ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD caused by hormonal changes. Many women report feeling unappreciated and overwhelmed by their struggles.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning problems that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and locating a therapist who is familiar with adhd may help alleviate your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD can be more late in life than it does for men. This is due to several factors, including the fact that women are more likely to have more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily observed by other people) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.
People with ADD/ADHD are often disoriented during conversations. This can make it hard to communicate with others and can worsen their impulsivity and inattention. Insane coping strategies such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows) and eating too much, are also common in women suffering from ADHD or ADD. Another common sign of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be aggravated in a number of ways as well as by health issues, aging, and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to struggle with depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from a variety of other medical conditions and mental health disorders, including eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is crucial to treat these disorders to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD have a harder time getting good quality sleep as compared to other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Lack of sleep or a lack of quality sleep can make it difficult to stay focused on school, work, or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people mistake "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However sexuality is a biological phenomenon and gender is a social construct that is 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, genital anatomies, and chromosomal make-up.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADHD or ADD, many of the same tips for improving your sleep and reducing stress can be applied. 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 suffering from ADHD have their own unique challenges when seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for those with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and to get the help they require. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. They are also more likely to get a late diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than males.
The challenges of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. The decrease in estrogen and/or progesterone 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 may cause cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. It is therefore essential that health care providers distinguish between normal signs of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD that include lifestyle changes and medication. 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. adhd symptoms in women test is also essential for those who suffer from ADHD find that meditative or yoga can help to relax. You should talk to your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can benefit from joining a group of support. These groups offer an opportunity to talk about the challenges you encounter in your relationships as well as at work and other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women who have ADHD might also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative thought patterns with healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you've been struggling and can provide you a direction to improve your life. Some people prefer working with a professional coach who can help them develop strategies for coping with stress and set goals for their lives.
Self-help
While there are a wide variety of professional treatments for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These methods could include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications, therapy, or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD also implement stress management strategies such as work and home modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these techniques, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and meet your requirements.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major issue for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticisms from partners, spouses, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness absence of appointments, and impulsive choices can also test the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy and classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication can help.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that can be in the form of cutting, burning, or scratching. NSSI is a dangerous symptom that is often caused by untreated ADHD. It is important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Women suffering from ADHD might also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can cause feelings of self-doubt, procrastination, and a lack of motivation. Having a support system that can comprehend these challenges and help you overcome them can make all the difference in the quality of your life.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal cycles can impact your ADHD symptoms. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these periods and require more medication to treat their symptoms. Think about talking to your healthcare professional about an alternative therapy for hormones to help manage your body's natural production estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, an ADHD coach can help you develop a customized strategy to achieve 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 risk for developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have proven that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents' ages at death and demographics such as the number of children, the age of first born, and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these diseases and that there are common neurobiological processes that connect the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This makes it difficult to identify and treat them. This masking may involve 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. Certain of these strategies may be beneficial, but others are not. They can leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally, social and family expectations often put the burden of caring for women and mothers. A higher expectation and low self-esteem and the difficulties that come with ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression. These feelings can trigger or intensify symptoms of ADHD, like mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Certain women experience symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during perimenopause and menopause when estrogen levels drop. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to decrease, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women have described their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have a reason for their problems and are now able to seek support and treatment. In certain cases the diagnosis enables them to be able to forgive themselves for the misfortunes that they have endured in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be difficult to distinguish the gender differences between women and men from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to women and people who were assigned female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.