20 Fun Informational Facts About ADHD In Older Women
ADHD in Older Women Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common problem for women in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the situation worse. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and are overwhelmed. The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation and executive dysfunction that is associated with adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and finding a therapist who is familiar with adhd may aid in reducing symptoms. Signs and symptoms Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to several reasons, including the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily observed by others), they often develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms. Women with ADD/ADHD often appear absent in conversations. This makes it difficult for them to connect socially and can exacerbate problems with inattention and impulsivity. Women with ADD/ADHD are also prone to unhealthy coping behaviors such as shopping or watching television (especially reality shows) or eating too much. Trouble remembering names is another common sign of ADHD in women. It can be made worse by a variety of circumstances particularly those related to health, aging, or menopausal. Women with ADD/ADHD are also more likely to struggle with depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more prone to a variety of other mental health disorders, including eating disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. PTSD. It is essential to treat these disorders to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Women with ADD/ADHD suffer from difficulty getting good quality sleep as compared to other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can also make it more difficult to stay focused at work, at school, or on household chores. Verywell Health notes that many people confuse “gender” with “ADD/ADHD”. However the sex of a person is a matter of biology and gender is a social construct based on an individual's internal perception of themselves as male, female or non-binary. Gender is different from a person’s sexual orientation or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal make-up. Whatever your condition, whether you have ADHD or ADD, many of the same tips to improve your sleep and reduce stress apply. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and creating a healthy sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and increase 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 challenging for women with ADHD to identify their symptoms and receive the help they require. They are more likely to mask ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive late diagnosis and less likely to be treated with the same efficiency as men. The difficulties of ADHD may be exacerbated because of hormonal changes that take place during perimenopause or menopause. The decrease in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen and executive functioning issues that are often linked to ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow associated with aging can cause some cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's important for health professionals to be aware of the distinction between a natural part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms. There are a variety of treatment options for those with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene such as establishing a routine for bedtime and avoiding time spent on screens prior to bed and eating regular meals – can improve sleep quality. Exercise is also essential and many people who suffer from ADHD find that meditative or yoga can help them relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about the treatments that are right for you. Certain people suffering from ADHD benefit from joining an ADHD support group. These groups provide an opportunity to talk about the difficulties you face in your relationships, at work, and in other aspects of your life when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD might benefit from either individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing negative patterns of thinking for healthier ones. Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you have struggled and provide the framework to improve your life. Some people opt to work with a professional coach who can help them discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their life. Self-help There is a wide selection of professional treatment options for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These methods could include self-discipline, lifestyle changes, therapy, or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD employ stress management techniques, home and work accommodations and dietary changes into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these strategies, it is important to speak with a doctor to ensure they are safe and will meet your requirements. One of the biggest challenges for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships and family members. Disregard and mistrust from spouses or coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as absence, forgetfulness and impulsive decision-making may also be a source of frustration for the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can be helpful. Certain people with ADHD have anxiety and depression which can worsen ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women develop non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which may take the form of burning, scratching or cutting. NSSI can be very dangerous and is often a symptom of untreated ADHD, so it is crucial to talk with your healthcare professional about any concerns you have. It is also common for women with ADHD to develop feelings of depression, shame, or self-pity after being disregarded or criticized by other people. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination, and low self-esteem. Supporting a person who can recognize these issues and teach you how to manage them can make a huge difference in your quality of life. ADHD symptoms can be influenced by different levels of estrogen in menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopause. Some women notice that their symptoms become more severe during these times and require more medication to control these symptoms. Discuss with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and regulate the body's production of estrogen. An ADHD coach can also help you develop tailored strategies to achieve your goals and feel in control of your day-to-day tasks. Genetics The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome – their chromosomal characteristics – determines their risk for developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents age at death and demographics like the number of children, age of first born, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic basis with these disorders. They also indicate that there are common neurobiological mechanisms connecting the two conditions. Women with ADHD might develop strategies for coping to mask their symptoms, which may make it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. Masking could mean putting their entire energy into their work, avoiding their issues from their family members, or changing behaviors to conform to social expectations. Certain of these strategies may be healthy, however some aren't. They can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Additionally women and mothers are often expected to take care of their children due to social and family expectations. Expectations that are higher, low self esteem, and the challenges that come with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. These feelings can trigger or exacerbate symptoms associated with ADHD such as mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety. Some women find that their symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during perimenopause and menopause when estrogen levels drop. adhd in adult women is likely to be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to drop, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. Many women describe their ADHD diagnoses as an “lightbulb” moment. They are happy to finally have a reason for their struggles and are now able to seek help and treatment. In some instances, the diagnosis can allow the woman to forgive herself for the mishaps she's experienced in her life due to her ADHD symptoms. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than biology, and it can be difficult to separate the biological differences between males and women from gender-based differences that are constructed by society. This article applies to all women as well as those assigned female at birth, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.