ADHD in Older Women

Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and are overwhelmed.

Hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning issues that can be associated with adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and finding a therapist that is knowledgeable about adhd in older women could help alleviate your symptoms.

Symptoms

Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to many reasons, including the fact that women tend to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily noticed by others), they often develop coping mechanisms that mask these symptoms, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.

People with ADD/ADHD are often absent in conversations. This can make it hard for them to interact with others and can worsen their impulsivity or inattention. Poor coping habits, such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality TV), and overeating are also common among women with ADD/ADHD. Having trouble remembering names is a common indication of ADHD in women. It can be aggravated by a myriad of factors, especially those that have to do with health, aging, or menopausal.

Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from various other medical conditions and mental health issues, including eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. It is important to treat these issues in order to control and alleviate symptoms of add and adhd in women/ADHD.

Women with ADD/ADHD have a harder time getting good quality sleep in comparison to other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it harder to concentrate on work, school or household chores.

Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" in the same way, however sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on an individual's internal sense of self as male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation as well as genital anatomy and chromosomal makeup.

Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are plenty of tips that can help improve sleep and decrease stress. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as creating a healthy sleeping routine.

Treatment

Women with ADHD have unique difficulties when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for them to recognize symptoms in the individual, and it could be more difficult to access the assistance they require. They are more likely to conceal adhd in women diagnosis symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and are less likely to receive treatment with the same efficiency as men.

The challenges of ADHD 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. The changes in blood circulation that occur with age can also lead to cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. It's therefore important that health professionals distinguish between normal signs of aging, and ADHD symptoms.

There are a variety of treatments for people suffering from ADHD which include lifestyle changes and medications. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene such as establishing a routine for bedtime, avoiding screen time before bed and eating regular meals will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is crucial. Many people suffering from ADHD discover that yoga or meditation helps them relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.

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

Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you know the reasons you've struggled and provide the framework to improve your life. Some people also choose to engage coaches who can guide them through behavioral strategies and help them develop goals for their lives.

Self-help

While there are a wide range of professional treatments for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies could include self-discipline techniques and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people who suffer from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques, work and home life modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. It is crucial to consult with a doctor prior to commencing any of these techniques to ensure that they are safe for you and meet all of your specific requirements.

The negative impact on family relationships and friends is a major problem 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 like absence, forgetfulness and impulsive decision-making may cause frustration to the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can help.

Certain people suffering from ADHD also suffer from anxiety and depression. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which can be in the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI is a potentially dangerous symptom that is often caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.

Women who suffer from ADHD might also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can cause lack of motivation, procrastination, and a low self-esteem. A support system that understands these struggles and teaches you to manage them can make a huge impact on your life.

ADHD symptoms are influenced by varying levels estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopausal. Some women find that their symptoms get worse during these times and require additional medication to control them. Consider talking with your physician about a hormone replacement therapy to help regulate the body's natural production of estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Finally, an ADHD coach can help you create a specific strategy to meet 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 risk for developing certain disorders, like ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer or coronary artery disease. parents' ages at death, and demographics such as the number of children, age of the first child, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a common genetic basis with these conditions, and also suggest that there are common neurobiological processes that link the two conditions.

Women who suffer from ADHD might develop strategies for coping to mask their symptoms, which may make it difficult to be diagnosed and treated. Masking can include investing all their energy into their job, hiding their problems from their loved ones, or changing behaviors to meet social expectations. Some of these strategies can be healthy, but some are not. They can lead to feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.

In addition women and mothers are often expected to take care of their children due to societal and familial expectations. The combination of high expectations, low self-esteem and the challenges of living with ADHD can be the perfect recipe for depression and anxiety. It is not uncommon for these feelings to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, like mood swings and feelings of inadequacy.

Certain women experience symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles as estrogen levels decrease. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to decrease, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.

Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb moment." They usually feel relieved that they finally have a rational explanation for their issues and are able to seek treatment and support. In some cases the diagnosis enables people to accept the mishaps they've experienced in their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.

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