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 by their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopausal change can increase emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning problems caused by adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet, and seeking out a therapist familiar with adhd can help alleviate your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. This is due to several factors, such as the fact that women tend to have more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily spotted 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.
Being aloof in conversations is a common sign of women suffering from ADHD or ADD. This makes it difficult for them to connect socially and can exacerbate problems with impulsivity and inattention. Poor coping habits, such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality TV), and overeating are also common among women with ADHD or ADD. Another common sign of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be aggravated in a number of ways such as health issues, aging and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also at an increased risk of developing depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more prone to a myriad of other medical conditions and mental health disorders, like eating disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is crucial to treat any underlying issues.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to have difficulty getting good quality sleep in comparison to other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can make it harder to focus at work, at school, or on household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people mistake "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However, sex is biology and gender is a social construct that is based on a person’s internal sense of themselves as male, female or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexuality or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADHD or ADD, a lot of the same strategies for improving sleep and reducing stress can be applied. Regular exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises and creating a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and improve your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD face particular challenges when seeking treatment. It may be harder to identify symptoms in the individual, and it could be more difficult to get the help they require. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to receive an early diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than men.
The challenges of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can increase the executive dysfunction and emotional issues that are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that come with age can also lead to cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's important for health care providers to recognize the differences between a natural part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatment options for people with ADHD, including changes in lifestyle and medications. Good sleep hygiene, such as creating a routine before the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regular meals can improve sleep. Exercise is essential. Many people suffering from ADHD find that yoga or meditation helps them relax. You should talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can benefit from joining an organization for support. These groups provide an opportunity to talk about the issues you face in your relationships, at work, and in other aspects of your life when you're ADHD. Women with ADHD might also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing your negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It will help you understand the reason you've struggled and give you a plan for improving your life. Many people choose to work with an expert coach who can teach them behavior strategies and help them develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your health by tackling it. There are many professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies include self-discipline techniques as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD employ stress management techniques, home and work accommodations and changes to their diet into their daily schedules. Before you begin any of these strategies, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and suit your needs.
One of the main challenges for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships and family members. Misunderstandings and criticisms from spouses, partners and colleagues are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness absence of appointments, and impulsive choices can also strain the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution and other strategies can be helpful.
Some people with ADHD may also experience anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that can be in the form of cutting, burning, or scratching. NSSI is a potentially risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
Women who suffer from ADHD may also develop feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can cause lack of motivation, procrastination and low self-esteem. A support system that can recognize these issues and help you manage these issues can make all the difference in your quality of life.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience symptoms become more severe during these times and require more medication to control these symptoms. Talk to your physician about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to regulate your body's natural production estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can help you develop tailored strategies to achieve your goals and feel more in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA of a person - their chromosomal characteristics - determines their risk for developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic connections exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents' age at death and demographics, such as number of children in a family, the age of the first child born and sex at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these conditions, and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. This can make it difficult to identify and treat them. Masking could mean investing all their energy into their career, hiding their troubles from their family members or altering their behavior to meet social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others aren't, and could cause a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition, societal and family expectations often put the burden of caretaking on mothers and women. Increased expectations and self-esteem issues and the challenges associated with ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression. It is not uncommon for these feelings to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, such as mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause as estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to drop which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women have described their ADHD diagnoses as a "lightbulb" moment. adhd in young women are relieved to finally have a reason for their struggles, and can now seek help and therapy. In some cases, the diagnosis can allow the woman to accept the mishaps she's experienced in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than biology, and it is often difficult to distinguish the biological differences between males and women from gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article is applicable to women and people who were designated female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.