ADHD in Older Women

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

The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation as well as executive functioning issues that are that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and finding a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could improve your symptoms.

Symptoms

For women, a diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than for males. This is due to several factors, including the fact that women are more likely to have more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily observed by others) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause can amplify symptoms.

A lack of interest in conversations is a typical symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. This can make it difficult for them to interact with others and may increase their impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADHD are also susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies like shopping or watching TV (especially reality shows) or overeating. Another sign of ADHD is having trouble remembering names. This can be caused in a number of ways such as health issues, aging, and menopausal.

Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to struggle with depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have greater chance of developing other mental health problems, including tics, eating disorder, fibromyalgia and PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is important to treat any underlying condition.

It is also harder for women with ADD/ADHD to get good quality sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it harder to stay focused on work, school or household chores.

Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, however the term "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, nonbinary, or male. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference, genital anatomy, and chromosomal makeup.

Regardless of whether you have add symptoms in women/ADHD or not, many of the same strategies for improving sleep and reducing stress apply. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as developing a healthy routine for sleeping.

Treatment

Women suffering from ADHD face unique issues when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for them to spot symptoms within the individual, and it could be more difficult to access the help they require. They are more likely to mask adhd in women signs symptoms. They are more likely to get a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than males.

The challenges of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that are associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues are often linked to ADHD. In addition, the changes in blood flow that occur with aging may cause cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. As a result, it is crucial for health care providers to be aware of the distinction between a normal part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.

There are a myriad of treatment options for those who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. Good sleep hygiene includes creating a routine before bed, avoiding screens and eating regular meals can improve sleep. Exercise is also essential for those who suffer from ADHD find that meditative or yoga can help to relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about which treatments are best for you.

Certain people suffering from ADHD may benefit from joining a group of support. These groups provide an environment where you can talk about the challenges that arise in relationships, work and other areas when you suffer from ADHD. Women who have ADHD may also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you to accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative thoughts for healthier ones.

A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you discover the reason you've struggled and provide a framework to improve your life. Some people also opt to engage an expert coach who can help them learn behavioral strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.

Self-help

You can improve your health by tackling it. There are a myriad signs of Adhd in Adult women professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies may include self-discipline, lifestyle changes or therapy. Many people with ADHD incorporate stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations and changes to their diet into their daily routines. Before beginning any of these techniques it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to ensure that they are safe and meet your needs.

The negative impact on family relationships and friends is a major challenge for women with undiagnosed adhd in young women or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses, partners, and coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as inattention, missing appointments and impulsive decision-making may also be a source of frustration for the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on communication and conflict resolution can be helpful.

Some people who have ADHD also struggle with depression and anxiety which can worsen ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which could manifest as scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI is a dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.

It is also common for women suffering from ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame, or self-pity after being ignored or disregarded by others. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. A support system that can understand the struggles you face and teaches you to manage them can make a huge difference in your life.

The varying levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause can affect your ADHD symptoms. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these cycles and need more medication to treat their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate your body's production of estrogen. An ADHD coach can help you develop tailored strategies to meet your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day tasks.

Genetics

The genetic DNA of a person and chromosomal characteristics determines the risk of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents age at death, and demographics such as the number of children, the age of the first born and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these conditions and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.

Women who have ADHD might develop strategies for coping to hide their symptoms, which could make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. Masking can include investing all their energy in their career, hiding their problems from their family members or changing their behavior to conform to social expectations. Some of these strategies can be healthy, but some aren't. They can leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

Additionally, mothers and women are typically required to look after their children due to social and family expectations. Expectations that are higher and self-esteem issues and the challenges associated with ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety. These emotions can trigger or worsen symptoms of ADHD, like mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.

Women may experience more severe symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause or menopause when estrogen levels decrease. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to drop and can make symptoms of ADHD worse.

Many women describe their ADHD diagnoses as an "lightbulb" moment. They are happy to finally have a reason for their problems, and can now seek support and treatment. In some instances, the diagnosis allows the patient to accept the misfortunes she has experienced in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.

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