ADHD in Older Women

Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue for women in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the issue worse. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and are overwhelmed.

The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation as well as executive functioning issues that are caused by adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet and working with a therapist familiar with adhd can ease your symptoms.

Signs and symptoms

Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that women tend present with more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by others) and they develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.

People with ADD/ADHD are often absent in conversations. This can make it hard to connect with others and can worsen their impulsivity or lack of attention deficit in women. Women with ADD/adhd with women are also prone to unhealthy coping behaviors like shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows) or overeating. The difficulty in remembering names is a common indication of ADHD in women, which can be aggravated by a variety of situations, especially those related to age, health, and menopause.

Women with ADD/ADHD are also at higher risks of depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from various other mental health disorders including tics, eating disorders as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is important to treat these disorders in order to manage and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.

Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to have difficulty getting enough sleep, especially compared to other adults. This can lead to fatigue, which can cause more symptoms of add women/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can also make it harder to stay focused at work, in school, or on 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 a person's internal sense of self as male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation, genital anatomies, and chromosomal make-up.

Regardless of whether you have ADHD or ADD, a lot of the same strategies to improve your sleep and reduce stress can be applied. Regular exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and increase your ability to focus.

Treatment

Women suffering from ADHD have unique experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It may be harder to spot symptoms within themselves, and can be more difficult to access the help they need. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive late diagnosis and less likely to be treated in the same way as men.

The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes that occur during menopausal and perimenopausal. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with age can also lead to cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's crucial for health care providers to recognize the differences between the natural occurrences of aging and real ADHD symptoms.

There are many treatment options for people with ADHD, including lifestyle changes and medications. Good sleep hygiene includes creating a routine before bed, avoiding screens and eating a regular diet, can improve sleep. Exercise is also important for those who suffer from ADHD find that meditative or yoga can help them relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.

Certain people suffering from ADHD are benefited by joining an organization for support. These groups provide a safe place to discuss the issues you encounter in your relationships at work, in your relationships, and in other aspects of your life when you are ADHD. Women with ADHD might benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you accept your thoughts and feelings while changing negative patterns of thinking for healthier ones.

A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It can help you to understand why you have been struggling and provide you with the framework to improve your life. Some people choose to work with an expert coach who will help them discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their life.

Self-help

You can improve your condition by tackling it. There are a myriad of professional treatments available for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications or therapy. Many people with ADHD employ stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations, and nutrition changes into their daily routines. Before beginning any of these techniques it is essential to consult with a medical professional to ensure they are safe and meet your requirements.

One of the major issues for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships and family members. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses as well as coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness missing appointments, and impulsive choices can also test the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on communication and conflict resolution can help.

Some people with ADHD are also afflicted by depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, some women might suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which may take the form of scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI is extremely dangerous and is often a symptom of untreated ADHD and it is important to speak with your doctor regarding any concerns you may have.

Women with ADHD can also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are misunderstood by others. This can cause low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack of motivation. A support system that is aware of these issues 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 perimenopause can impact your ADHD symptoms. Some women notice that their symptoms worsen during these times and require more medication to control the symptoms. Think about talking to your healthcare professional about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to help control your body's natural production of estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally you can consult an ADHD coach can assist you to build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more at ease with your day-to-day tasks.

Genetics

The genetic DNA of a person - their chromosomal traits - determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, like 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 like the number of children, the age of the first born, and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic cause with these disorders, and they also suggest that there are common neurobiological mechanisms connecting the two conditions.

Women with ADHD might develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms, which may make it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. Masking can include investing all their energy in their work, avoiding their problems from their family members, or changing behaviors to meet social expectations. Some of these strategies could be beneficial, but others are not. They can leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

Additionally, social and family expectations can put the burden of caring for women and mothers. Expectations that are higher, 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 such as mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.

Women may experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause as estrogen levels decrease. This is likely to 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 have described their ADHD diagnoses as a "lightbulb" moment. They are relieved to finally have an explanation for their struggles and are now able to seek support and treatment. In some cases, the diagnosis allows the patient to forgive herself for the mistakes she has made in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.

Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be difficult to distinguish the gender differences between women and men from socially constructed gender distinctions. This article is applicable to women and those who were deemed gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.