ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and are overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning difficulties that are associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet and working with a therapist familiar with adhd can ease your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. This is due to many factors, such as the fact that women are more likely to have more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily observed by others), they often develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear distant during conversations. This can make it difficult to communicate with other people and can increase their impulsivity or inattention. Poor coping habits, such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows), and overeating, are also common in women with ADHD or ADD. The difficulty in remembering names is a common indication of ADHD in women, which can be caused by a myriad of factors particularly those related to age, health, and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression than men. In addition, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from various other medical conditions and mental health disorders such as eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is essential to treat any underlying conditions.
It can be difficult for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to get good quality sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it difficult to stay focused on work, school, or 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 concept that is assigned at birth based on the person's internal sense of self as male female, nonbinary, or male. undiagnosed adhd in women is distinct from a person's sexual preference or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.
If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of tips that can help improve sleep and ease stress. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises and creating a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and improve your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women with ADHD face unique issues when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for them to recognize symptoms in themselves, and can be more difficult to access the assistance they require. They are also more likely to conceal their ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and less likely to receive treatment in the same way as men.
The difficulties of ADHD may be exacerbated due to hormonal changes that take place during perimenopause or menopause. Progesterone and estrogen levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues that are frequently associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that come with age can also lead to cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's crucial for health care providers to be aware of the distinction between a natural part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatments for people suffering from ADHD, including changes in lifestyle and medications. Good sleep hygiene, such as creating a routine before bed, avoiding screens and eating a regular diet, can improve sleep. Exercise is crucial. Many people with 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 who suffer from ADHD can benefit from joining a support group. These groups can offer an environment where you can talk about the challenges that arise in work, relationships and other areas of life when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD may also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative patterns of thinking for healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you understand why you've been struggling and can provide you a direction to improve your life. Some people opt to work with a professional coach who will help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
While there are a wide variety of professional treatments for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These methods could include self-discipline, lifestyle changes or therapy. Many people with ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques, work and home life adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. It is crucial to consult with a medical professional prior to commencing any of these techniques to ensure they are safe for you and address all of your specific requirements.
The negative impact on family relationships and friends is a major challenge for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses as well as coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms like inattention, missing appointments and impulsive decisions can also be a source of frustration for the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on communication and conflict resolution can help.
Certain people with ADHD also struggle with anxiety and depression which can cause ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that may take the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI is a potentially risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Women with ADHD can also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are misunderstood by others. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. Having a support system that can understand these struggles and help you manage them can make a huge difference in the quality of your life.
ADHD symptoms can be influenced by fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause. Some women notice that their symptoms become more severe during these times and require additional medication to control them. Discuss with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate your body's production levels of estrogen. Additionally An ADHD coach can assist you to build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more at ease with your day-to-day responsibilities.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk of having certain disorders including ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer and coronary artery disease. parents who died at a certain age and demographics such as the number of children, age of the first child, and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a common genetic basis with these disorders. They also indicate that there are common neurobiological processes connecting the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat them. This could involve putting all their energy into their careers, hiding their issues from family members or altering their behavior to conform to social norms. Some of these strategies could be healthy, but some are not. They can result in feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition, societal and family expectations can put the burden of taking care of women and mothers. Expectations that are higher and self-esteem issues and the difficulties that come with ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression. It is not unusual for these feelings to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, such as mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.
Certain women experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms when estrogen levels drop. This could be due to the fact that the diminution in estrogen causes seletonin and dopamine levels to drop, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb moment." They usually feel at peace knowing that they have an external explanation for their issues and are able to seek help and assistance. In some cases the diagnosis allows the woman to forgive herself for the mishaps she's experienced in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than biology, and it is often difficult to distinguish the biological gender differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to all women and people born female regardless of their confirmed gender identity.