ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They often feel misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning difficulties associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and finding a therapist that is familiar with adhd can help alleviate your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD can be more late in life than for men. This is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that women tend present with more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by others) and they create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
A lack of interest in conversations is a typical symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. This can make it difficult to communicate with other people and can increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. Insane coping strategies, such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV), and overeating are also common among women with ADD/ADHD. Another sign of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be exacerbated in a variety of ways, including by health issues, aging and menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more prone to a myriad of other medical conditions and mental health disorders, such as eating disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is essential to treat any underlying condition.
Women with ADD/ADHD also are more likely to have difficulty getting enough sleep, especially in comparison to other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Lack of sleep or a lack of quality sleep can make it more difficult to focus on work, school, or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people mistakenly use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, but sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social construct assigned at birth based on the person's internal sense of self as male female, nonbinary, or male. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.
No matter if you suffer from ADHD or ADD, a lot of the same suggestions to improve your sleep and reduce stress can be applied. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises and developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD have their own unique challenges when seeking treatment for their condition. It can be challenging for those with ADHD to identify their symptoms and receive the help that they need. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and are less likely to receive treatment in the same way as men.
The difficulties of ADHD may be exacerbated due to hormonal changes that occur in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can cause an increase in the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that come with aging can also trigger cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. It's crucial that health professionals distinguish between a normal aspect of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments for people suffering from ADHD which include changes in lifestyle and medications. A good sleep hygiene routine includes setting a routine prior to the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regular meals can improve sleep. Exercise is important. Many people with ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help them relax. It's important to talk to your doctor about what treatments are best for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from joining an organization for support. These groups provide an opportunity to talk about the issues you face in your relationships, at work, and in other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women who have ADHD may also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. adhd test for women may also include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing negative thoughts for healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you to discover the reason you've been struggling and give you an opportunity to improve your life. Many people choose to engage an expert coach who can guide them through ways to manage their behavior and help them establish 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, lifestyle modifications or therapy. Many people suffering from ADHD also implement stress management strategies, work and home life modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. Before beginning any of these strategies it is crucial to consult with a medical professional to ensure that they are safe and will meet your requirements.
One of the main challenges for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships and family members. Disagreements and criticisms from spouses, partners and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms like 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 the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other strategies can be helpful.
Certain people suffering from ADHD also suffer from anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which could manifest as burning, scratching, or cutting. NSSI can be very dangerous and is often a symptom of untreated ADHD and it is essential to talk to your healthcare professional regarding any concerns you might have.
Women suffering from ADHD can also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can cause lack of motivation, procrastination and low self-esteem. Supporting a person who can understand these struggles and teach you how to overcome them can make a huge difference to your quality of life.
ADHD symptoms can be influenced by varying levels estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and perimenopausal. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these cycles and require additional medication to treat their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to help regulate the body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can also help you develop tailored strategies to achieve your goals and feel more in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The the chromosomal makeup of an individual determines the risk for certain diseases, such as ADHD. Several different studies have reported that genetic connections exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer or coronary heart disease. parents who died and demographics such as number of children in a household, the age of the first child born and the gender of the child at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a common genetic basis with these disorders. They also suggest that there are common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This can make it difficult to diagnose and treat them. This masking may consist of putting all their effort into their work, avoiding their issues from family members or changing their behavior in order to conform to the expectations of society. Some of these strategies can be healthy, however some aren't. They can result in feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally, social and family expectations can put the burden of caretaking on mothers and women. Expectations that are higher, low self esteem, and the challenges that come with ADHD can cause depression and anxiety. It is not unusual for these feelings to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, including mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.
Some women find that their symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during perimenopause and menopause when estrogen levels drop. This could be due to the the decrease in estrogen causes seletonin and dopamine levels to drop and make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They are often content that they have a rational explanation for their issues and are able to seek treatment and support. In some cases, the diagnosis can allow the woman to accept the mistakes she has made in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be difficult to separate biological differences between men and women from socially constructed differences in gender. This article is applicable to all women and people born female regardless of their confirmed gender identity.