ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue for women in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the situation worse. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning issues that can be that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and locating a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could help alleviate your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that women tend to present with more inattentive symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily noticed by others), they often develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes, and menopause can amplify symptoms.
A lack of interest in conversations is a typical sign of women suffering from ADHD or ADD. This makes it difficult to make connections with others and can lead to problems with impulsivity and inattention. Unhealthy coping behaviors like shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV), and overeating, are also common in women suffering from ADHD or ADD. Trouble remembering names is another common indication of ADHD for women. This can be made worse by a myriad of factors particularly those that have to do with health, aging, and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also at an increased risk of developing depression than men. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have greater risk of developing other mental health issues, such as tics, eating disorder, fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is essential to treat these disorders in order to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It can also be more difficult for women with ADD/ADHD to have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it more difficult to focus on school, work or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people mistake "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However, sex is biology and gender is a social construct that is based on a person’s internal sense of their self as female, male or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person’s sexual orientation, genital anatomies, and chromosomal make-up.
Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are many strategies that can help you improve your sleep and ease stress. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises and establishing a healthy sleeping routine can help you get better sleep and improve your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD have different experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It is sometimes difficult to identify symptoms in the individual, and it could be more difficult to get the help they need. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and are less likely to be treated with the same efficiency as men.
The difficulties of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. The fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can exacerbate the executive functioning and emotional problems that often come with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that come with age can also lead to cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's important for health professionals to recognize the differences between the natural occurrences of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatment options for those with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. A good night's sleep - setting a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before going to going to bed and eating regularly - can improve sleep quality. Exercise is crucial. Many people with ADHD discover that meditation or yoga can help to relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about what treatments are appropriate 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 difficulties that arise in work, relationships and other areas when you suffer from ADHD. Women who have ADHD could 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 swapping out negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing event for women. It will help you understand the reason you've been struggling and give you a plan to help you improve your life. Some people also choose to engage an expert coach who can help them learn behavior strategies and help them develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
There's a broad variety of professional treatments for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These methods could include self-discipline and lifestyle changes or therapy. Many people suffering from ADHD incorporate stress management techniques such as home and work arrangements and dietary changes into their daily routines. It is crucial to consult with a doctor prior to commencing any of these techniques to ensure that they are suitable for you and will meet your individual needs.
One of the main challenges for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships as well as family members. Disagreements and criticisms from partners, spouses and colleagues are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms like absence, forgetfulness, and impulsive decision-making can also be frustrating to even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy classes that focus on the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other strategies can be helpful.
Some people who have ADHD have depression and anxiety which can worsen ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI), which can manifest as scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI is a very dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare professional.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame or self-pity following being disregarded or criticized by others. This can result in feelings of self-doubt, procrastination, and a lack of motivation. A support system that can understand the struggles you face and teaches you how to manage them can make a big impact on your life.
ADHD symptoms can be influenced by varying levels estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and perimenopause. Some women find that their symptoms become more severe during these times and require more medication to manage them. Consult your physician about hormone replacement therapy. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and control your body's production of estrogen. A ADHD coach can assist you in developing a customized strategy to meet your goals and feel confident in control of the day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome - their chromosomal characteristics - determines the risk of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic connections exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer and coronary heart disease. parents who died and demographics, like the number of children in a family, age of the child who was born first, and sex at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a common genetic cause with these disorders, and they also suggest that there are common neurobiological mechanisms connecting the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This can make it difficult to identify and treat them. This masking may include putting all their energy into their jobs, avoiding their problems from loved ones or altering their behavior in order to conform to the expectations of society. Some of these strategies are healthy, while others aren't, and could lead to a sense of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally, mothers and women are frequently expected to take care of their children because of societal and familial expectations. Expectations that are higher and self-esteem issues and the difficulties that come with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. These emotions can trigger or exacerbate ADHD-related symptoms like mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Women may experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal periods when estrogen levels drop. This could be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to fall, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb moment." adhd in older women feel content that they have an external explanation for their difficulties and can seek treatment and support. In some cases, the diagnosis allows the woman to forgive herself for the mistakes she has made in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be challenging to discern gender differences between men and women from socially constructed gender distinctions. This article applies to females and those who were deemed gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.