It's True That The Most Common ADHD In Older Women Debate Actually Isn't As Black And White As You Might Think

ADHD in Older Women Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue among women* in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the issue worse. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and overwhelmed. Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning problems that are that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and finding a therapist that is familiar with adhd can aid in reducing symptoms. Symptoms Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that women tend to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily observed by other people) They often develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms. Appearing aloof during conversations is a typical symptom for women with ADD/ADHD. This makes it difficult for them to socialize and can lead to problems with impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADHD are also susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies like shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows) or overeating. Another sign of ADHD is having trouble remembering names. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including by health issues, aging, and menopausal. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at an increased risk of developing depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of developing other mental health problems, including tics, eating disorder as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is essential to treat any underlying condition. It can also be more difficult for women with ADD/ADHD have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it harder to focus on school, work, or household chores. Verywell Health points out that many people 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 an individual's inner self-perception of being male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference, genital anatomy, and chromosomal makeup. If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of strategies that can help you improve your sleep and ease stress. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises and developing a healthy routine for sleeping. Treatment Women who suffer from ADHD have their own unique challenges when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for those suffering from ADHD to identify their symptoms and get the help that they need. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to receive an early diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than men. The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with age can also lead to cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. It's crucial that health care providers distinguish between a normal aspect of aging, and ADHD symptoms. There are a myriad of treatment options for those who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene by establishing a bedtime routine, avoiding screen time before bed and eating regular meals – can improve sleep quality. Exercise is also important, and many people who suffer from ADHD discover that meditation or yoga helps to relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about which treatments are best for you. Some people who suffer from ADHD benefit from joining a support group. These groups provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the difficulties that arise in relationships, work and other areas of life when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD could 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 experience for women. It can help you to discover the reason you've struggled and provide the framework to improve your life. Some people also choose to collaborate with an expert coach who can guide them through behavior strategies and help them set goals for their lives. Self-help You can improve your condition by tackling it. There are a myriad of professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies may include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications or therapy. Many people with 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 strategies, it is important to speak with a doctor to ensure they are safe and suit your requirements. One of the major issues for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships as well as family members. The misinterpretation and criticism of partners, spouses and colleagues are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, missed appointments and impulsive decision-making may cause frustration to the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication can help. Certain people suffering from ADHD are also afflicted with anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that may take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching. NSSI can be extremely risky and is often an symptom of untreated ADHD, so it is important to speak with your healthcare professional about any concerns you have. Women who suffer from ADHD might also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination, and a low self-esteem. A support system that understands the struggles you face and helps you learn to cope can make a huge impact on your life. ADHD symptoms can be influenced by fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopausal. Certain women experience symptoms worsen during these times and require additional medication to manage them. Think about talking to your physician about a hormone replacement therapy to regulate the body's natural production of estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. A ADHD coach can also help you develop tailored strategies to achieve your goals and feel more in control of the day-to-day tasks. Genetics The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome – their chromosomal characteristics – 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 born and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic cause with these conditions, and also suggest that there are common neurobiological processes connecting the two conditions. Women who suffer from ADHD might develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms, which can make it more difficult to diagnose and treated. Masking can include investing all their energy in their work, avoiding their troubles from their loved ones or altering their behavior to conform to social expectations. Some of these strategies can be healthy, but some aren't. They can leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. In addition, social and family expectations often put the burden of caretaking on mothers and women. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem and the difficulties of living with ADHD can be an ideal recipe for depression and anxiety. These feelings can trigger or worsen symptoms associated with ADHD such as mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Women may experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause when estrogen levels decrease. made my day could be due to the fact the diminution in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to drop and make ADHD symptoms worse. Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as being a “lightbulb moment.” They are often at peace knowing that they have an external explanation for their issues and are able to seek treatment and support. In certain instances, the diagnosis allows them to be able to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've experienced in their lives because of their ADHD symptoms. Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be difficult to separate gender differences between men and women from socially constructed differences in gender. This article applies to women and people who were assigned female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.