ADHD in Older Women
Many womenin their midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. adhd in women signs are often misunderstood in their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation and increase executive functioning issues that can be caused by adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet, and seeking out an therapist who is familiar with adhd can improve your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD can be more late in life than for men. This is due to many reasons, including the fact that women tend to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily spotted by other people), they often develop coping mechanisms that mask these symptoms, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes, and menopause can amplify symptoms.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear disoriented during conversations. This can make it difficult to connect with other people and can increase their impulsivity and inattention. Poor coping habits such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality TV), and overeating are also common among women with ADD/ADHD. Another common sign of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be caused in a number of ways, including by health issues, aging, and menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have higher risks of depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from various other medical conditions and mental health disorders like eating disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. PTSD. It is essential to treat these conditions in order to manage and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It can be difficult for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to get good quality sleep than other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it more difficult to focus on school, work, or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people mistake "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However, sex is biology and gender is a social construct based on a person’s internal sense of their self as female, male or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal makeup.
If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are many strategies that can help you improve your sleep and ease stress. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as making a healthy sleep routine.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD have different experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It can be challenging for those with ADHD to identify their symptoms and get the help that they need. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive later diagnosis and less likely to receive treatment in the same way as men.
The challenges of ADHD may be exacerbated because of hormonal changes that take place during perimenopause or menopause. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can cause an increase in the executive dysfunction and emotional problems that often come with ADHD. In addition, the changes in blood flow associated with aging can cause some cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. It's therefore important that health care providers distinguish between a normal aspect of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are several treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD that include lifestyle changes and medications. A good sleep hygiene routine, such as setting a routine prior to the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regular meals can help you sleep better. Exercise is important. Many people suffering from ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help to relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about the treatments that are right for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD might benefit from joining a group of support. These groups can provide an environment where you can talk about the difficulties that arise in work, relationships and other areas of life when you suffer from ADHD. Women who have ADHD may also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative thoughts for healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you understand why you have been struggling and give you the framework to improve your life. Some people also opt to work with coaches who can help them learn behavior strategies and help them develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
There's a broad range of professional treatments for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies can include self-discipline strategies and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD employ stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations and changes to their diet into their daily routines. Before beginning any of these techniques it is essential to consult with a medical professional to ensure that they are safe and will meet your needs.
One of the biggest challenges for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships as well as family members. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses, partners, and colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, late appointments, and impulsive choices can also test the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can be helpful.
Certain people with ADHD also struggle with anxiety and depression which can worsen ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, some women might develop non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which could take the form of burning, scratching, or cutting. NSSI is a dangerous symptom that is often caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns with your healthcare professional.
It is also common for women with ADHD to experience feelings of shame, depression, or self-pity after being misunderstood or dismissed by others. This can cause lack of motivation, procrastination, and low self-esteem. A support system that can recognize these issues and teach you how to manage these issues can make all the difference in the quality of your life.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause can affect your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these cycles and need more medication to control their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about a hormone replacement therapy to help manage your body's natural production estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can also assist you in establishing a specific strategy to achieve your goals and feel in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Many studies have shown that genetic correlations exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents dying at a certain age, and demographics, such as number of children in a family, the age of the child who was born first and the gender of the child at birth. These results suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these conditions, and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop strategies for coping to hide their symptoms, which could make it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. Masking can include putting their entire energy into their career, hiding their problems from their family and friends or altering their behavior to meet social expectations. Certain of these strategies may be healthy, but some are not. They can result in feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition mothers and women are typically expected to care for their children due to societal and family expectations. A higher expectation and low self-esteem and the challenges associated with ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression. It is not unusual for these emotions to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, like mood swings and feelings of inadequacy.
Certain women experience more severe symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal periods as estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to drop which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb moment." They usually feel relieved that they finally have a reason to explain their difficulties and can seek treatment and support. In some cases, the diagnosis allows the woman to forgive herself for the mistakes she has made in her life due to her 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 stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article is applicable to all women as well as those born female regardless of their declared gender identity.