ADHD in Older Women
Many womenin their middle age suffer from undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and are overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and finding a therapist that is familiar with adhd may improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than for males. This is due to a number of factors, such as the fact that women tend present with more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily noticed by other people), 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 common sign of women suffering from ADD/ADHD. This makes it difficult for them to socialize and can cause problems with inattention and impulsivity. Women with ADD/ADHD are also susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows) or eating too much. Trouble remembering names is another typical sign of ADHD for women. This can be caused by a myriad of factors that are connected to age, health, and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more prone to various other mental health issues, such as eating disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is important to treat any underlying condition.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have a harder time getting good quality sleep as compared to other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Poor or insufficient sleep can also make it harder to concentrate at work, at school, or with household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people mistakenly use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, but sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social concept that is assigned at birth based on the person's internal perception of themselves as male female, nonbinary, or male. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal make-up.
If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of strategies that can help you improve your sleep and reduce stress. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD have their own unique challenges when seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for them to recognize symptoms in the individual, and it could be more difficult to get the help they need. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. They are also more likely to receive a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than males.
The challenges of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes that are associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can cause an increase in the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning problems that often come with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with aging can also trigger cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. It is therefore essential to make sure that health professionals can differentiate between normal signs of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatments available to people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medications. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene - setting a bedtime routine and avoiding time spent on screens prior to bed, and eating a regular diet - can improve sleep quality. Exercise is essential. Many people with ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps to relax. It is important to talk with your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD benefit from joining an organization for support. These groups offer a safe place to discuss the difficulties you encounter in your relationships as well as at work and in other areas of your life when you are ADHD. Women with ADHD may also benefit by taking part in individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you accept your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thinking patterns with more positive ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing event for women. It will help you understand the reason you've had a hard time and give you a framework to improve your life. Some people prefer working with an expert coach who can assist them to learn behavioral strategies and 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 taking steps to manage it. These methods could include self-discipline and lifestyle changes, therapy, or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques such as work and home modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. Before beginning any of these methods, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to ensure that they are safe and suit your requirements.
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. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses or colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, absence of appointments, and impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution and other techniques can help.
Certain people with ADHD have depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, some women might develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which may manifest as burning, scratching, or cutting. NSSI is extremely dangerous and is often an indication of untreated ADHD, so it is essential to talk to your healthcare provider regarding any concerns you might have.
Women who suffer from ADHD can also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. A support system that understands the struggles you face and teaches you to deal with them can make a significant difference in your life.
The different levels of estrogen that occur during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopause can affect your ADHD symptoms. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these periods and require additional medication to control their symptoms. Consider talking with your healthcare professional about an alternative therapy for hormones to help regulate the body's natural production of estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can also help you develop tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's chromosomes 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 age at death and demographics like the number of children, the age of the first born and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a common genetic basis with these conditions, and also indicate that there are common neurobiological factors that link the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat them. Masking could mean investing all their energy in their career, hiding their troubles from their loved ones or altering their behavior to conform to social expectations. Some of these strategies could be beneficial, but others are not. They can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
In addition women and mothers are often expected to take care of their children due to societal and family expectations. Expectations that are higher, low self esteem, and the challenges associated with ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety. It is not unusual for these emotions to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, including mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.
adhd in women treatment find that their symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during perimenopause and menopause, when estrogen decreases. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to fall which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb moment." They usually feel content that they have a rational explanation for their struggles and can now seek help and assistance. In some cases the diagnosis allows the woman to accept the mishaps she's experienced in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be challenging to discern biological differences between women and men from socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to women and people who were designated female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.