ADHD in Older Women
Many womenin their middle age suffer from undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation and executive dysfunction that is that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet and finding an therapist who is familiar with adhd can improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than for men. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that women are more likely to have more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily spotted by other people) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms that mask these symptoms, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause can amplify symptoms.
People with ADD/ADHD are often disoriented during conversations. This can make it difficult to communicate with others and may increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. Insane coping strategies like shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV), and overeating, are also common in women with ADHD or ADD. The difficulty in remembering names is another typical indication of ADHD in women, which can be aggravated by a variety of situations particularly those that have to do with age, health, and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also more likely to struggle with depression than men. In addition, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from a myriad of other medical conditions and mental health disorders, such as eating disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is crucial to treat any underlying condition.
It is also harder for women with ADD/ADHD to get enough sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. high functioning adhd in women or poor quality sleep can also make it harder to stay focused at work, in the classroom, or in household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people are confused by "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However sexuality is a biological phenomenon and gender is a social construct based on a person’s internal sense of themselves as male, female or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference, genital anatomy, and the chromosomal makeup.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same tips for improving sleep and reducing stress are applicable to. Getting regular exercise, practicing 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 face particular difficulties when seeking treatment. It is sometimes difficult to identify symptoms in themselves, and can be more difficult to access the help they require. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to receive a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than men.
The challenges of ADHD are often exacerbated due to hormonal changes that take place in menopausal and perimenopausal women. The fluctuations 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 occur with aging may also cause cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. It's crucial that health professionals distinguish between normal signs of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are adhd in older women for people with ADHD, including lifestyle changes and medication. A good night's sleep 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. Exercise is also essential, and many people who suffer from ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps them relax. It's important to talk to your doctor about the treatments that are appropriate for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can benefit by joining a group of support. These groups offer the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the issues you encounter in your relationships as well as at work and in other aspects of your life when you're ADHD. Women who have ADHD might benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to help you accept your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thoughts with healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It can help you to understand why you have been struggling and provide you with a framework to improve your life. Some people prefer working with a professional coach who will help them develop strategies for coping with stress and set goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are a variety of professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline methods, lifestyle modifications, and therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD also implement stress management strategies as well as home and work accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these techniques it is crucial to consult with a medical professional to ensure they are safe and will meet your needs.
One of the biggest challenges for women with 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 not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as absence, forgetfulness, and impulsive decision-making can also be frustrating to even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can be helpful.
Certain people with ADHD have anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which may take the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI is extremely dangerous and is often an indication of untreated ADHD, so it is essential to talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you have.
It is also common for women with ADHD to develop feelings of shame, depression or self-pity when they are ignored or disregarded by other people. This can cause low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack of motivation. A support system that is aware of the struggles you face and teaches you to manage them can make a huge difference in your life.
The different levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopausal periods can impact your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these cycles and require more medication to manage their symptoms. Consult your physician about hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and control your body's production of estrogen. An ADHD coach can assist you in establishing a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's DNA - their chromosomal traits - determines the risk of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic connections exist between ADHD and medical conditions like 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 first child born and sex at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic cause with these conditions, and also suggest that there are common neurobiological factors that link the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. This can make it difficult to identify and treat them. Masking can include investing all their energy into their career, hiding their troubles from their family members or changing their behavior to meet social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, while others are not and can lead to a sense of exhaustion and overwhelm.
In addition, social and family expectations often put the burden of caring for mothers and women. A higher expectation and low self-esteem and the difficulties that come with ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety. It is not uncommon for these emotions to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, such as mood swings and feelings of inadequacy.
Certain women experience symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles, when estrogen decreases. This is probably due to the the diminution in estrogen causes seletonin and dopamine levels to drop, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb moment." They often feel content that they have an external explanation for their issues and are able to seek help and assistance. In some cases, the diagnosis allows the patient to be able to forgive herself for the misfortunes she has experienced in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be challenging to discern biological differences between men and women from socially constructed gender distinctions. This article is applicable to all women and people assigned female at birth, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.