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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 issue worse. Many women report feeling unappreciated and overwhelmed by their struggles.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning issues that can be that are associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet and working with an therapist who is familiar with adhd can improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD can be more late in life than it does for men. This is due to several factors, including the fact that women are more likely to have more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily noticed by other people) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear absent in conversations. This can make it difficult to communicate with others and can worsen their impulsivity or inattention. Women with ADD/ADHD are also prone to unhealthy coping behaviors such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows) or overeating. The difficulty in remembering names is another common sign of ADHD for women. This can be caused by a variety of situations that are that have to do with health, aging, or menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also more likely to struggle with depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to various other mental health disorders, such as tics, eating disorders as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is essential to treat any underlying condition.
It is also harder for women with ADD/ADHD have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can result in fatigue, which can cause more symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it more difficult to focus on school, work, 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 construct assigned at birth based on an individual's internal perception of themselves as male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is different from a person’s sexual orientation or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal make-up.
If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of ways to improve your sleep and reduce stress. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises and making a healthy sleep routine.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD face unique issues when seeking treatment. women and adhd can be difficult for those suffering from ADHD to identify their symptoms and get the help they require. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and less likely to receive treatment as effectively as men.
The difficulties of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that are associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. Progesterone and estrogen levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen, and executive functioning issues are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that come with aging can also trigger 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 a myriad of treatment options available for people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. 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 important. Many people suffering from ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help them relax. It is important to talk with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD may benefit by joining a group of support. These groups can offer the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the challenges that arise in work, relationships and other areas when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD might benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative thinking patterns with healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you understand why you have been struggling and provide you with the framework to improve your life. Some people prefer working with a professional coach who can assist them to learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
There is a wide range of professional treatments for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies could include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications, therapy, or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD also implement stress management strategies as well as home and work accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these strategies it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to ensure that they are safe and suit your requirements.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major problem for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses, partners and colleagues are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, absence of appointments, and impulsive choices can also test the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other techniques can help.
Some people suffering from ADHD also suffer from depression and anxiety. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, some women might suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which may manifest as burning, scratching or cutting. NSSI can be very dangerous and is often an indication of untreated ADHD and it is essential to talk to your doctor regarding any concerns you might have.
It is also normal for women suffering from ADHD to develop feelings of depression, shame, or self-pity after being misunderstood or dismissed by other people. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination, and low self-esteem. A support system that can understand the struggles you face and teaches you to manage them can make a significant difference in your life.
ADHD symptoms are influenced by varying levels estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopausal. Some women find that their symptoms get worse during these times and require additional medication to manage the symptoms. Consider talking with your healthcare professional about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to regulate the body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally 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 tasks.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's DNA - their chromosomal traits - determines the risk of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Several different studies have reported that genetic connections exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer or coronary heart disease. parents who died, and demographics, such as the number of children in a family, the age of the child who was born first, and sex at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these diseases, and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. This can make it difficult to identify and treat them. This can involve putting all their energy into their work, avoiding their problems from loved ones or altering their behavior in order to conform to the expectations of society. Some of these methods are healthy, however others are not and can cause a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
In addition, social expectations and family expectations often place the burden of caring for mothers and women. The combination of increased expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create a recipe for depression and anxiety. It is not unusual for these emotions to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, such as mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.
Some women notice that their symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during perimenopause and menopause, when estrogen decreases. This is likely due to the fact the diminution in estrogen can cause dopamine and seletonin levels to drop which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women say that they have experienced their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They are often at peace knowing that they have an external explanation for their struggles and can now seek help and assistance. In some cases the diagnosis can allow the woman to be able to forgive herself for the mistakes she has made in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be difficult to discern biological differences between males and females from socially constructed gender distinctions. This article applies to females and those who were deemed gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.
