ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common problem among women* in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the issue worse. Many women report feeling unappreciated and overwhelmed by their struggles.
The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation and executive dysfunction that is associated with adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and locating a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could help alleviate your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than for men. This is due to many factors, such as the fact that women tend to have more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily noticed by other people), they often develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.
Appearing aloof during conversations is a typical sign of women suffering from ADHD or ADD. This makes it difficult for them to connect socially and can exacerbate problems with inattention and impulsivity. Women with ADHD are also more prone to unhealthy coping habits such as shopping or watching television (especially reality shows), or overeating. Another common sign of ADHD is having trouble remembering names. adhd symptoms in women can be exacerbated in a number of ways, including by health issues, aging and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to struggle with depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing other mental health conditions, including eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. It is essential to treat these issues in order to manage and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD suffer from difficulty getting a good night's sleep when as compared to other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it more difficult to stay focused on work, school or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people mistakenly use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, however sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on an individual's internal sense of self as male female, nonbinary, or male. Gender is different from a person's sexual orientation or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal make-up.
Regardless of whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same suggestions for improving sleep and reducing stress can be applied. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as making a healthy sleep routine.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have their own unique challenges when seeking treatment for their condition. It may be harder to spot symptoms within themselves, and it can be more difficult to access the help they need. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. They are also more likely to get a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than males.
The difficulties of ADHD may be exacerbated due to hormonal changes that take place during perimenopause or menopause. The decrease in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen and executive functioning issues are often linked to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with aging can also trigger cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. This is why it's crucial for health care providers to be aware of the differences between a normal part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options available for people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene by establishing a bedtime routine, avoiding screen time before bed, and eating a regular diet can help improve sleep quality. Exercise is crucial. Many people suffering from ADHD discover that yoga or meditation helps them relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about what treatments are best 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 encounter in your relationships as well as at work and in other areas of your life when you are ADHD. Women with ADHD may benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative thoughts with healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. adhd symptoms in women will help you understand the reason you've struggled and can provide you a direction for improving your life. Some people also choose to collaborate with an expert coach who can guide them through behavioral strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
There's a broad selection of professional treatment options for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies include self-discipline methods, lifestyle modifications, and therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD incorporate stress management techniques such as home and work arrangements and dietary changes into their daily routines. Before beginning any of these strategies it is essential to speak with a doctor to ensure they are safe and meet your needs.
The negative impact on family relationships and friends is a major challenge for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disregard and mistrust from spouses as well as colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, missed appointments and impulsive decisions can also be frustrating to even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize conflict resolution and communication, and other strategies can be helpful.
Certain 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 may take the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI is a potentially dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your healthcare professional.
Women with ADHD may also develop feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can cause feelings of self-doubt, procrastination, and a lack motivation. A support system that is aware of the struggles you face and teaches you to deal with them can make a big difference in your life.
ADHD symptoms can be influenced by different levels of estrogen in menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopause. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these cycles and need more medication to manage their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and regulate your body's production levels of estrogen. Finally 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. Several different studies have reported that genetic correlations exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents dying at a certain age and demographics such as the number of children in a household, the age of the child who was born first, and sex at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic cause with these conditions, and also suggest that there are common neurobiological factors connecting the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to identify and treat them. Masking can include investing all their energy in their work, avoiding their problems from their family members or altering their behavior in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these methods are healthy, however others are not and can result in a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
Additionally mothers and women are typically expected to take care of their children due to social and family expectations. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem and the difficulties of living with ADHD can be a recipe for depression and anxiety. These feelings can trigger or worsen symptoms of ADHD, like mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal periods as estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to drop, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have an explanation for their struggles and are now able to seek help and treatment. In certain cases the diagnosis can allow people to accept the mishaps they've suffered through the course of their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be difficult to discern gender differences between women and men from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to all women and people assigned female at birth regardless of their confirmed gender identity.