ADHD in Older Women

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

The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation and executive functioning problems caused by adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet and finding an adhd-specific therapist can improve your symptoms.

Symptoms

Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that women adhd diagnosis are more likely to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily noticed by others) They often develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause can amplify symptoms.

Being aloof in conversations is a common symptom for women with ADD/ADHD. This makes it difficult to make connections with others and can cause problems with impulsivity and inattention. Unhealthy coping behaviors, such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality TV), and overeating are also common among women with ADHD or ADD. Trouble remembering names is another common sign of ADHD for women. This can be aggravated by a variety of circumstances that are connected to health, aging, or menopause.

Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more prone to a myriad of other mental health issues, such as eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is essential to treat any underlying issues.

Women with ADD/ADHD suffer from difficulty getting a good night's sleep when compared to other adults. This can lead to exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Poor or insufficient sleep can make it harder to stay focused at work, at school, or with household chores.

Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" in the same way, however the term "sex" refers to biology while gender is a social construct assigned at birth based on an individual's inner self-perception of being male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is different from a person’s sexual orientation, genital anatomies, and the chromosomal makeup.

Whatever your condition, whether you have ADHD or ADD, a lot of the same tips for improving your sleep and reducing stress are applicable to. Engaging attention deficit disorder in women regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises and creating a healthy sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and improve your ability to concentrate.

Treatment

Women with ADHD have their own unique challenges when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for those suffering from ADHD to recognize their symptoms and get the assistance they require. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to receive a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than men.

The challenges of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can exacerbate the executive functioning and emotional issues that are often associated with ADHD. In addition, the changes in blood flow that occur with aging can cause some cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. It's therefore important that health professionals distinguish between normal signs of aging, and ADHD symptoms.

There are a variety of treatments available to people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. Good sleep hygiene like setting a routine prior to bedtime, avoiding screen-time and eating a regular diet, can help improve sleep. Exercise is essential. Many people with ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps to relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about the treatments that are right for you.

Certain people suffering from ADHD may benefit from joining a group of support. These groups provide a safe space to discuss the issues that arise in relationships, work and other areas when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD could also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing your negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.

A diagnosis of adhd in women diagnosis is a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you've struggled, and it can give you a framework to improve your life. Many people choose to collaborate with an expert coach who can help them learn behavior strategies and help them develop goals for their lives.

Self-help

You can improve your condition by managing it. There are a myriad of professional treatments available for ADHD. These methods could include self-discipline, lifestyle changes, therapy, or counseling. Many people with ADHD employ stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations and changes to their diet into their daily routines. It is essential to consult with a medical professional prior to beginning any of these strategies to ensure that they are safe for Adhd in women diagnosis you and meet all of your needs.

One of the main challenges for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships as well as family members. Disregard and mistrust from spouses or coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, missed appointments and impulsive decision-making may also be a source of frustration for the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication can help.

Some people suffering from ADHD are also afflicted with anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which can be in the form of cutting, burning or scratching. NSSI can be extremely risky and is often an symptom of untreated ADHD, so it is important to speak with your healthcare professional about any concerns you have.

Women who suffer from ADHD might also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination and low self-esteem. A support system that can understand these issues and helps you learn to deal with them can make a huge difference in your life.

The different levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal periods can affect your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these cycles and need more medication to control their symptoms. Think about talking to your doctor about a hormone replacement therapy to regulate your body's natural production of estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can assist you in developing a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel in control of your day-to-day tasks.

Genetics

The genetic makeup of a person's chromosomes determines the risk of developing 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 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 is a genetic condition that has a connection with these conditions and that there are common neurobiological processes that connect the two conditions.

Women who have ADHD may develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, which could make it more difficult to diagnose and treated. This can include putting all their energy into their jobs, avoiding their problems from loved ones or altering their behavior to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies can be beneficial, but others are not. They can lead to feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

In addition mothers and women are typically expected to take care of their children due to social and familial expectations. The combination of increased expectations, low self-esteem, and the challenges of living with ADHD can be a recipe for depression and anxiety. These emotions can trigger or exacerbate ADHD-related symptoms like mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.

Certain women experience symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles, when estrogen decreases. This could be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to drop, which can make the symptoms of adhd in adult women test worse.

Many women say that their ADHD diagnoses as a "lightbulb" moment. They are relieved to finally understand the reason for their issues and are now able to seek support and treatment. In some cases, the diagnosis allows the patient to forgive herself for the mishaps she's experienced in her life because of her 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 stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article applies to all women as well as those assigned female at birth, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.