ADHD in Older Women
Many womenin their midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning problems that are that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet, and seeking out a therapist familiar with adhd can help alleviate your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than it does for men. This is due to several reasons, including the fact that women tend to present with more inattentive symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily noticed by other people) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.
Appearing aloof during conversations is a common symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. This makes it difficult to make connections with others and can exacerbate problems with impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADHD are also prone to unhealthy coping behaviors like shopping or watching television (especially reality shows), or overeating. Another common symptom of ADHD is the difficulty in remembering names. treatment for adhd in women can be aggravated in a number of ways as well as by health issues, aging and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have greater chance of developing mental health issues, such as tics, eating disorder as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is important to treat any underlying conditions.
Women with ADD/ADHD also suffer from difficulty getting enough sleep, especially in comparison to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it difficult to focus on work, school or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people are confused by "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However the sex of a person is a matter of biology and gender is a social construct based on the person's own internal view of themselves as male, female or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation, genital anatomy, and the chromosomal makeup.
No matter if you suffer from ADHD or ADD, a lot of the same tips for improving sleep and reducing stress are applicable to. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and making a healthy sleep routine.
Treatment
Women with ADHD have unique experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for them to spot symptoms within themselves, and can be more difficult for them to receive the help they require. They are more likely to mask ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to receive an early diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than the men.
The difficulties of ADHD are often exacerbated due to hormonal changes that happen during perimenopause or menopause. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can increase the executive functioning and emotional issues that are common to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that come with aging can also trigger cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. It's therefore important that health professionals distinguish between a normal aspect of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are several treatment options for people with ADHD that include lifestyle changes and medication. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene by establishing a bedtime routine and avoiding time spent on screens prior to bed, and eating a regular diet will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is also essential and many people with ADHD find that meditative or yoga can help them relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about which treatments are right for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from joining an ADHD support group. These groups offer an opportunity to talk about the difficulties you encounter in your relationships, at work, and in other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD might benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing negative patterns of thinking for healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It will help you understand the reason you've been struggling, and it can give you a plan for improving your life. Some people prefer working with an expert coach who can help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their life.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by tackling it. There are many professional solutions for ADHD. These strategies include self-discipline techniques and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD implement stress management strategies, home and work accommodations, and nutrition changes into their daily routines. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any of these methods to ensure they are suitable for you and will meet your individual requirements.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major challenge for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses, partners, and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms like absence, forgetfulness and impulsive decision-making may also be a source of frustration for the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication can be helpful.
Some people with ADHD also suffer from depression and anxiety. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Additionally, some women may suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which can manifest as burning, scratching, or cutting. NSSI is a very risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Women who suffer from ADHD can also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can cause depression, self-esteem issues, and a lack of motivation. Supporting a person who can understand these struggles and help you cope with them can make all the difference to your quality of life.
ADHD symptoms are influenced by different levels of estrogen in menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopause. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these periods and require additional medication to control their symptoms. Think about talking to your healthcare professional about an alternative therapy for hormones to control your body's natural production of estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. Lastly you can consult an ADHD coach can assist you to create a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel more in control of your day-today obligations.
Genetics
The the chromosomal makeup of an individual determines the risk of developing certain diseases, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic correlations exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer or coronary heart disease. parents' age at death, and demographics, such as the number of children in a family, age of the first child born and sex at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these conditions and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat them. Masking may mean investing all their energy into their work, avoiding their issues from their family members or altering their behavior to meet social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others aren't and could lead to a sense of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally, social expectations and family expectations often place the burden of caretaking on women and mothers. A higher expectation and low self-esteem and the difficulties that come with ADHD can cause depression and anxiety. These emotions can trigger or intensify ADHD-related symptoms such as mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms when estrogen levels drop. This is likely due to the fact the decrease in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to decrease which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women have described their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have an explanation for their struggles, and can now seek help and treatment. In certain cases the diagnosis can allow people to accept the misfortunes that they have suffered through the course of their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than just biology, and it can be difficult to separate the biological differences between males and women from gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article applies to females and people who were assigned gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.