ADHD in Older Women

Many womenin their middle age suffer from undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. They often report feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.

Hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation and increase executive functioning problems that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet and finding a therapist familiar with adhd can improve your symptoms.

Symptoms

Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. 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 noticed by other people), they often develop coping mechanisms that mask these symptoms and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms.

A lack of interest in conversations is a typical sign of women suffering from ADD/ADHD. This can make it difficult to make connections with others and can cause problems with inattention and impulsivity. People with ADD/ADHD are susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies such as shopping or watching TV (especially reality shows) or overeating. Trouble remembering names is another common sign of ADHD for women. This can be aggravated by a variety of situations particularly those connected to age, health, and menopause.

Women with ADD/ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression than men. In addition, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from a variety of other medical conditions and mental health issues, such as eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is crucial to treat these disorders in order to manage and lessen the symptoms of add and adhd in women/ADHD.

Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to have difficulty getting enough sleep, especially in comparison to other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can also make it more difficult to focus at work, at the classroom, or in household chores.

Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" in the same way, however sex refers to biology, while gender is a social construct that is 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 as well as genital anatomies and chromosomal make-up.

If you have ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of tips that can help improve sleep and reduce stress. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and increase your ability to focus.

Treatment

Women suffering from ADHD have different experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for those with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and receive the assistance they require. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to receive an early diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than the men.

The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult because of hormonal changes that take place during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles. The decrease in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen, and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with aging may also cause cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. This is why it's important for health professionals to be aware of the distinction between the natural occurrences of aging and real ADHD symptoms.

There are several treatment options available to people suffering from adhd symptoms women which include lifestyle changes and medication. Good sleep hygiene, such as setting a routine prior to bed, avoiding screens and eating regularly can improve sleep. Exercise is also important and many people who suffer from ADHD find that meditative or yoga can help them relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about what treatments are best for you.

Some people with ADHD can benefit from joining an organization for support. These groups provide a safe place to discuss the challenges you encounter in your relationships as well as at work and other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women with attention deficit Disorder with ADHD may benefit from either individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their adhd with women. Therapy may also include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing your negative thoughts for healthier ones.

Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you discover the reason you've been struggling and provide you with an opportunity to improve your life. Many people choose to work with a coach who can help them learn behavioral strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.

Self-help

There's a broad range of professional treatments for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies include self-discipline techniques as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD also implement stress management strategies, work and home life modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these methods it is crucial to speak with a doctor to ensure that they are safe and suit your needs.

The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major issue for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disregard and mistrust from spouses, partners, and coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as inattention, missing appointments, and impulsive decision-making can also be frustrating to even the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on communication and conflict resolution can be helpful.

Certain people with ADHD have depression and anxiety which can cause ADHD symptoms. Additionally, some women may develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which may take the form of burning, scratching or cutting. NSSI is a very dangerous symptom that is often caused by untreated ADHD. It is important to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.

It is also typical for women with ADHD to develop feelings of shame, depression, or self-pity after being disregarded or criticized by others. This can result in depression, self-esteem issues, and a lack of motivation. Supporting a person who can recognize these issues and teach you how to cope with these issues can make all the difference in the quality of your life.

ADHD symptoms can be influenced by different levels of estrogen in menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopausal. Certain women experience symptoms get worse during these times and require more medication to control these symptoms. Consult your physician about hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and regulate your body's production levels of estrogen. A ADHD coach can help you develop tailored strategies to meet your goals and feel in control of your daily tasks.

Genetics

The genetic makeup of a person's chromosomes determines the risk of developing certain disorders including ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, 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 findings suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these conditions, and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.

Women who have ADHD might develop strategies for coping to disguise their symptoms, which may make it harder to be diagnosed and treated. This masking may involve putting all their energy into their work, avoiding their problems from loved ones, or changing their behaviors to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others aren't, and could cause a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.

In addition mothers and women are typically expected to take care of their children because of societal and familial expectations. The combination of high expectations, low self-esteem and the challenges of living with ADHD can create the perfect recipe for depression and anxiety. It is not unusual for these emotions to trigger or even exacerbate ADHD symptoms, such as mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.

Certain women experience symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during menopausal perimenopausal periods, when estrogen decreases. This is probably due to the the decrease in estrogen causes seletonin and dopamine levels to drop, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.

Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They usually feel content that they have an external explanation for their difficulties and can seek help and treatment. In some cases the diagnosis can allow the woman to forgive herself for the mishaps she's experienced in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.

Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be challenging to discern gender differences between men and women from socially constructed gender distinctions. This article applies to all women and those assigned female at birth regardless of their confirmed gender identity.