ADHD in Older Women
Many womenin their midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation and executive functioning problems that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and locating a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could improve your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than for men. This is due to a number of factors, such as the fact that women typically exhibit more apathy 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 absent in conversations. This can make it difficult to communicate with others and may increase their impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADD/ADHD are also susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies such as shopping and watching television (especially reality shows), or overeating. Another common symptom of ADHD is having trouble remembering names. This can be aggravated in a number of ways such as 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 prone to a myriad of other medical conditions and mental health issues, like eating disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is important to treat any underlying conditions.
Women with ADD/ADHD have a harder time getting enough sleep, especially compared to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it more difficult to focus 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 sex refers to biology, while gender is a social concept that is assigned at birth based on an individual's internal perception 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.
Regardless of whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same suggestions for improving sleep and reducing stress apply. Getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and creating a healthy sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and increase your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women with ADHD have unique challenges when seeking treatment. It is sometimes difficult to recognize symptoms in themselves, and it can be more difficult to get the assistance they require. They are more likely to mask ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive late diagnosis and less likely to be treated in the same way as men.
The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that come with age can also lead to cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. It's therefore important that health professionals distinguish between a normal aspect of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are a myriad of treatment options for those with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene - setting a bedtime routine, avoiding screen time before going to bed and eating regularly can help improve sleep quality. Exercise is essential. Many people with ADHD discover that meditation or yoga helps them relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD might benefit by joining a group of support. These groups offer an opportunity to talk about the challenges you face in your relationships as well as at work and other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women who have ADHD might also benefit from individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you learn to 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 can help you understand why you've struggled and can provide you a direction to improve your life. Some people also opt to engage an expert coach who can teach them behavior strategies and help them set goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by tackling it. There are many professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline strategies, lifestyle modifications, and therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD also implement stress management strategies as well as home and work modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before beginning any of these strategies to ensure they are safe for you and meet your individual needs.
The negative impact on family relationships and friends is a major challenge for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disregard and mistrust from spouses as well as coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms like inattention, missing appointments, and impulsive decision-making can also be a source of frustration for the most understanding family members. Couples therapy classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution and other methods can help.
Certain people suffering from ADHD are also afflicted with depression and anxiety. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI), which can manifest as burning, scratching, or cutting. NSSI is extremely dangerous and is often an symptom of untreated ADHD and it is important to speak with your healthcare professional about any concerns you have.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame or self-pity when they are disregarded or criticized by other people. This can cause low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack motivation. Supporting navigate to these guys who can understand these struggles and teach you how to manage them can make a huge difference in your quality of life.
The different levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal cycles can impact your ADHD symptoms. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these cycles and need more medication to manage their symptoms. Consult your physician about hormone replacement therapy. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and regulate your body's production of estrogen. Additionally An ADHD coach can assist you to create a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel more at ease with your day-to-day obligations.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk for certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents' ages at death, and demographics such as the number of children, age of first born and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic basis with these conditions, and also suggest that there are common neurobiological processes connecting the two conditions.
Women who suffer from ADHD might develop strategies for coping to mask their symptoms, which may make it difficult to diagnose and treated. Masking may mean investing all their energy into their job, hiding their problems from their family and friends, or changing behaviors to conform to social expectations. Some of these methods are healthy, however others aren't and could cause a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition, societal and family expectations often put the burden of caring for women and mothers. The combination of high expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create an ideal recipe for anxiety and depression. These emotions can trigger or worsen symptoms associated with ADHD such as mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Women may experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause when estrogen levels decrease. This is probably due to the fact that the reduction in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to drop and make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb" moment. They are relieved to finally have an explanation for their issues, and can now seek help and treatment. In certain cases the diagnosis can allow them to be able to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've experienced in their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than biology, and it can be difficult to separate the biological differences between males and women from gender-based differences that are constructed by society. This Webpage applies to all women and people assigned female at birth, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.