Delbert Silas

ADHD in Older Women

Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They often report feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.

Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning problems that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and locating a therapist who is knowledgeable about diagnosing adhd in adult women could aid in reducing symptoms.

Symptoms

For women, a diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than it does for men. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that women tend present with more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by others), they create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.

A lack of interest in conversations is a common sign of women suffering from ADHD or ADD. This can make it hard to connect with others and can worsen their impulsivity or lack of attention. Insane coping strategies such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows), and overeating are also common among women with ADHD or ADD. The difficulty in remembering names is another typical indication of ADHD for women. This can be made worse by a myriad of factors particularly those connected to health, aging, or menopausal.

Women with ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from various other mental health issues, like eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is essential to treat these conditions in order to control and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.

It is also harder 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. Poor or insufficient sleep can make it more difficult to focus at work, in school, or on household chores.

Verywell Health points out that many people mistakenly use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, however the term "sex" refers to biology while gender is a social construct assigned at birth based on a person's inner self-perception of being male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference, genital anatomies, and chromosomal make-up.

Regardless of whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same suggestions for improving sleep and reducing stress apply. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, practicing 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 can be difficult for women with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and to get the help that they need. They are also more likely to mask their Adhd with women symptoms. They are also more likely to get a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than men.

The difficulties of ADHD may be exacerbated because of hormonal changes that take place during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can cause an increase in the executive functioning and emotional problems that often come with adhd women test. In addition, changes in blood flow associated with aging can trigger a cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial for health professionals to be aware of the differences between a natural part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.

There are several treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD that include changes in lifestyle and medications. A good sleep hygiene routine, such as establishing a routine before the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regularly can help improve sleep. Exercise is also important, and many people who suffer from ADHD find that meditative or yoga can help them relax. You should talk to your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.

Some people who suffer from ADHD are benefited by joining an ADHD support group. These groups provide a safe place to discuss the issues you encounter in your relationships as well as at work and in other aspects of your life when you are ADHD. Women with ADHD might benefit from either individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy may also include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you to accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.

A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you understand why you've been struggling, and it can give you a framework for improving your life. Some people choose to work with an expert coach who will help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their life.

Self-help

You can improve your condition by managing it. There are a myriad of professional solutions for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline techniques as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD employ stress management techniques, home and work accommodations, and nutrition changes into their daily schedules. Before you begin any of these methods it is essential to consult with a medical professional to ensure that they are safe and meet your needs.

One of the main challenges for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult add in women-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships and family members. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses or coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness absence of appointments, and impulsive decisions can also test the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution and other strategies can be helpful.

Some people with ADHD also struggle with depression and anxiety which can cause ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that can be in the form of cutting, burning or scratching. NSSI is extremely dangerous and is often an indication of untreated ADHD It is important to speak with your healthcare professional about any concerns you have.

Women who suffer from ADHD may also develop feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can lead to depression, self-esteem issues, and a lack motivation. Supporting a person who can comprehend these challenges and help you cope with them can make a huge difference in the quality of your life.

The fluctuating levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopause can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Some women find that their symptoms worsen during these times and require more medication to manage the symptoms. Talk to your doctor about a hormone replacement therapy to help regulate your body's natural production estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally An ADHD coach can assist you to develop a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day obligations.

Genetics

The the chromosomal makeup of an individual determines the risk for certain disorders including ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic connections between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer and coronary artery disease. parents who died at a certain age and demographics like the number of children, 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 common neurobiological processes that connect the two conditions.

Women who suffer from ADHD might develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, which may make it difficult to be diagnosed and treated. Masking could mean investing all their energy in their work, avoiding their issues from their family and friends or changing their behavior in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these methods are healthy, however others are not and can result in a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.

In addition, social and family expectations can put the burden of caretaking on mothers and women. The combination of increased expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can be a recipe for depression and anxiety. It is not uncommon for these emotions to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, such as mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness.

Certain women experience symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during perimenopause and menopause, when estrogen decreases. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to decrease and can make symptoms of ADHD worse.

Many women describe their ADHD diagnoses as being a "lightbulb" moment. They are happy to finally understand the reason for their issues, and can now seek help and treatment. In some cases, the diagnosis allows them to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've endured in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms.

Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than just biology, and it can be difficult to separate the biological differences between males and females from gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article applies to all women as well as those born female, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.