ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common problem for women in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning issues that can be that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet and finding a therapist familiar with adhd can ease your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This is due to a variety of factors, including that women typically exhibit more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily noticed by other people) and they create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
A lack of interest in conversations is a common characteristic 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. Insane coping strategies like shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows) and eating too much are also common among women suffering from ADHD or ADD. Another sign of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be exacerbated in a variety of ways, including by health issues, aging, and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from a variety of other medical conditions and mental health disorders, like eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is important to treat these disorders in order to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD also suffer from difficulty getting a good night's sleep when in comparison to other adults. This can lead to exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it difficult to stay focused on school, work, or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, however sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social concept that is assigned at birth based on a person's internal sense of self as male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is different from a person’s sexual orientation, genital anatomies, and the chromosomal makeup.
No matter if you suffer from ADHD or ADD, a lot of the same strategies for improving sleep and reducing stress apply. Getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises and creating a healthy sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and increase your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD have different experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It is sometimes difficult to recognize symptoms in themselves, and it can be more difficult to access the help they need. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and are less likely to receive treatment with the same efficiency as men.
The challenges of ADHD are often exacerbated due to hormonal changes that take place during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles. signs of add in adult women and estrogen levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. In addition, the changes in blood flow associated with aging can cause some cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. As a result, it is crucial for health professionals to be aware of the distinction between a normal part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are several treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD which include changes in lifestyle and medications. A good night's sleep such as establishing a routine for bedtime and avoiding time spent on screens prior to bed and eating regular meals will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is essential. Many people with ADHD discover that meditation or yoga helps to relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about the treatments that are best for you.
adhd in adult women test suffering from ADHD may benefit from joining a group of support. These groups can provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the issues that arise in relationships, work and other areas when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD can also benefit from engaging in group or individual therapy which concentrates on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to help you accept your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thought patterns with healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you to discover the reason you've been struggling and give you an opportunity to improve your life. Many people choose to engage a coach who can guide them through behavioral strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your health by tackling it. There are a myriad of professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies include self-discipline techniques and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD incorporate stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations, and nutrition changes into their daily schedules. It is crucial to consult with a medical professional prior to beginning any of these strategies to ensure that they are safe for you and meet all of your specific needs.
One of the main challenges for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships and family members. The misinterpretation and criticism of partners, spouses and colleagues are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, absence of appointments, and impulsive choices can also strain the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication can help.
Some people with ADHD have depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which could take the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI can be extremely dangerous and is often a symptom of untreated ADHD and it is important to speak with your doctor regarding any concerns you may have.
Women with ADHD might also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are misunderstood by others. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination and low self-esteem. A support system that is aware of these issues and helps you learn to deal with them can make a huge difference in your life.
The different levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopausal periods can impact your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these periods and require additional medication to manage their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate your body's production of estrogen. Finally An ADHD coach can help you build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA of a person and chromosomal characteristics determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, like ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions such as 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 shares a genetic basis with these conditions and that there are also common neurobiological processes that connect the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult to diagnose and treat them. This can consist of putting all their effort into their jobs, avoiding their problems from loved ones, or changing their behaviors in order to conform to the expectations of society. Some of these strategies can be healthy, but some are not. They can lead to feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally, social expectations and family expectations often place the burden of caretaking on mothers and women. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem, and the challenges of living with ADHD can be the perfect recipe for anxiety and depression. These feelings can trigger or worsen symptoms associated with ADHD like mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Women may experience more severe symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal symptoms when estrogen levels decrease. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to fall which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women have described their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb" moment. They are relieved to finally have an explanation for their problems, and can now seek help and therapy. In certain cases the diagnosis enables people to accept the mishaps they've experienced in 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 gender differences between males and females from gender-based differences that are constructed by society. This article applies to all women and those born female regardless of their declared gender identity.