ADHD in Older Women
Many womenin their middle age suffer from undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation and executive dysfunction that is associated with adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and locating a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could improve your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than for males. This is due to a number of factors, including that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by other people) and they create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, and also hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Being aloof in conversations is a typical characteristic of women suffering from ADHD or ADD. This can make it difficult to connect with others and may increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. People with ADD/ADHD are susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies such as shopping, watching television (especially reality shows) or overeating. The difficulty in remembering names is another common sign of ADHD in women, which can be caused by a variety of circumstances, especially those related to health, aging, and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to a variety of other medical conditions and mental health disorders, like tics, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is crucial to treat any underlying condition.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to have difficulty getting a good night's sleep when compared to other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can make it more difficult to stay focused at work, in the classroom, or in household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people confuse "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However, sex is biology and gender is a social construct based on an individual's internal perception of their gender as male, female or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation, genital anatomies, and the chromosomal makeup.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same suggestions for improving sleep and reducing stress apply. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and improve your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD have unique experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be challenging for those with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and to get the help they require. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to receive a late diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than men.
The challenges of ADHD may be exacerbated because of hormonal changes that occur during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles. The fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can increase the executive dysfunction and emotional issues that are common to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with age can also lead to cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. This is why it's important for health care providers to be aware of the differences between a normal part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are several treatment options for people with ADHD, including lifestyle changes and medications. A good night's sleep - setting a bedtime routine, avoiding screen time before bed and eating regular meals will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is also essential and many people who suffer from ADHD find that meditative or yoga can help them relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about the treatments that are appropriate for you.
Some people with ADHD might benefit from joining a group of support. These groups offer the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the difficulties you encounter in your relationships, at work, and other areas of your life when you are ADHD. undiagnosed adhd in women who suffer from ADHD might also benefit from participating in group or individual therapy which focuses on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative thoughts for healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It will help you understand the reason you've struggled and can provide you a framework to help you improve your life. Some people also choose to engage a coach who can guide them through behavioral strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
There's a broad range of professional treatments for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These methods could include self-discipline and lifestyle changes therapy, counseling, or both. Many people who suffer from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques such as work and home adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. It is essential to consult with a medical professional prior to commencing any of these techniques to ensure that they are suitable for you and will meet all of your needs.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major issue for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disregard and mistrust from spouses, partners, and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness absence of appointments, and impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on communication and conflict resolution can be helpful.
Some people who have ADHD also struggle with anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which could take the form of scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI is a potentially dangerous symptom that is often caused by untreated ADHD. It is important to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to develop feelings of depression, shame or self-pity following being disregarded or criticized by other people. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination and low self-esteem. Supporting a person who can recognize these issues and teach you how to cope with them can make a huge difference to your quality of life.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause can affect your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these cycles and require more medication to control their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate your body's production of estrogen. A ADHD coach can help you develop tailored strategies to meet your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's chromosomes determines the risk for certain disorders including ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic connections between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer and coronary artery disease. parents age at death, and demographics such as the number of children, the age of first born, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these diseases and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat them. Masking can include investing all their energy into their career, hiding their troubles from their loved ones or changing their behavior to conform to social expectations. Some of these strategies can be healthy, but some aren't. They can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
Additionally mothers and women are frequently expected to take care of their children due to societal and familial expectations. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create an ideal recipe for depression and anxiety. These feelings can trigger or exacerbate symptoms associated with ADHD such as mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Women may experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal periods when estrogen levels drop. This is likely due to the the diminution 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 content that they have an external explanation for their struggles and can now seek treatment and support. In certain instances, the diagnosis allows them to be able to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've experienced in their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be difficult to separate gender differences between men and women from socially constructed gender distinctions. This article is applicable to women and people who were assigned female at birth regardless of their gender identity.