ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue among women* in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the issue worse. Many women report feeling unappreciated and overwhelmed by their struggles.
The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet and working with a therapist familiar with adhd can ease your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that women tend present with more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by others) and they create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear disoriented during conversations. This can make it hard for them to interact with others and may increase their impulsivity or inattention. Insane coping strategies, such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV) and eating too much are also common among women suffering from ADHD or ADD. Another common sign of ADHD is the difficulty in remembering names. adhd in adult women symptoms can be exacerbated by a variety of factors, including by health issues, aging and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression than men. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing other mental health issues, such as tics, eating disorder, fibromyalgia and PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is essential to treat any underlying condition.
It can be difficult for women suffering from 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. Poor or insufficient sleep can make it more difficult to concentrate at work, at school, or with 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 an individual's internal perception of their self as female, male or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference, genital anatomy, and 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 concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD face particular issues when seeking treatment. It can be challenging for those suffering from ADHD to recognize their symptoms and get the assistance they require. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to receive an early diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than men.
The challenges of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes that are associated with perimenopause and menopause. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow associated with aging can trigger a cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. As a result, it's important for health professionals to be aware of the differences between the natural occurrences of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatment options for people with ADHD which include lifestyle changes and medications. Practicing good sleep hygiene such as establishing a routine for bedtime and avoiding screens before going to bed, and eating a regular diet can help improve sleep quality. Exercise is essential. Many people suffering from ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps to relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can benefit from joining a group for support. These groups can provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the difficulties that arise in work, relationships and other areas when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD might also benefit from taking part in individual or group therapy which concentrates on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative thinking patterns with more positive ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you've struggled and can provide you a framework to help you improve your life. Many people choose to work with a coach who can teach them ways to manage their behavior and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are a variety of professional treatments available for ADHD. More hints may include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications or therapy. Many people with ADHD also implement stress management strategies, work and home life adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these methods it is essential to speak with a doctor to ensure that they are safe and will meet your requirements.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major issue for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses, partners and colleagues are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness missing appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy and classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication can be helpful.
Some people with ADHD have anxiety and depression which can cause ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which can take the form of burning, scratching or cutting. NSSI can be extremely risky and is often an symptom of untreated ADHD and it is essential to talk to your doctor regarding any concerns you might have.
Women suffering from ADHD may also develop feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination, and a low self-esteem. A support system that is aware of these struggles and teaches you how to deal with them can make a significant impact on your life.
The different levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal periods can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Some women find that their symptoms become more severe during these times and require additional medication to manage these symptoms. Discuss with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate the body's production of estrogen. Lastly, an ADHD coach can assist you to build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more in control of your day-today tasks.
Genetics
The the chromosomal makeup of an individual determines the risk for certain diseases, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents age at death, and demographics such as the number of children, the age of the first child, and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD is a genetic cause with these disorders, and they also indicate that there are common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms, which can make it difficult to be diagnosed and treated. Masking could mean putting their entire energy into their job, hiding their issues from their loved ones or altering their behavior to conform to social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others aren't and could result in a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
In addition mothers and women are typically expected to care for their children due to social and family expectations. A higher expectation and low self-esteem and the challenges associated with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. These feelings can trigger or intensify symptoms of ADHD, such as mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Certain women experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause when estrogen levels decrease. This is probably due to the fact that the diminution in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to drop which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have a reason for their issues and are now able to seek support and treatment. In certain instances the diagnosis enables them to be able to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've endured in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than just biology and it is often difficult to distinguish the biological differences between males and women from gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article applies to females and people who were designated female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.