The Most Common ADHD In Older Women Debate Could Be As Black And White As You May Think

ADHD in Older Women

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

The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are caused by adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet, and seeking out a therapist familiar with adhd can improve your symptoms.

Signs and symptoms

Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to a number of factors, including that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by others), they create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.

A lack of interest in conversations is a common sign of women suffering from ADD/ADHD. This can make it difficult for them to connect socially and can lead to problems with inattention and impulsivity. Insane coping strategies such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV) and eating too much, are also common in women suffering from ADD/ADHD. Another sign of ADHD is the difficulty in remembering names. This can be caused in a number of ways, including by health issues, aging, and menopausal.

Women with ADD/ADHD are also at an increased risk of developing depression than men. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing other mental health conditions, including tics, eating disorder, fibromyalgia and PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is crucial to treat any underlying issues.

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

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

If you have ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of strategies that can help you improve your sleep and ease stress. Regular exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises and creating a healthy sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and increase your ability to focus.

Treatment

Women suffering from ADHD face particular issues when seeking treatment. It may be harder to identify symptoms in themselves, and can be more difficult for them to receive the help they need. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. They are also more likely to get a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than men.


The difficulties of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during menopausal and perimenopausal. Progesterone and estrogen levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues are often linked to ADHD. Additionally, the changes in blood flow that occur with aging may cause cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. It is therefore essential that health professionals distinguish between a normal part of aging, and ADHD symptoms.

There are a myriad of treatment options for those who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. A good night's sleep such as establishing a routine for bedtime, avoiding screen time before going to bed and eating regularly will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is crucial. Many people suffering from ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help them relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about which treatments are appropriate for you.

Some people who suffer from ADHD may benefit from joining a group for support. These groups can offer the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the difficulties that arise in relationships, work and other areas of your life when you suffer from ADHD. Women who have ADHD could also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you 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 discover the reason you've struggled and provide an opportunity to improve your life. Some people prefer working with an expert coach who will help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their life.

Self-help

While there are a wide selection of professional treatment options for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies may include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications, therapy, or counseling. Many people with ADHD also implement stress management strategies as well as home and work adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. It is essential to consult with a medical professional prior to starting any of these methods to ensure they are safe for you and address your individual requirements.

One of the main challenges for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships and family members. Misunderstandings and criticisms from spouses, partners and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as inattention, missing appointments, and impulsive decision-making can cause frustration to the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication can help.

Some people who have ADHD have depression and anxiety which can worsen ADHD symptoms. Additionally, some women may develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI), which can manifest as burning, scratching or cutting. NSSI is a potentially dangerous symptom that is often caused by untreated ADHD. iampsychiatry is important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare professional.

Women with ADHD may also develop feelings of shame or self-pity when they are misunderstood by others. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination, and low self-esteem. A support system that can understand the struggles you face and helps you learn to manage them can make a significant impact on your life.

The varying levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopausal cycles can impact your ADHD symptoms. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these cycles and require more medication to manage their symptoms. Consider talking with your healthcare professional about a hormone replacement therapy to regulate the body's natural production of estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Lastly, an ADHD coach can assist you to build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day responsibilities.

Genetics

The the chromosomal makeup of an individual determines the risk of developing certain disorders including ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents who died at a certain age, and demographics such as the number of children, the age of the first child, and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these conditions and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.

Women with ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This makes it difficult to identify and treat them. This can involve putting all their energy into their work, avoiding their issues from family members, or changing their behaviors to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies can be beneficial, but others aren't. They can lead to feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.

In addition, social and family expectations often put the burden of caretaking on women and mothers. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create an ideal recipe for anxiety and depression. It is not unusual for these emotions to trigger or even exacerbate ADHD symptoms, like mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness.

Some women notice that their symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during menopausal perimenopausal periods as estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to drop, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.

Many women have described their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb" moment. They are relieved to finally have a reason for their struggles, and can now seek help and therapy. In certain cases the diagnosis can allow 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 gender differences between males and females from gender-based differences that are constructed by society. This article applies to all women and those born female regardless of their confirmed gender identity.

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Pub: 09 Oct 2024 13:09 UTC
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