ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation, and executive dysfunction that is that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet, and seeking out an therapist who is familiar with adhd can help alleviate your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that women typically exhibit more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by other people) and they create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear distant during conversations. This can make it difficult to communicate with others and may increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. Women with ADD/ADHD are also prone to unhealthy coping behaviors such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows), or overeating. Having trouble remembering names is another typical sign of ADHD for women. This can be made worse by a variety of situations, especially those related to age, health, and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have higher risks of depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to a myriad of other mental health disorders, including eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. It is essential to treat these issues in order to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD also suffer from difficulty getting good quality sleep as compared to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it difficult to focus on school, work or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people confuse "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However, sex is biology and gender is a social construct based on an individual's internal perception of their gender as male, female or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexuality, genital anatomy, and the chromosomal makeup.
If you have ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of strategies that can help you improve your sleep and ease stress. Getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and improve your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women with ADHD have unique experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for women with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and receive the help that they need. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. They are also more likely to receive a late diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than men.
The difficulties of ADHD are often exacerbated because of hormonal changes that take place during perimenopause or menopause. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can cause an increase in the executive dysfunction and emotional issues that are common to 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 care providers to be aware of the distinction between the natural occurrences of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments available to people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. Practicing good sleep hygiene such as establishing a routine for bedtime and avoiding screens before going to going to bed and eating regularly will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is crucial. Many people with ADHD discover that yoga or meditation helps to relax. It's important to talk to your doctor about what treatments are appropriate for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD benefit from joining a support group. These groups provide an environment where you can talk about the issues that arise in work, relationships and other areas of life when you suffer from ADHD. Women who have ADHD could also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing your negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing event for women. It can help you to discover the reason you've struggled and provide the framework to improve your life. Some people also choose to work with an expert coach who can help them learn behavioral strategies and help them develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
There's a broad selection of professional treatment options for ADHD and other disorders, 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 implement stress management strategies, home and work accommodations and dietary changes into their daily schedules. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any of these strategies to ensure that they are safe for you and meet all of your needs.
One of the main challenges for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships as well as family members. Disregard and mistrust from spouses, partners, and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms like absence, forgetfulness and impulsive decisions can also be frustrating to even the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can be helpful.
Certain people with ADHD are also afflicted by depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which may take the form of cutting, burning or scratching. NSSI is extremely dangerous and is usually an indication of untreated ADHD, so it is important to speak with your healthcare provider regarding any concerns you may have.
adhd in adult women test is also normal for women suffering from ADHD to experience feelings of shame, depression, or self-pity after being misunderstood or dismissed by others. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination, and low self-esteem. A support system that is aware of these struggles and helps you learn to manage them can make a significant difference in your life.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopause can affect your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these periods and need more medication to control their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate your body's production of estrogen. Lastly, an ADHD coach can assist you to develop a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The the chromosomal makeup of an individual determines the risk for certain disorders including ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer or 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 results suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these diseases and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women who suffer from ADHD might develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms, which can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. This masking may include putting all their energy into their careers, hiding their issues from family members, or changing their behaviors to conform to social norms. Some of these strategies are healthy, while others aren't and could cause a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
In addition, societal expectations and family expectations often place the burden of caring for mothers and women. The combination of high expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create a recipe for anxiety and depression. These emotions can trigger or worsen symptoms of ADHD, such as mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women find that their symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during perimenopause and menopause when estrogen levels drop. This could be due to the fact the diminution in estrogen causes seletonin and dopamine levels to decrease which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnoses as a "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have a reason for their struggles, and can now seek help and therapy. In some cases the diagnosis allows the patient to forgive herself for the misfortunes she has experienced in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be challenging to distinguish the gender differences between males and females from socially constructed gender distinctions. This article applies to all women and those born female regardless of their confirmed gender identity.