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ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common problem among women* in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation as well as executive functioning issues that are that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and locating a therapist who is familiar with adhd may aid in reducing symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than for males. This is due to several factors, such as the fact that women tend to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily noticed by other people) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes, and menopause can amplify symptoms.
Being aloof in conversations is a typical symptom for women with ADD/ADHD. This can make it difficult to connect with other people and can increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. Unhealthy coping behaviors, such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality shows) and eating too much, are also common in women suffering from ADD/ADHD. The difficulty in remembering names is a common sign of ADHD in women. It can be made worse by a variety of circumstances, especially those related to health, aging, and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. In addition, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from a myriad of other mental health disorders such as eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is essential to treat these conditions in order to control and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It is also harder for women with ADD/ADHD to have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can also make it harder to concentrate at work, at the classroom, or in household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people mistakenly use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, however the term "sex" refers to biology while gender is a social concept that is assigned at birth based on an individual's inner self-perception of being male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation, genital anatomy, and the chromosomal makeup.
If you have ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of ways to improve your sleep and ease stress. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, performing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and creating a healthy sleeping routine.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have unique experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It is sometimes difficult to spot symptoms within themselves, and it can be more difficult for them to receive the help they require. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to get an early diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than the men.
The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult because of hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause or menopause. The fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can cause an increase in the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning problems that often come with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with age can also lead to cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. As a result, it's crucial for health professionals to be aware of the differences between the natural occurrences of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are a myriad of treatment options available for people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. A good sleep hygiene routine like setting a routine prior to the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regularly can help you sleep better. Exercise is also important for those who suffer from ADHD discover that meditation or yoga can help to relax. It's important to talk to your doctor about which treatments are right for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from joining an organization for support. These groups can offer a safe space to discuss the difficulties that arise in relationships, work and other areas when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD could also benefit from individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing negative thought patterns with healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you know the reasons you've struggled and provide a framework to improve your life. Many people choose to work with a coach who can teach them ways to manage their behavior and help them develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by tackling it. There are many professional solutions for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline techniques and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques such as work and home adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these methods it is crucial to consult with a medical professional to ensure that they are safe and suit your needs.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major challenge for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. adult adhd symptoms women and criticisms from partners, spouses and colleagues are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, late appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also test the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on communication and conflict resolution can help.
Certain people suffering from ADHD may also experience depression and anxiety. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Additionally, some women may develop non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which may take the form of burning, scratching, or cutting. NSSI is extremely dangerous and is usually a symptom of untreated ADHD and it is essential to talk to your healthcare professional regarding any concerns you might have.
It is also common for women with ADHD to develop feelings of shame, depression, or self-pity after being disregarded or criticized by other people. This can cause depression, self-esteem issues, and a lack of motivation. A support system that is aware of these struggles and teaches you how to manage them can make a huge difference in your life.
The varying levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal periods can impact your ADHD symptoms. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these cycles and require more medication to manage their symptoms. Talk to your physician about an alternative therapy for hormones to regulate your body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. Finally An ADHD coach can help you develop a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more at ease with your day-to-day obligations.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's DNA and chromosomal characteristics determines their risk for developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic connections between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer or coronary artery disease. parents' ages at death, and demographics such as the number of children, age of first born and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic cause with these conditions, and also suggest that there are common neurobiological factors that link the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms. This can make it difficult to diagnose and treat them. Masking can include investing all their energy in their work, avoiding their problems from their family and friends, or changing behaviors to meet social expectations. Some of these methods are healthy, however others are not and can cause a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
Additionally, social expectations and family expectations often place the burden of caretaking on mothers and women. adult adhd symptoms women of high expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create the perfect recipe for depression and anxiety. These feelings can trigger or intensify symptoms associated with ADHD like mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Certain women experience symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal perimenopausal periods when estrogen levels drop. This is probably due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes seletonin and dopamine levels to decrease, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb moment." They often feel content that they have a rational explanation for their difficulties and can seek help and treatment. In certain cases the diagnosis can allow them to be able to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've endured in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than 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 is applicable to all women and people assigned female at birth regardless of their declared gender identity.
