ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue among women* in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning issues that can be that are associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and finding a therapist that is familiar with adhd can aid in reducing symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than it does for men. This is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily noticed by other people) They also create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Being aloof in conversations is a typical characteristic of women suffering from ADD/ADHD. This can make it difficult for them to socialize and can cause problems with impulsivity and inattention. Poor coping habits such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows) and eating too much are also common among women suffering from ADHD or ADD. Another sign of ADHD is having trouble remembering names. This can be exacerbated in a number of ways, including by health issues, aging, and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have higher risks of depression than men. In addition, women with ADD/ADHD are more prone to a variety of other mental health disorders, such as eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is crucial to treat any underlying conditions.
Women with ADD/ADHD also are more likely to have difficulty getting a good night's sleep when as compared to other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can also make it harder to stay focused at work, in school, or on household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people are confused by "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However sexuality is a biological phenomenon and gender is a social construct based on an individual's internal perception of their self as female, male or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference as well as genital anatomy and chromosomal makeup.
Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are many strategies that can help you improve your sleep and decrease stress. Getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and increase your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women with ADHD face particular issues when seeking treatment. It can be challenging for those suffering from ADHD to recognize their symptoms and receive the assistance they require. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to receive a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than males.
The challenges of ADHD may be exacerbated due to hormonal changes that take place during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen and executive functioning issues are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that come with aging can also trigger cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. This is why it is crucial for health professionals to recognize the differences between a natural part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD which include lifestyle changes and medications. A good sleep hygiene routine includes creating a routine before bed, avoiding screens and eating regularly can help you sleep better. Exercise is essential. Many people with ADHD find that yoga or meditation helps them relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD may benefit from joining a group for support. These groups offer a safe place to discuss the difficulties you encounter in your relationships at work, in your relationships, and other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD might also benefit from participating in group or individual therapy that concentrates on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative patterns of thinking for healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you've struggled and can provide you a plan to help you improve your life. Some people choose to work with a professional coach who will help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their life.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are many professional treatments available for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline, lifestyle changes, therapy, or counseling. Many people who suffer from ADHD also implement stress management strategies, work and home life accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. Before beginning any of these methods it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and will meet your needs.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major issue for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticisms from partners, spouses, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, missing appointments, and impulsive decisions can also test the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize communication and conflict resolution and other methods can help.
Certain people with ADHD also struggle with depression and anxiety which can worsen ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that could take the form of cutting, burning or scratching. NSSI can be extremely risky and is often a symptom of untreated ADHD and it is essential to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have.
Women with ADHD can also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are misunderstood by others. adhd in women uk can result in feelings of self-doubt, procrastination, and a lack motivation. A support system that can understand these struggles and teaches you how to manage them can make a huge difference in your life.
ADHD symptoms are influenced by varying levels estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopause. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these periods and require additional medication to manage their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate your body's production levels of estrogen. A ADHD coach can also assist you in establishing a specific strategy to reach your goals and feel more in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome - their chromosomal traits - determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Several different studies have reported that genetic links exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer and coronary heart disease. parents who died and demographics, like the number of children in a family, age of the first child born and the gender of the child at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these conditions and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women who have ADHD may develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, which could make it harder to diagnose and treated. Masking may mean investing all their energy into their job, hiding their issues from their family and friends or changing their behavior in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, while others are not and can lead to a sense of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition, women and mothers are often expected to care for their children due to societal and family expectations. The combination of high expectations, low self-esteem and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create the perfect recipe for anxiety and depression. These emotions can trigger or worsen symptoms of ADHD, like mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women notice that their symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles when estrogen levels drop. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to drop which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb" moment. They are happy to finally have an explanation for their problems, and can now seek help and therapy. In some cases the diagnosis allows the woman to accept the misfortunes she has experienced 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 differences between males and females from gender-based differences that are constructed by society. This article is applicable to women and people who were designated female at birth regardless of their gender identity.