ADHD in Older Women
Many womenin their middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD caused by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and are overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning problems that are that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and locating a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could improve your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This is due to a number of factors, including that women typically exhibit more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by others) They also develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear disoriented during conversations. This makes it difficult to make connections with others and can exacerbate problems with inattention and impulsivity. Women with ADHD are also susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies such as shopping and watching TV (especially reality shows) or eating too much. The difficulty in remembering names is another typical indication of ADHD for women. This can be aggravated by a myriad of factors that are related to age, health, and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from a variety of other mental health disorders, such as eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is crucial to treat any underlying conditions.
Women with ADD/ADHD also suffer from difficulty getting enough sleep, especially compared to other adults. This can result in fatigue, which can cause more symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can also make it harder to stay focused at work, at school, or on household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" in the same way, however sex refers to biology, while gender is a social construct assigned at birth based on an individual's inner self-perception of being male female, nonbinary, or male. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal makeup.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same suggestions to improve your sleep and reduce stress apply. Regular exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and improve your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD face unique difficulties when seeking treatment. It is sometimes difficult to recognize symptoms in themselves, and it can be more difficult for them to receive the help they require. They are more likely to mask ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and less likely to receive treatment in the same way as men.
The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes that take place in menopausal and perimenopausal women. The fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can cause an increase in the executive functioning and emotional problems that often come with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with aging may also cause cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's important for health care providers to recognize the differences between the natural occurrences of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments available to people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene such as establishing a routine for bedtime, avoiding screen time before bed and eating regular meals - can improve sleep quality. Exercise is crucial. Many people suffering from ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps to relax. You should talk to your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD are benefited by joining an ADHD support group. These groups provide a safe space to discuss the challenges that arise in work, relationships and other areas of life when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD can also benefit from taking part in individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative thoughts for healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you to know the reasons you've struggled and provide the framework to improve your life. Many people choose to work with coaches who can guide them through behavioral strategies and help them set goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your health by tackling it. There are many professional treatments available for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline strategies, lifestyle modifications, and therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques, work and home life adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. It is important to speak with a doctor prior to beginning any of these strategies to ensure they are suitable for you and will meet your individual requirements.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major issue for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses, partners, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, missing appointments, and impulsive choices can also test the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on communication and conflict resolution can be helpful.
Certain people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from depression and anxiety. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI), which can manifest as burning, scratching or cutting. NSSI is a very dangerous symptom that is often caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare professional.
It is also common for women with ADHD to develop feelings of shame, depression, or self-pity after being misunderstood or dismissed by other people. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. signs of add in adult women that is aware of the struggles you face and teaches you to cope can make a big impact on your life.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopausal cycles can affect your ADHD symptoms. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these periods and require more medication to control their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate your body's production of estrogen. Lastly, an ADHD coach can help you build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more at ease with your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk for certain disorders, including ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer and coronary artery disease. parents' ages at death, and demographics such as the number of children, age of first born, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these conditions, and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat them. This could involve putting all their energy into their jobs, avoiding their problems from loved ones, or changing their behaviors in order to conform to the expectations of society. Certain of these strategies may be healthy, but some aren't. They can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
Additionally, women and mothers are often expected to take care of their children due to social and familial expectations. Increased expectations, low self esteem, and the difficulties that come with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. These feelings can trigger or worsen ADHD-related symptoms such as mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Women may experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms when estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the reduction in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to decrease which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women say that their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally understand the reason for their problems, and can now seek support and treatment. In some cases, the diagnosis can allow the woman to forgive herself for 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 gender differences between males and females from gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article applies to females and people who were designated gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.