ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue for women in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the issue worse. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning issues that can be that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet, and seeking out an therapist who is familiar with adhd can help alleviate your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than for males. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that women tend present with 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 that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Being aloof in conversations is a common sign of women suffering from ADHD or ADD. This can make it difficult to communicate with others and may increase their impulsivity or inattention. Insane coping strategies, such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows) and eating too much are also common among women with ADHD or ADD. Another common symptom of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be exacerbated by a variety of factors as well as by health issues, aging, and menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of depression than men. In addition, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from a variety of other medical conditions and mental health disorders including tics, eating disorders and fibromyalgia. PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is essential to treat any underlying issues.
It can also be more difficult for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it harder to concentrate on work, school, or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people are confused by "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However, sex is biology and gender is a social construct based on the person's own internal view of themselves as male, female or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person’s sexual orientation as well as genital anatomies and chromosomal make-up.
Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are plenty of ways to improve your sleep and reduce stress. 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 with ADHD have different experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It is sometimes difficult to recognize symptoms in themselves, and can be more difficult to access the help they need. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. high functioning adhd in women means that they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and are less likely to receive treatment with the same efficiency as men.
The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult because of hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause or menopause. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can increase the executive functioning and emotional problems that often come 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's important for health professionals to be aware of the distinction between the natural occurrences of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments available to people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. Good sleep hygiene, such as setting a routine prior to the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regularly can help improve sleep. Exercise is also important for those who suffer from ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help to relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD can benefit from joining an organization for support. These groups can offer an environment where you can talk about the challenges that arise in relationships, work and other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD may also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out 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 had a hard time and give you a framework to help you improve your life. Some people choose to work with a professional coach who can help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your health by tackling it. There are a variety of professional solutions for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline techniques and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD incorporate stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations and changes to their diet into their daily routines. It is essential to consult with a doctor prior to beginning any of these strategies to ensure that they are suitable for you and will meet your individual needs.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major issue for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disagreements and criticisms from spouses, partners and coworkers are 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 focus on the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other strategies can be helpful.
Some people who have ADHD also struggle with anxiety and depression which can cause ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, some women might suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which may manifest as burning, scratching, or cutting. NSSI can be extremely risky and is often an indication of untreated ADHD and it is important to speak with your healthcare provider regarding any concerns you may have.
It is also typical for women suffering from ADHD to experience feelings of shame, depression or self-pity following being misunderstood or dismissed by others. This can cause feelings of self-doubt, procrastination, and a lack of motivation. A support system that is aware of these struggles and teaches you to manage them can make a significant difference in your life.
ADHD symptoms can be affected by the fluctuating levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and perimenopause. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these cycles and require additional medication to control their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and control your body's production levels of estrogen. Additionally you can consult an ADHD coach can assist you to build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more in control of your day-today tasks.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's chromosomes determines the risk for certain diseases, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have proven that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents who died at a certain age, and demographics such as the number of children, age of the first born and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these diseases and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This makes it difficult to identify and treat them. This can consist of putting all their effort into their work, avoiding their issues from family members or altering their behavior in order to conform to the expectations of society. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others aren't, and could result in a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
Additionally, women and mothers are often expected to care for their children due to social and familial expectations. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem, and the challenges of living with ADHD can be the perfect recipe for anxiety and depression. It is not unusual for these feelings to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, such as mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal periods when estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to decrease and can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women say that they have experienced their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb moment." They often feel relieved that they finally have a rational explanation for their difficulties and can seek help and treatment. In some cases, the diagnosis allows the patient 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 socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to all women as well as those born female, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.