establishing a specific strategy to reach your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome - their chromosomal traits - determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, like ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic links exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer and coronary heart disease. parents' age at death, 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 results suggest that ADHD has a common genetic basis with these conditions, and also indicate that there are common neurobiological mechanisms connecting the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult to diagnose and treat them. Masking could mean putting their entire energy into their career, hiding their issues from their family members or changing their behavior in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these strategies could be beneficial, but others aren't. They can leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally, social and family expectations can put the burden of taking care of mothers and women. Increased expectations and low self-esteem and the challenges that come with ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression. These feelings can trigger or intensify symptoms associated with ADHD like mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Some women notice that their symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during perimenopause and menopause when estrogen levels drop. This is probably due to the fact the decrease in estrogen can cause dopamine and seletonin levels to drop which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb moment." They often feel at peace knowing that they have an external explanation for their struggles and can now seek help and treatment. In some cases, the diagnosis allows the patient to be able to forgive herself for the misfortunes she has experienced in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than biology, and it can be difficult to separate the biological differences between males and women from gender-based differences that are constructed by society. This article applies to all women and people assigned female at birth regardless of their declared gender identity.