ADHD in Older Women
Many womenin their middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation as well as executive dysfunction that is associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and finding a therapist that is familiar with adhd may aid in reducing symptoms.
Symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that women typically exhibit more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by other people) and they develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.
Being aloof in conversations is a typical sign of women suffering from ADHD or ADD. This can make it difficult to communicate with other people and can increase their impulsivity and inattention. People with ADD/ADHD are prone to unhealthy coping behaviors such as shopping and watching television (especially reality shows) or eating too much. Having trouble remembering names is a common sign of ADHD for women. This can be aggravated by a variety of circumstances, especially those related to health, aging, and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at greater chance of developing mental health issues, such as eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia and PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is essential 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 lead to exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can also make it more difficult to concentrate at work, in school, or on household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people mistake "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However sexuality is a biological phenomenon and gender is a social construct based on the person's own internal view of themselves as male, female or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation as well as genital anatomy and the chromosomal makeup.
No matter if you suffer from ADHD or ADD, many of the same suggestions to improve your sleep and reduce stress apply. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, performing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as creating a healthy sleeping routine.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD have unique difficulties when seeking treatment. It is sometimes difficult to identify symptoms in themselves, and it can be more difficult to access the assistance they require. They are also more likely to conceal their ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and are less likely to be treated as effectively as men.
The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. Progesterone and estrogen levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. Additionally, the changes in blood flow associated with aging can cause some cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. It's crucial to make sure that health professionals can differentiate between a normal part of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options for those with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medications. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene - setting a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before going to going to bed and eating regularly will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is essential. Many people with ADHD discover that yoga or meditation 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 are benefited by joining an ADHD support group. These groups provide a safe place to discuss the difficulties you encounter in your relationships, at work, and other areas of your life when you are ADHD. Women who have ADHD may benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing negative thought patterns with healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you've had a hard time, and it can give you a direction to help you improve your life. Some people opt to work with an expert coach who will help them discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their life.
Self-help
There's a broad selection of professional treatment options for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies may include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications or therapy. Many people suffering from ADHD employ stress management techniques, home and work accommodations and changes to their diet into their daily schedules. It is essential to consult with a doctor prior to commencing any of these techniques to ensure that they are safe for you and meet all of your requirements.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major problem for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disregard and mistrust from spouses or coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness absence of appointments, and impulsive decisions can also test the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication can help.
Some people with ADHD have anxiety and depression which can worsen ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that may take the form of cutting, burning or scratching. NSSI can be extremely dangerous and is often an indication of untreated ADHD and it is important to speak with your healthcare professional about any concerns you have.
It is also typical for women suffering from ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame or self-pity when they are disregarded or criticized by others. This can cause depression, self-esteem issues, and a lack of motivation. A support system that can understand these struggles and help you cope with them can make a huge difference in your quality of life.
ADHD symptoms can be affected by the varying levels estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and perimenopause. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these cycles and require additional medication to treat their symptoms. Think about talking to your doctor about an alternative therapy for hormones to regulate your body's natural production of estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can also assist you in establishing a specific strategy to achieve your goals and feel more 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, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic connections exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer or coronary heart disease. parents' age at death and demographics such as the number of children in a household, the age of the first child born and sex at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these diseases, and that there are also common neurobiological processes that connect the two conditions.
adult female adhd symptoms suffering from ADHD might develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms. This can make it difficult to identify and treat them. This could involve putting all their energy into their work, avoiding their issues from family members, or changing their behaviors to meet societal expectations. Some of these methods are healthy, however others are not and can result in a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
Additionally mothers and women are typically expected to take care of their children due to societal and family expectations. Increased expectations and low self-esteem and the difficulties that come with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. It is not uncommon for these emotions to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, such as mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness.
Certain women experience more severe symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal symptoms when estrogen levels decrease. This is likely due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes seletonin and dopamine levels to drop and make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women have described their ADHD diagnoses as a "lightbulb" moment. They are happy to finally have an explanation for their struggles and are now able to seek support and treatment. In some cases, the diagnosis allows the woman to accept the misfortunes she has experienced in her life due to 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 stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article is applicable to all women as well as those assigned female at birth, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.