ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning problems that are associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and finding a therapist who is familiar with adhd can help alleviate your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to a number of factors, such as the fact that women tend present with more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by others), they create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.
A lack of interest in conversations is a typical symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. This can make it difficult for them to connect socially and can cause problems with impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADHD are also prone to unhealthy coping behaviors such as shopping or watching television (especially reality shows), or overeating. Another common symptom of ADHD is the difficulty in remembering names. This can be caused in a variety of ways such as health issues, aging and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from a myriad of other mental health disorders, like eating disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. PTSD. It is essential to treat these disorders to manage and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It is also harder for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it harder to concentrate on school, work or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, but sex refers to biology, while gender is a social construct assigned at birth based on the person's inner self-perception of being male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation as well as genital anatomy and chromosomal makeup.
If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are many ways to improve your sleep and ease stress. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and increase your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women with ADHD have different experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for them to recognize symptoms in themselves, and it can be more difficult for them to receive the help they require. 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 males.
The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes that happen during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues are often associated with ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow that occur with aging can trigger a cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. It is therefore essential that health care providers distinguish between a normal part of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments for people suffering from ADHD which include changes in lifestyle and medications. Good sleep hygiene includes setting a routine prior to the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating a regular diet, can help improve sleep. Exercise is also important for those with ADHD find that meditative or yoga can help to relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about which treatments are best for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD might benefit by joining a group of support. These groups provide a safe space to discuss the difficulties that arise in relationships, work and other areas when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD may also benefit by participating in group or individual therapy that concentrates on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy may also include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you accept your thoughts and feelings while swapping out negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It will help you understand the reason you've had a hard time, and it can give you a framework to help you improve your life. Some people prefer working with an expert coach who will help them discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by tackling it. There are a variety of professional treatment options for ADHD. These methods could include self-discipline and lifestyle changes or therapy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques such as work and home adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. Before beginning any of these strategies, it is important to consult with a medical professional to ensure that they are safe and meet your needs.
The negative impact on family relationships and friends is a major issue for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticisms from spouses, partners and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as inattention, missing appointments and impulsive decisions can cause frustration to the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can help.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are also afflicted with depression and anxiety. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that may take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching. NSSI is extremely dangerous and is usually an symptom of untreated ADHD It is important to speak with your healthcare professional regarding any concerns you might have.
Women suffering from ADHD can also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination, and low self-esteem. A support system that is aware of these issues and teaches you to manage them can make a huge difference in your life.
The different levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopause can impact your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience symptoms worsen during these periods and require more medication to control them. Discuss with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and regulate your body's production levels of estrogen. Additionally An ADHD coach can help you develop a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more at ease with your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk for certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have proven that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents' ages at death and demographics such as the number of children, age of the first born, and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD is a genetic cause with these disorders. They also indicate that there are common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women with ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to identify and treat them. This can involve putting all their energy into their careers, hiding their problems from loved ones, or changing their behaviors to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others aren't, and could result in a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally, social expectations and family expectations often place the burden of caretaking on mothers and women. Increased expectations and self-esteem issues and the difficulties that come with ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety. inattentive add in women is not uncommon for these feelings to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, such as mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.
Some women find that their symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles when estrogen levels drop. This is probably due to the fact the decrease in estrogen causes seletonin and dopamine levels to decrease which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women say that their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb" moment. They are happy to finally have a reason for their issues, and can now seek help and therapy. In certain instances, the diagnosis allows them to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've suffered through the course of their lives because 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 females from gender-based differences that are constructed by society. This article applies to all women and those born female, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.