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ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. They often report feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning issues that can be that are associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and finding a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could help alleviate your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD can be more late in life than it does for men. This is due to a number of factors, such as the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by other people) and they create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear absent in conversations. This can make it difficult for them to connect socially and can exacerbate problems with impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADD/ADHD are also susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies like shopping or watching television (especially reality shows) or overeating. Another common symptom of ADHD is the difficulty in remembering names. This can be aggravated by a variety of factors, including by health issues, aging and menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to struggle with depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from a myriad of other medical conditions and mental health issues, such as tics, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. It is essential to treat these disorders in order to control and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It can also be more difficult for women with ADD/ADHD get good quality sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Lack of sleep or a lack of quality sleep can make it 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" 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 sense of self as male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation, genital anatomies, and chromosomal make-up.
Regardless of whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same strategies for improving your sleep and reducing stress can be applied. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and increase your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD have unique experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It may be harder to spot symptoms within themselves, and can be more difficult to get the help they need. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. adhd in women signs are more likely to receive a late diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than males.
The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are common to ADHD. Additionally, the changes in blood flow associated with aging can trigger a cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. It is therefore essential that health care providers distinguish between a normal aspect of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options for those with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. A good night's sleep by establishing a bedtime routine, avoiding screen time before bed and eating regular meals will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is important. Many people suffering from ADHD discover that meditation or yoga helps them relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about the treatments that are right for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD are benefited by joining an organization for support. These groups can provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the challenges that arise in relationships, work and other areas of life when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD can also benefit from participating in group or individual therapy that concentrates on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you accept your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thoughts with more positive ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you understand why you have struggled and provide the framework to improve your life. Some people choose to work with a professional coach who can assist them to discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are many professional treatments available for ADHD. These strategies can include self-discipline techniques and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD also implement stress management strategies, work and home life modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. It is essential to consult with a medical professional prior to starting any of these methods to ensure they are suitable for you and will meet all of your specific needs.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major problem for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses, partners, and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, missing appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize conflict resolution and communication, and other methods can help.
attention deficit disorder in women with ADHD are also afflicted with anxiety and depression. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which could be characterized as burning, scratching, or cutting. NSSI can be very risky and is often an indication of untreated ADHD, so it is crucial to talk with your doctor about any concerns you have.
It is also typical for women suffering from ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame or self-pity following being disregarded or criticized by others. This can cause lack of motivation, procrastination, and low self-esteem. A support system that is aware of these issues and helps you learn to deal with them can make a significant impact on your life.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal periods can affect your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience symptoms worsen during these times and require additional medication to control them. Think about talking to your healthcare professional about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to manage your body's natural production estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. A ADHD coach can assist you in establishing a specific strategy to reach your goals and feel in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's chromosomes determines the risk of developing certain diseases, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic connections between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer and coronary artery disease. parents age at death, and demographics such as the number of children, age of the first born and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these conditions and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women who have ADHD might develop strategies for coping to disguise their symptoms, which can make it harder to diagnose and treated. Masking can include investing all their energy in their work, avoiding their problems from their family and friends or altering their behavior to conform to social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others aren't and could cause a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
In addition, social and family expectations often put the burden of caretaking on women and mothers. Increased expectations and low self-esteem and the difficulties that come with ADHD can cause depression and anxiety. These emotions can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of ADHD, such as mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women notice that their symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during perimenopause and menopause, when estrogen decreases. This is probably due to the the reduction in estrogen can cause dopamine and seletonin levels to drop and make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women say that their ADHD diagnoses as an "lightbulb" moment. They are relieved to finally have a reason for their issues, and can now seek support and treatment. In some cases, the diagnosis allows the patient to accept 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 gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article applies to females and people who were assigned gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.
