ADHD in Older Women
Many womenin their midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD caused by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning difficulties associated with adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and finding a therapist that is knowledgeable about adhd could aid in reducing symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than for men. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by other people), they create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
A lack of interest in conversations is a common symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. This can make it hard to connect with other people and can increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. People with ADD/ADHD are more prone to unhealthy coping habits such as shopping or watching TV (especially reality shows) or overeating. Another common sign of ADHD is the difficulty in remembering names. This can be caused in a variety of ways as well as by health issues, aging and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to struggle with depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have greater chance of developing mental health conditions, including eating disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is crucial to treat any underlying condition.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have a harder time getting a good night's sleep when in comparison to other adults. This can cause fatigue, which can cause more symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can also make it more difficult to stay focused at work, in school, or with household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people mistake "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However the sex of a person is a matter of 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 different from a person’s sexual orientation or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.
If you have ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of strategies that can help you improve your sleep and decrease stress. 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 focus.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD have their own unique challenges when seeking treatment for their condition. It can be challenging for those suffering from ADHD to recognize their symptoms and get the help that they need. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and less likely to be treated in the same way as men.
The challenges of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause. The decrease in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen, and executive functioning issues are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with aging may also cause cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. It's therefore important that health care providers distinguish between normal signs of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options available for people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. A good sleep hygiene routine like setting a routine prior to the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regular meals can help improve sleep. Exercise is crucial. Many people suffering from ADHD discover that meditation or yoga can help to relax. It's important to talk to your doctor about what treatments are right for you.
Some people with ADHD can benefit by joining a group of support. These groups offer an opportunity to talk about the difficulties you encounter in your relationships at work, in your relationships, and other areas of your life when you are ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD can also benefit from taking part in individual or group therapy that concentrates on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may also include cognitive behavior therapy, which can help you to accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative patterns of thinking for healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of 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. Many people choose to engage coaches who can help them learn ways to manage their behavior and help them set goals for their lives.
Self-help
There is a wide range of professional treatments for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies include self-discipline methods and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people who suffer from ADHD also implement stress management strategies as well as home and work modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. Before beginning any of these techniques it is crucial to consult with a medical professional to ensure that 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 coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, absence of appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication can be helpful.
Some people with ADHD are also afflicted by depression and anxiety which can cause ADHD symptoms. Additionally, some women may develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which may manifest as burning, scratching, or cutting. NSSI can be very dangerous and is usually an indication of untreated ADHD and it is essential to talk to your healthcare professional about any concerns you have.
Women who suffer from ADHD may also develop feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can cause low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack motivation. A support system that can understand these struggles and help you overcome them can make a huge difference to your quality of life.
ADHD symptoms can be influenced by different levels of estrogen in menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these periods and need more medication to manage their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and regulate your body's production of estrogen. A ADHD coach can help you develop tailored strategies to meet your goals and feel confident in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA of a person - their chromosomal characteristics - determines their risk for developing certain disorders, like ADHD. Several different studies have reported that genetic correlations exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer or coronary heart disease. parents dying at a certain age and demographics, such as number of children in a household, the age of the child who was born first and sex at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic basis with these disorders. inattentive add in women indicate that there are common neurobiological factors that link the two conditions.
Women who have ADHD may develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms, which could make it difficult to diagnose and treated. This masking may involve putting all their energy into their jobs, avoiding their issues from family members or changing their behavior to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others are not and can result in a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
Additionally, mothers and women are frequently expected to care for their children due to social and family expectations. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem and the challenges of living with ADHD can be a recipe for anxiety and depression. It is not uncommon for these feelings to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, including mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.
Some women find that their symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal perimenopausal periods when estrogen levels drop. This is likely due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to decrease which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb moment." They usually feel content that they have a reason to explain their issues and are able to seek treatment and support. In certain instances the diagnosis can allow 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 biology. It can be challenging to distinguish the gender differences between women and men from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to women and people who were designated female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.