10 Basics On ADHD In Older Women You Didn't Learn In The Classroom
ADHD in Older Women
Many womenin their midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and are overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues that are that are associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet and working with an therapist who is familiar with adhd can improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than for males. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that women tend present with more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by others) They also develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear disoriented during conversations. This can make it difficult to make connections with others and can lead to problems with inattention and impulsivity. Women with ADHD are also more prone to unhealthy coping habits such as shopping and watching TV (especially reality shows) or overeating. The difficulty in remembering names is another typical indication of ADHD in women, which can be aggravated by a variety of circumstances that are that have to do with health, aging, and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have greater risk of developing other mental health conditions, including tics, eating disorder, fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is important to treat these disorders in order to manage and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD have a harder time getting a good night's sleep when as compared to other adults. This can cause exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can make it harder to stay focused at work, at the classroom, or in household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people confuse "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However, sex is biology and gender is a social construct that is based on an individual's internal perception of themselves as male, female or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexuality or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.
No matter if you suffer from ADHD or ADD, many of the same strategies to improve your sleep and reduce stress can be applied. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises and creating a healthy sleeping routine.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD have unique experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It is sometimes difficult to recognize symptoms in the individual, and it could be more difficult for them to receive the help they need. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive later diagnosis and less likely to be treated in the same way as men.
The challenges of ADHD may be exacerbated because of hormonal changes that occur in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow that occur with aging may cause cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. It is therefore essential that health care providers distinguish between a normal aspect of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD which include lifestyle changes and medications. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene - setting a bedtime routine, avoiding screen time before bed and eating regular meals will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is also important and many people who suffer from ADHD find that meditative or yoga helps them relax. It is important to talk with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD benefit from joining a support group. These groups provide a safe space to discuss the challenges that arise in work, relationships and other areas when you have ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD might also benefit from taking part in individual or group therapy that concentrates on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. adhd in women checklist may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative thoughts for healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you've been struggling, and it can give you a plan to improve your life. Many people choose to work with a coach who can teach them behavior strategies and help them set goals for their lives.
Self-help
While there are a wide range of professional treatments for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These methods could include self-discipline and lifestyle changes, therapy, or counseling. Many people with ADHD implement stress management strategies as well as work and home accommodations, and nutrition changes 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 suit your requirements.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major issue for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses, partners and colleagues are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, missing appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication can help.
Some people who have ADHD have anxiety and depression which can worsen ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that may take the form of burning, cutting or scratching. NSSI can be very dangerous and is usually an symptom of untreated ADHD It is essential to talk to your healthcare professional regarding any concerns you may have.
It is also normal for women suffering from ADHD to experience feelings of shame, depression, or self-pity after being misunderstood or dismissed by other people. This can cause lack of motivation, procrastination and low self-esteem. A support system that is aware of the struggles you face and teaches you how to deal with them can make a significant impact on your life.
ADHD symptoms can be influenced by varying levels estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and perimenopause. Some women notice that their symptoms become more severe during these times and require additional medication to manage these symptoms. Consider talking with your physician about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to manage the body's natural production of estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. A ADHD coach can also assist you in developing a customized strategy to reach your goals and feel more in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA of a person - their chromosomal traits - determines the risk of developing certain disorders, like ADHD. Numerous studies have proven that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, 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 shared genetic basis with these conditions, and also indicate that there are common neurobiological factors linking the two conditions.
Women who suffer from ADHD may develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, which could make it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. This masking may consist of putting all their effort into their jobs, avoiding their problems from loved ones or changing their behavior to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies could be healthy, however some aren't. They can leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition, societal and family expectations can put the burden of caring for mothers and women. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem and the challenges of living with ADHD can create an ideal recipe for anxiety and depression. These feelings can trigger or intensify ADHD-related symptoms like mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Some women notice that their symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during perimenopause and menopause as estrogen levels decrease. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to fall and can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women have described their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have a reason for their struggles, and can now seek help and treatment. In some cases, the diagnosis allows the patient to accept the mishaps she's experienced in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be difficult to separate gender differences between women and men from socially constructed differences in gender. This article applies to all women and those assigned female at birth, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.