ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue for women in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and are overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation, and executive dysfunction that is caused by adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet and finding an therapist who is familiar with adhd can improve your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This is due to a variety of factors, including that women tend present with more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by others), they develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
A lack of interest in conversations is a common symptom for women with ADD/ADHD. This makes it difficult to make connections with others and can lead to problems with impulsivity and inattention. Insane coping strategies like shopping, TV watching (especially reality shows), and overeating are also common among women suffering from ADD/ADHD. Trouble remembering names is a common sign of ADHD for women. This can be aggravated by a myriad of factors particularly those that have to do with health, aging, or menopausal.
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 variety of other mental health issues, including eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is essential to treat these disorders in order to manage and reduce symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to have difficulty getting good quality sleep in comparison to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it difficult to focus on work, school, or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people mistake "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However the sex of a person is a matter of biology and gender is a social construct based on a person’s internal sense of themselves as male, female or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal make-up.
No matter if you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same tips for improving your sleep and reducing stress can be applied. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, performing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD face particular difficulties when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for those with ADHD to identify their symptoms and receive the help that they need. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and are less likely to receive treatment as effectively as men.
The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. 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 come with aging may also cause cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. As a result, it's important for health care providers to recognize the differences between a natural part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments available to people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene 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 important for those 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 appropriate for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from joining an ADHD support group. These groups can provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the difficulties that arise in work, relationships and other areas when you have ADHD. Women who have ADHD might also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thought patterns with healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you understand why you've struggled and give you a direction for improving your life. Some people opt to work with a professional coach who can help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their life.
Self-help
There is a wide range of professional treatments for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies may include self-discipline and lifestyle changes, therapy, or counseling. Many people with ADHD employ stress management techniques, home and work accommodations and dietary changes into their daily routines. adhd in older women is important to speak with a medical professional prior to beginning any of these strategies to ensure that they are safe for you and meet your individual needs.
The negative impact on family relationships and friends is a major problem for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disregard and mistrust from spouses, partners, and coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness late 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 be helpful.
Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women develop non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which could be characterized as scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI can be very dangerous and is usually a symptom of untreated ADHD It is essential to talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you have.
It is also typical for women with ADHD to develop feelings of shame, depression, or self-pity after being misunderstood or dismissed by others. This can lead to depression, self-esteem issues, and a lack motivation. A support system that understands the struggles you face and teaches you how to deal with them can make a huge impact on your life.
ADHD symptoms are influenced by fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopausal. Certain women experience symptoms worsen during these periods and require more medication to manage the symptoms. Consult your physician about hormone replacement therapy. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate your body's production of estrogen. An ADHD coach can also assist you in establishing a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk for certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have proven that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer or coronary artery disease. parents' ages at death and demographics like the number of children, the age of first born, and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD is a genetic basis with these disorders. They also suggest that there are common neurobiological processes connecting the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to identify and treat them. This could include putting all their energy into their jobs, avoiding their issues from family members or altering their behavior to conform to social norms. Some of these strategies can be healthy, however some are not. They can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
Additionally mothers and women are typically required to look after their children because of societal and familial expectations. Expectations that are higher and self-esteem issues and the challenges associated with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. It is not unusual for these feelings to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, including mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.
Some women find that their symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles as estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to decrease, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb moment." They are often relieved that they finally have an external explanation for their issues and are able to seek help and assistance. In some instances, the diagnosis can allow the woman to accept the mistakes she has made in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than just 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 applies to females and people who were assigned female at birth regardless of their gender identity.