ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in middle age suffer from undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopausal change can increase emotional dysregulation as well as executive dysfunction that is that are associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and seeking out an adhd-specific therapist can help alleviate your symptoms.
Signs and 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 that women tend present with more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily noticed by others) They also develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear distant during conversations. This can make it hard for them to interact with others and may increase their impulsivity or inattention. Women with ADD/ADHD are also more prone to unhealthy coping habits such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows) or eating too much. The difficulty in remembering names is a common indication of ADHD in women, which can be aggravated by a myriad of factors, especially those that have to do with age, health, and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have greater risk of developing other mental health issues, such as tics, eating disorder and fibromyalgia. PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is essential to treat any underlying conditions.
It can also be more difficult for women with ADD/ADHD to have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can lead to fatigue, which can cause more symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can also make it harder to concentrate at work, in the classroom, or in household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people are confused by "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However the sex of a person is a matter of biology and gender is a social construct based on an individual's internal perception of themselves as male, female or non-binary. Gender is different from a person's sexual orientation, genital anatomies, and the chromosomal makeup.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADHD or ADD, many of the same tips for improving your sleep and reducing stress can be applied. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD have unique difficulties when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for those suffering from ADHD to recognize their symptoms and receive the help that they need. They are more likely to mask ADHD symptoms. They are also more likely to get an early diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than men.
The difficulties of ADHD may be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning problems that often come with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with aging can also trigger cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. It is therefore essential to make sure that health professionals can differentiate between a normal aspect of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments for people suffering from ADHD which include changes in lifestyle and medications. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene by establishing a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before going to going to bed and eating regularly can help improve sleep quality. Exercise is also essential, and many people with ADHD discover that meditation or yoga can help to relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about which treatments are right for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD are benefited by joining a support group. These groups offer the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the challenges you encounter in your relationships at work, in your relationships, and in other areas of your life when you're ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD may also benefit by participating in group or individual therapy which focuses on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thought patterns with healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you understand why you've struggled and can provide you a framework for improving your life. Some people opt to work with an expert coach who will help them discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their life.
Self-help
There's a broad range of professional treatments for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These methods could include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications or therapy. Many people suffering from ADHD also implement stress management strategies, work and home life adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these methods, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and will meet your requirements.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major challenge for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disagreements and criticisms from partners, spouses and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms like inattention, missing appointments, and impulsive decision-making can also be a source of frustration for the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can be helpful.
Some people suffering from ADHD may also experience anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which could manifest as burning, scratching or cutting. NSSI is a very risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is important to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare professional.
Women who suffer from ADHD can also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can cause lack of motivation, procrastination, and low self-esteem. Having a support system that can recognize these issues and help you overcome them can make all the difference to your quality of life.
ADHD symptoms can be influenced by fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopausal. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these periods and require more medication to control their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and regulate your body's production of estrogen. An ADHD coach can also assist you in developing a customized strategy to reach your goals and feel more in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's chromosomes determines the risk of having certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have proven that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents' ages at death and demographics such as the number of children, age of the first child and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these conditions, and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
adhd in women uk with ADHD might develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult to identify and treat them. This masking may involve putting all their energy into their work, avoiding their problems from family members or altering their behavior in order to conform to the expectations of society. Some of these strategies could be healthy, but some are not. They can result in feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
In addition women and mothers are often expected to care for their children due to societal and familial expectations. The combination of high expectations, low self-esteem and the challenges of living with ADHD can be a recipe for anxiety and depression. It is not uncommon for these emotions to trigger or even exacerbate ADHD symptoms, such as mood swings and feelings of inadequacy.
Certain women experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms as estrogen levels decrease. This is probably due to the fact that the reduction in estrogen can cause dopamine and seletonin levels to decrease which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women have described their ADHD diagnoses as being a "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have a reason for their problems, and can now seek help and treatment. In some instances, the diagnosis can allow the woman to be able to forgive herself for the misfortunes she has experienced in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be challenging to separate biological differences between men and women from socially constructed gender distinctions. This article applies to all women and people assigned female at birth regardless of their confirmed gender identity.