ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common problem for women in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and are overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning problems that are that are associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and seeking out an adhd-specific therapist can help alleviate your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than it does for men. This is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by others), they develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear distant during conversations. This can make it hard for them to interact with other people and can increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. Women with ADD/ADHD are also susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies such as shopping and watching TV (especially reality shows), or overeating. Another common symptom of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be aggravated in a number of ways, including by health issues, aging and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of depression than men. In addition, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from a myriad of other medical conditions and mental health issues, including eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. It is essential to treat these conditions to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It can also be more difficult for women with ADD/ADHD have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Lack of sleep or a lack of quality sleep can make it harder to concentrate on school, work 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 concept that is assigned at birth based on the person's internal perception of themselves as male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation as well as genital anatomy and the chromosomal makeup.
If you have ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of tips that can help improve sleep and decrease stress. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD face particular issues when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for those suffering from ADHD to identify their symptoms and get the help that they need. They are also more likely to conceal their ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to get a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than males.
The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult because of hormonal changes that occur during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles. The decrease in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues are often linked to ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow that occur with aging can cause some cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. It's therefore important to make sure that health professionals can differentiate between a normal part of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options available for people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. A good sleep hygiene routine, such as creating a routine before bedtime, avoiding screen-time and eating a regular diet, can improve sleep. Exercise is also important, and many people who suffer from ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help to relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD might benefit by joining a group of support. These groups can provide an environment where you can talk about the difficulties that arise in work, relationships and other areas of your life when you suffer from ADHD. adhd in women checklist with ADHD might also benefit from engaging in group or individual therapy that is focused on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It will help you understand the reason you've struggled, and it can give you a framework to improve your life. Many people choose to engage coaches who can guide them through behavioral strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are many professional solutions for ADHD. These methods could include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications or therapy. Many people suffering from ADHD employ stress management techniques, home and work accommodations and dietary changes into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these techniques, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and meet your needs.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major problem for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disagreements and criticisms from partners, spouses and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as 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 conflict resolution and communication, and other techniques can help.
Certain people with ADHD are also afflicted by anxiety and depression which can cause ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women develop non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which can take the form of scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI is a potentially dangerous symptom that is often caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare provider.
It is also common for women with ADHD to develop feelings of shame, depression or self-pity when they are misunderstood or dismissed by other people. This can result in depression, self-esteem issues, and a lack motivation. A support system that understands the struggles you face and teaches you how to deal with them can make a big difference in your life.
ADHD symptoms can be affected by the fluctuating levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and perimenopause. Some women find that their symptoms become more severe during these times and require additional medication to manage these symptoms. Discuss with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and control the body's production of estrogen. Lastly, an ADHD coach can assist you to develop a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more in control of your day-today responsibilities.
Genetics
The genetic DNA of a person and chromosomal characteristics determines the risk of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer and coronary artery disease. parents' ages at death and demographics such as the number of children, the age of the first born, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these conditions and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women with ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This makes it difficult to identify and treat them. Masking could mean putting their entire energy into their job, hiding their problems from their family members or altering their behavior to conform to social expectations. Some of these methods are healthy, however others aren't and could result in a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
Additionally, social and family expectations can put the burden of taking care of mothers and women. The combination of high expectations, low self-esteem and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create a recipe for depression and anxiety. These feelings can trigger or worsen symptoms associated with ADHD such as mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Certain women experience more severe symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal symptoms as estrogen levels decrease. This is likely to 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 say that they have experienced their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb moment." They are often content that they have a rational explanation for their difficulties and can seek help and assistance. In some cases the diagnosis enables people to accept the mishaps they've suffered through the course of their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than just biology, and it can be difficult to separate the biological differences between males and women from gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article is applicable to all women as well as those born female, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.