ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue for women in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the situation worse. They often report feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
Hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation and increase executive functioning issues that can be associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and finding a therapist who is familiar with adhd can help alleviate your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to many reasons, including the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily observed by others) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms.
A lack of interest in conversations is a common characteristic of women suffering from ADD/ADHD. This can make it difficult for them to connect socially and can exacerbate problems with inattention and impulsivity. People with ADD/ADHD are more prone to unhealthy coping habits such as shopping, watching television (especially reality shows) or overeating. The difficulty in remembering names is a common indication of ADHD for women. This can be aggravated by a variety of circumstances particularly those that have to do with health, aging, and menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to struggle with depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from a myriad of other mental health disorders like eating disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is important to treat any underlying conditions.
Women with ADD/ADHD have a harder time getting good quality sleep in comparison 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 concentrate on work, school or 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 that is based on an individual's internal perception of their self as female, male or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation as well as genital anatomies and the chromosomal makeup.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADHD or ADD, many of the same tips for improving sleep and reducing stress apply. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD face particular issues when seeking treatment. It may be harder to identify symptoms in the individual, and it could be more difficult for them to receive the help they need. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to get an early diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than the men.
The difficulties of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen and executive functioning issues are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with aging can also trigger cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. This is why it's important for health professionals to be aware of the differences between a normal part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatments available to people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. A good night's sleep by establishing a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before going to bed and eating regular meals will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is also essential, and many people with ADHD find that meditative or yoga helps to relax. It is important to talk with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD are benefited by joining an ADHD support group. These groups provide a safe space to discuss the difficulties that arise in relationships, work and other areas when you suffer from ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD might also benefit from engaging in group or individual therapy which focuses on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may also include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you learn to 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 can help you know the reasons you've struggled and provide an opportunity to improve your life. Some people also opt to collaborate with coaches who can guide them through behavioral strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
There's a broad variety of professional treatments for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These methods could include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications therapy, counseling, or both. high functioning adhd in women with ADHD employ stress management techniques, home and work accommodations and changes to their diet into their daily routines. It is crucial to consult with a doctor prior to beginning any of these strategies to ensure that they are suitable for you and will meet all of your specific requirements.
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. Misunderstandings and criticisms from spouses, partners, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms like absence, forgetfulness, and impulsive decision-making can also be frustrating to even the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication can be helpful.
Some people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from depression and anxiety. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that can be in the form of burning, cutting or scratching. NSSI is a dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare provider.
It is also typical for women suffering from ADHD to develop feelings of depression, shame or self-pity when they are disregarded or criticized by other people. This can cause lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. Supporting a person who can understand these struggles and help you manage them can make a huge difference in the quality of your life.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopause can impact your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these periods and require more medication to manage their symptoms. Think about talking to your doctor about a hormone replacement therapy to help manage your body's natural production of estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, an ADHD coach can assist you to develop a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more at ease with your day-to-day obligations.
Genetics
The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome - their chromosomal characteristics - determines the risk of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Several different studies have reported 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, age of the child who was born first and the gender of the child at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these conditions, and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult to diagnose and treat them. This could include putting all their energy into their jobs, avoiding their problems from family members or altering their behavior to conform to social norms. Some of these strategies could be beneficial, but others are not. They can result in feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
Additionally, mothers and women are typically expected to take care of their children due to social and family expectations. The combination of increased expectations, low self-esteem and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create an ideal recipe for depression and anxiety. It is not uncommon for these emotions to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, like mood swings and feelings of inadequacy.
Some women notice that their symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal perimenopausal periods, when estrogen decreases. This could be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to fall which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They often feel content that they have a rational explanation for their struggles and can now seek help and assistance. In certain instances, the diagnosis allows them to be able to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've endured in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than biology, and it can be difficult to separate the biological differences between males and women from socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to all women as well as those assigned female at birth regardless of their declared gender identity.