ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue among women* in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They often report feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation and executive dysfunction that is associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and finding a therapist that is familiar with adhd may help alleviate your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD can be more late in life than for men. This is due to a number of factors, including that women tend present with more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by others) and they create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, and also hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear disoriented during conversations. This makes it difficult for them to connect socially and can cause problems with inattention and impulsivity. Unhealthy coping behaviors like shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV), and overeating are also common among women with ADD/ADHD. Another sign of ADHD is the difficulty in remembering names. This can be caused in a variety of ways, including by health issues, aging and menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to struggle with depression than men. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have a higher chance of developing other mental health issues, such as tics, eating disorder, fibromyalgia and PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is essential to treat any underlying conditions.
Women with ADD/ADHD have a harder time getting a good night's sleep when compared to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can also make it more difficult to stay focused at work, in the classroom, or in household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" in the same way, however the term "sex" refers to biology while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on a person's internal perception of themselves as male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is different from a person's sexual preference or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal make-up.
If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of tips that can help improve sleep and decrease stress. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and making a healthy sleep routine.
Treatment
Women with ADHD face particular challenges when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for those suffering from ADHD to identify their symptoms and receive the assistance they require. They are also more likely to conceal their ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to receive a late diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than the men.
The challenges of ADHD are often exacerbated because of hormonal changes that occur in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen, and executive functioning issues are often associated with ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow associated with aging can trigger a cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. It's therefore important that health care providers distinguish between normal signs of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD which include changes in lifestyle and medications. Good sleep hygiene like setting a routine prior to bed, avoiding screens and eating regularly can improve sleep. Exercise is crucial. Many people suffering from ADHD discover that yoga or meditation helps them 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 can provide a safe space to discuss the difficulties that arise in work, relationships and other areas of your life when you suffer from ADHD. Women who have ADHD could benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. adhd in women checklist may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing your negative thoughts for healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It will help you understand the reason you've been struggling, and it can give you a direction for improving your life. Some people opt to work with a professional coach who can assist them to learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
While there are a wide selection of professional treatment options for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies could include self-discipline strategies as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people who suffer from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques such as work and home accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. It is important to speak with a medical professional prior to starting any of these methods to ensure that they are suitable for you and will meet all of your needs.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major issue for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses or colleagues are common. 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 conflict resolution and communication, and other techniques can help.
Some people with ADHD also struggle with anxiety and depression which can cause ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which could take the form of cutting, burning or scratching. NSSI is a very risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to develop feelings of shame, depression or self-pity when they are ignored or disregarded by other people. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination and low self-esteem. A support system that can understand the struggles you face and teaches you how to manage them can make a big difference in your life.
ADHD symptoms can be influenced by varying levels estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopause. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these cycles and require more medication to manage their symptoms. Think about talking to your doctor about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to control your body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. Finally, an ADHD coach can help you develop a customized 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 their likelihood of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer or coronary artery disease. parents' ages at death and demographics such as the number of children, the age of first born and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these conditions and that there are also common neurobiological processes that connect the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop strategies for coping to mask their symptoms, which may make it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. This could consist of putting all their effort into their careers, hiding their problems from loved ones or changing their behavior in order to conform to the expectations of society. Certain of these strategies may be healthy, however some are not. They can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
Additionally, social expectations and family expectations often place the burden of taking care of women and mothers. A higher expectation and self-esteem issues and the challenges that come with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. These emotions can trigger or worsen symptoms associated with ADHD such as mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal symptoms when estrogen levels drop. This is likely due to the fact that the diminution in estrogen can cause dopamine and seletonin levels to decrease which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women have described their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have a reason for their struggles, and can now seek help and treatment. In certain instances, the diagnosis allows people to accept the mishaps they've endured in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than just biology, and it is often difficult to distinguish the biological gender differences between males and females 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.