ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. high functioning adhd in women feel misunderstood by their struggles and are overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopausal change can increase emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues that are that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet and working with an adhd-specific therapist can improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD can be more late in life than for males. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that women tend to present with more inattentive symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily noticed by other people) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms.
People with ADD/ADHD are often distant during conversations. This can make it hard to connect with others and can worsen their impulsivity or inattention. Poor coping habits, such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV), and overeating, are also common in women suffering from ADHD or ADD. The difficulty in remembering names is another typical indication of ADHD in women. It can be caused by a variety of circumstances particularly those connected to health, aging, or menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression than men. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have greater chance of developing other mental health issues, such as eating disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is crucial to treat any underlying issues.
It can be difficult for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to get good quality sleep than other adults. This can lead to 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 perception of themselves as male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is different from a person's sexual preference or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal make-up.
If you have ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of tips that can help improve sleep and ease stress. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women with ADHD face particular issues when seeking treatment. It may be harder to spot symptoms within the individual, and it could be more difficult to access the assistance they require. They are more likely to mask ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to receive an early diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than males.
The challenges of ADHD are often exacerbated because of hormonal changes that occur during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles. Progesterone and estrogen levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen and executive functioning issues that are often linked to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with aging can also trigger cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. It's crucial to make sure that health professionals can differentiate between a normal part of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are a myriad of treatments available to people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medications. A good night's sleep - setting a bedtime routine and avoiding time spent on screens prior to bed, and eating a regular diet - can improve sleep quality. Exercise is essential. Many people suffering from ADHD discover that meditation or yoga can help to relax. You should talk to your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can benefit from joining a group for support. These groups can offer an environment where you can talk about the issues that arise in work, relationships and other areas of your life when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD might also benefit from participating in group or individual therapy that is focused on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may also include cognitive behavior therapy, which can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative thoughts for 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 for improving your life. Some people also opt to work with an expert coach who can teach them behavior strategies and help them set goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by tackling it. There are a variety of professional treatments available for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications or therapy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques, work and home life modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. It is crucial to consult with a doctor prior to starting any of these methods to ensure that they are safe for you and meet all of your specific requirements.
One of the major issues for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships and family members. Misunderstandings and criticisms from partners, spouses, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms such as inattention, missing appointments, and impulsive decision-making can also be frustrating to even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication can help.
Certain people with ADHD are also afflicted by depression and anxiety which can worsen ADHD symptoms. Additionally, some women may develop non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which may manifest as burning, scratching or cutting. NSSI is a potentially risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
It is also common for women with ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame or self-pity when they are ignored or disregarded by others. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. A support system that understands these issues and teaches you to manage them can make a big difference in your life.
The different levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause can impact your ADHD symptoms. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these cycles and require more medication to control their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and control your body's production levels of estrogen. Finally An ADHD coach can help you create a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel more in control of your day-today obligations.
Genetics
The the chromosomal makeup of an individual determines the risk of developing certain disorders including ADHD. Many studies have shown that genetic correlations exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents who died and demographics like the number of children in a family, age of the first child born and sex at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these conditions, and that there are also common neurobiological processes that connect the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to identify and treat them. This can involve putting all their energy into their work, avoiding their problems from family members, or changing their behaviors in order to conform to the expectations of society. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others are not and can lead to a sense of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition, societal and family expectations often put the burden of taking care of women and mothers. Expectations that are higher, low self esteem, and the challenges associated with ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety. It is not unusual for these emotions to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, like mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.
Some women notice that their symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles as estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to fall which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They often feel relieved that they finally have an external explanation for their struggles and can now seek help and assistance. In some cases the diagnosis can allow people to accept the misfortunes that they have endured in their lives as a result of their 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-based differences that are constructed by society. This article is applicable to women and people who were assigned gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.