ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in middle age suffer from undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopausal change can increase emotional dysregulation and executive functioning problems caused by adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and locating a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could help alleviate your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than for men. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that women tend to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily observed by other people) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms that mask these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms.
A lack of interest in conversations is a typical symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. This can make it hard to communicate with others and may increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. Insane coping strategies, such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality TV), and overeating, are also common in women with ADHD or ADD. Another common symptom of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be caused in a variety of ways as well as by health issues, aging and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to struggle with depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have an increased chance of developing other mental health issues, such as eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. It is important to treat these issues to manage and reduce symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with add treatment for women/ADHD also suffer from difficulty getting good quality sleep as compared to other adults. This can lead to exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it harder to concentrate on school, work, or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people confuse "gender" with "ADD/adhd And Depression in women". However, sex is biology and gender is a social construct based on an individual's internal perception of themselves as male, female or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation, genital anatomy, and chromosomal makeup.
No matter if you suffer from ADHD or inattentive add in women, many of the same strategies for improving your sleep and reducing stress apply. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have different experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It may be harder to spot symptoms within themselves, and can be more difficult to access the assistance they require. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. They are also more likely to get a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than the men.
The challenges of adhd in women assessment can be made more difficult by hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can increase the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow associated with aging may cause cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. It is therefore essential that health care providers distinguish between normal signs of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options available for people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medications. Good sleep hygiene includes setting a routine prior to the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating a regular diet, can help you sleep better. Exercise is important. Many people with ADHD find that yoga or meditation helps to relax. It is important to talk with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD can benefit from joining an organization for support. These groups offer a safe place to discuss the issues you encounter in your relationships, at work, and in other aspects of your life when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD might also benefit from taking part in individual or group therapy that concentrates on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thought patterns with more positive ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing event for women. It can help you to know the reasons you've struggled and provide an opportunity to improve your life. Many people choose to work with coaches who can teach them behavioral strategies and help them set goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your health by tackling it. There are many professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline and lifestyle changes or therapy. Many people suffering from ADHD employ stress management techniques, home and work accommodations and dietary changes into their daily routines. It is essential to consult with a doctor prior to beginning any of these strategies to ensure they are suitable for you and will meet your individual requirements.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major issue for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses as well as coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness missing appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy and classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication can help.
Some people with ADHD also struggle with depression and anxiety which can worsen ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, some women might suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which could manifest as burning, scratching, or cutting. NSSI can be very risky and is often a symptom of untreated ADHD and it is essential to talk to your healthcare provider regarding any concerns you might have.
It is also typical for women with ADHD to experience feelings of shame, depression or self-pity when they are misunderstood or dismissed by others. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination and low self-esteem. A support system that can comprehend these challenges and help you overcome them can make all the difference to your quality of life.
adhd in women over 50 symptoms can be affected by the different levels of estrogen in menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these cycles and require additional medication to control their symptoms. Consult your physician about hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and control your body's production of estrogen. An ADHD coach can assist you in developing a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more in control of the day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk of having certain disorders including ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic connections between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer or coronary artery disease. parents age at death, and demographics such as the number of children, the age of the first child and gender 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 who suffer from ADHD might develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms, which can make it harder to diagnose and treated. Masking could mean investing all their energy in their job, hiding their troubles from their family and friends or altering their behavior to conform to social expectations. Some of these methods are healthy, however others aren't and could cause a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
In addition, social and family expectations often put the burden of taking care of mothers and women. Increased expectations and low self-esteem and the difficulties that come with ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety. These emotions can trigger or worsen symptoms associated with ADHD like mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal symptoms when estrogen levels drop. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to decrease and can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women say that they have experienced their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb moment." They are often relieved that they finally have a rational explanation for their struggles and can now seek treatment and support. In certain cases the diagnosis can allow them to be able to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've suffered through the course of their lives because 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-based differences that are constructed by society. This article is applicable to all women as well as those assigned female at birth, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.