ADHD in Older Women
Many womenin their midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. They often feel misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are caused by adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet and working with a therapist familiar with adhd can ease your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than it does for men. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that women are more likely to have more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily spotted by others) They often develop coping mechanisms that mask these symptoms, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear disoriented during conversations. This can make it difficult for them to socialize and can lead to problems with impulsivity and inattention. Unhealthy coping behaviors, such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality shows), and overeating, are also common in women suffering from ADD/ADHD. Having trouble remembering names is another typical sign of ADHD in women. It can be made worse by a variety of circumstances particularly those connected to age, health, and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have a higher chance of developing mental health problems, including tics, eating disorder as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is crucial to treat any underlying conditions.
It is also harder for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it more difficult to focus on school, work, or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" in the same way, however 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 orientation or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.
Regardless of whether you have ADHD or ADD, many of the same strategies for improving your sleep and reducing stress can be applied. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, performing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as making a healthy sleep routine.
Treatment
Women with ADHD have unique difficulties when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for women with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and get the assistance they require. They are more likely to conceal 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. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that come with aging may also cause cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's crucial for health care providers to be aware of the differences between the natural occurrences of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments for people suffering from ADHD that include lifestyle changes and medication. adhd in older women includes creating a routine before the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating a regular diet, can improve sleep. Exercise is also essential and many people who suffer from ADHD find that meditative or yoga helps them relax. It's important to talk to your doctor about the treatments that are best for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD benefit from joining an organization for support. These groups can provide an environment where you can talk about the issues that arise in work, relationships and other areas when you suffer from ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD may also benefit by taking part in individual or group therapy which concentrates on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may also include cognitive behavior therapy, which can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you understand why you've been struggling and can provide you a direction to help you improve your life. Many people choose to collaborate with a coach who can help them learn behavior strategies and help them develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your health by tackling it. There are a variety of professional solutions for ADHD. These strategies include self-discipline strategies, lifestyle modifications, and therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD incorporate stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations and changes to their diet into their daily schedules. It is crucial to consult with a doctor prior to commencing any of these techniques to ensure that they are suitable for you and will meet all of your 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. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses as well as coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, missed appointments and impulsive decisions can also be frustrating to even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can help.
Some people with ADHD may also experience anxiety and depression. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which may take the form of cutting, burning or scratching. NSSI can be extremely dangerous and is usually an indication of untreated ADHD It is important to speak with your healthcare professional regarding any concerns you might have.
It is also common for women suffering from ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame or self-pity following being disregarded or criticized by other people. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination and low self-esteem. Having a support system that can recognize these issues and help you overcome them can make all the difference in the quality of your life.
high functioning adhd in women fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal periods can affect your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these cycles and require additional medication to treat their symptoms. Consider talking with your doctor about an alternative therapy for hormones to help regulate your body's natural production estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. Lastly, an ADHD coach can help you build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more in control of your day-today obligations.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's chromosomes determines the risk of having certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer and coronary artery disease. parents' ages at death and demographics like the number of children, age of the first child, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a common genetic basis with these conditions, and also indicate that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women with ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat them. Masking may mean putting their entire energy into their job, hiding their troubles from their family members, or changing behaviors to conform to social expectations. Certain of these strategies may be healthy, but some are not. They can lead to feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
In addition, societal and family expectations can put the burden of caring for mothers and women. Expectations that are higher and low self-esteem and the challenges associated with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. It is not uncommon for these emotions to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, like mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness.
Some women find that their symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal perimenopausal periods when estrogen levels drop. This is probably due to the fact the diminution in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to drop and make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women have described their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb" moment. They are happy to finally have an explanation for their struggles, and can now seek support and treatment. In some instances, the diagnosis allows the woman to forgive herself for the mishaps she's experienced in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than biology, and it can be difficult to separate the biological gender differences between males and females from gender-based differences that are constructed by society. This article applies to all women and people assigned female at birth regardless of their declared gender identity.