ADHD in Older Women

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

Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning problems that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and finding a therapist who is familiar with adhd can help alleviate your symptoms.

Symptoms

For women, a diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than for males. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by other people) They also create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.

Women with ADD/ADHD often appear disoriented during conversations. This can make it difficult to communicate with other people and can increase their impulsivity or inattention. Poor coping habits like shopping, TV watching (especially reality shows) and eating too much, are also common in women suffering from ADHD or ADD. The difficulty in remembering names is another common indication of ADHD for women. This can be caused by a variety of situations particularly those that have to do with health, aging, and menopausal.

Women with ADD/ADHD are also more likely to struggle with depression than men. In addition, women with ADD/ADHD are more prone to a myriad of other mental health disorders, including eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is important to treat these issues to manage and reduce symptoms of ADD/ADHD.

It is also harder for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can cause fatigue, which can cause more symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Poor or insufficient sleep can also make it harder to focus at work, at school, or with household chores.

Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, however sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social concept that is assigned at birth based on the person's inner self-perception of being male female, nonbinary, or male. Gender is distinct from a person’s sexual orientation as well as genital anatomies and the chromosomal makeup.

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

Treatment

Women who suffer from ADHD have unique experiences when it comes to 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 tend to hide ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and are less likely to receive treatment in the same way as men.

The chalnking to healthier ones.

A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It can help you to discover the reason you've been struggling and give you a framework to improve your life. Some people also opt to work with an expert coach who can guide them through ways to manage their behavior and help them establish goals for their lives.

Self-help

There is a wide variety of professional treatments for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies could include self-discipline methods as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD implement stress management strategies, home and work accommodations and dietary changes into their daily schedules. 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.

The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major problem for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses as well as coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, late appointments, and impulsive choices can also strain the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can help.

Some people who have ADHD also struggle with anxiety and depression which can cause ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that may take the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI is a very dangerous symptom that is often caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.

Women suffering from ADHD may also develop feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination and low self-esteem. A support system that understands these struggles and helps you learn to manage them can make a significant impact on your life.

ADHD symptoms can be affected by the different levels of estrogen in pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and perimenopause. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these periods and require more medication to treat their symptoms. Consider talking with your healthcare professional about a hormone replacement therapy to manage your body's natural production estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can help you develop tailored strategies to achieve your goals and feel more in control of the day-to-day tasks.

Genetics

The genetic makeup of a person's DNA and chromosomal characteristics determines the risk of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic links between adhd inattentive type in women and medical conditions like lung cancer or coronary artery disease. parents who died at a certain age and demographics like the number of children, age of first born and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these diseases, and that there are also common neurobiological processes that connect the two conditions.

Women who suffer from ADHD might develop strategies for coping to disguise their symptoms, which may make it harder to diagnose and treated. This could involve putting all their energy into their work, avoiding their problems from family members or changing their behavior in order to conform to the expectations of society. Some of these strategies can be healthy, however some aren't. They can result in feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.

In addition, societal expectations and family expectations often place the burden of caring for mothers and women. Increased expectations, low self esteem, and the challenges associated with ADHD can cause depression and anxiety. It is not uncommon for these feelings to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, including mood swings and feelings of inadequacy.

Women may experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy, [Redirect Only] perimenopause or menopause as estrogen levels decrease. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to fall and can make symptoms of ADHD worse.

Many women say that their ADHD diagnoses as being a "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have an explanation for their issues, and can now seek help and therapy. In some cases the diagnosis can allow the woman to forgive herself for the misfortunes she has experienced in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.

Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be difficult to discern biological differences between males and females from socially constructed gender distinctions. This article applies to females and people who were designated female at birth regardless of their gender identity.