ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue among women* in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the situation worse. They often feel misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning problems that are that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet, and seeking out an adhd-specific therapist can improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD can be more late in life than for males. This is due to many factors, such as the fact that women are more likely to present with more inattentive symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily observed by others) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms.
A lack of interest in conversations is a common sign of women suffering from ADD/ADHD. This can make it difficult to make connections with others and can cause problems with inattention and impulsivity. Poor coping habits like shopping, TV watching (especially reality shows) and eating too much, are also common in women with ADD/ADHD. Trouble remembering names is another typical sign of ADHD in women. It can be caused by a myriad of factors that are that have to do with age, health, and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also at a higher risk of depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to a variety of other medical conditions and mental health disorders including eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is important to treat these disorders to manage and reduce symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It can also be more difficult for women with ADD/ADHD to get enough sleep than other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it difficult to concentrate on school, work, or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, however the term "sex" refers to biology while gender is a social construct assigned at birth based on a person's inner self-perception of being male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference, genital anatomy, and the chromosomal makeup.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADHD or ADD, many of the same strategies for improving your sleep and reducing 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 focus.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD have unique issues 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 conceal ADHD symptoms. They are also more likely to get a late diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than males.
The difficulties of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that are associated with perimenopause and menopause. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can exacerbate the executive functioning and emotional issues that are often associated with ADHD. In addition, the changes in blood flow associated with aging may cause cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's crucial for health professionals to be aware of the distinction between the natural occurrences of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are several treatment options for people with ADHD which include changes in lifestyle and medications. Practicing good sleep hygiene such as establishing a routine for bedtime and avoiding screens before going to bed, and eating a regular diet - can improve sleep quality. Exercise is crucial. Many people with ADHD discover that meditation or yoga helps them relax. You should talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can benefit from joining an organization for support. These groups provide a safe place to discuss the issues you encounter in your relationships, at work, and in other areas of your life when you are ADHD. Women who have ADHD might benefit from either individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing your negative patterns of thinking for healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you know the reasons you've struggled and provide the framework to improve your life. Some people also opt to work with a coach who can teach them behavior strategies and help them develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are a variety of professional treatments available for ADHD. These strategies can include self-discipline strategies as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people who suffer from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques as well as home and work adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these techniques it is essential to speak with a doctor to ensure they are safe and suit your requirements.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major issue for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses, partners, and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, late appointments, and impulsive choices can also test the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can be helpful.
Some people suffering from ADHD may also experience depression and anxiety. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which can be in the form of burning, cutting or scratching. NSSI is a dangerous symptom that is often caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to develop feelings of shame, depression or self-pity when they are misunderstood or dismissed by others. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination, and a low self-esteem. A support system that is aware of these struggles and helps you learn to manage them can make a huge difference in your life.
ADHD symptoms can be affected by the fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopausal. Some women find that their symptoms get worse during these periods and require more medication to control these symptoms. Talk to adhd symptoms women about a hormone replacement therapy to help regulate the body's natural production of estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. Finally you can consult an ADHD coach can help you create a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day responsibilities.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's DNA - their chromosomal traits - determines their risk for developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic connections between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer and coronary artery disease. parents' ages at death and demographics like the number of children, age of the first born, and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these conditions and that there are also common neurobiological processes that connect the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This makes it difficult to identify and treat them. This can 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 are healthy, while others are not and can lead to a sense of exhaustion and overwhelm.
In adhd test for women , societal and family expectations often put the burden of caretaking on women and mothers. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem and the challenges of living with ADHD can be the perfect recipe for depression and anxiety. It is not unusual for these emotions to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, like mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause or menopause as estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to drop, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women have described their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb" moment. They are relieved to finally understand the reason for their problems and are now able to seek help and treatment. In some cases the diagnosis allows the patient 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 just biology and it can be difficult to separate the biological gender differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to all women as well as those born female regardless of their declared gender identity.