It's Time To Forget ADHD In Older Women: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Have It

ADHD in Older Women

Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue for women in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and feel overwhelmed.

The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation and executive functioning problems caused by adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and finding a therapist that is familiar with adhd may aid in reducing symptoms.

Symptoms

For women, the diagnosis of ADHD can be more late in life than for men. This is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that women tend present with more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by others) They also create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.

Being aloof in conversations is a common symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. This can make it hard to connect with others and may increase their impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADHD are also prone to unhealthy coping behaviors like shopping, watching television (especially reality shows) or eating too much. Another sign of ADHD is having trouble remembering names. This can be exacerbated in a number of ways as well as by health issues, aging, and menopausal.

Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at an increased risk of developing other mental health conditions, including tics, eating disorder as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. It is important to treat these issues in order to control and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.

Women with ADD/ADHD also suffer from difficulty getting a good night's sleep when as compared to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Poor or insufficient sleep can make it harder to concentrate at work, at school, or on household chores.

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

Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are plenty of strategies that can help you improve your sleep and reduce stress. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as developing a healthy routine for sleeping.

Treatment

Women with ADHD have unique challenges when seeking treatment. It may be harder to identify symptoms in the individual, and it could be more difficult to access the help they require. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms. They are also more likely to get a late diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than men.

The challenges of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes that are associated with perimenopause and menopause. Progesterone and estrogen levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that come with age can also lead to cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. It is therefore essential that health professionals distinguish between a normal aspect of aging, and ADHD symptoms.

There are many treatment options for those with ADHD.  inattentive adhd in women  include lifestyle changes and medications. A good sleep hygiene routine like setting a routine prior to bedtime, avoiding screen-time and eating regular meals can help improve sleep. Exercise is crucial. Many people suffering from ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps to relax. You should talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.

Certain people suffering from ADHD can 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 areas of your life when you're ADHD. Women who have ADHD might also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative thinking patterns with more positive ones.

Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you discover the reason you've struggled and provide a framework to improve your life. Some people also opt to engage an expert coach who can teach them behavior strategies and help them set goals for their lives.

Self-help

You can improve your condition by tackling it. There are a variety of professional treatments available for ADHD. These strategies can include self-discipline methods and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD incorporate stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations, and nutrition changes into their daily schedules. It is crucial to consult with a medical professional prior to starting any of these methods to ensure that they are safe for you and address all of your needs.

One of the main 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, partners, and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness late appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication can help.

Certain people with ADHD are also afflicted with anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that can be in the form of cutting, burning, or scratching. NSSI is a dangerous symptom that is often caused by untreated ADHD. It is important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare professional.

It is also normal for women with ADHD to experience feelings of shame, depression or self-pity following being misunderstood or dismissed by others. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination, and low self-esteem. A support system that can understand these struggles and help you manage them can make all the difference to your quality of life.

The different levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopausal cycles can affect your ADHD symptoms. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these cycles and require more medication to manage their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate your body's production levels of estrogen. An 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 the chromosomal makeup of an individual determines the risk of having certain disorders including ADHD. Several different studies have reported that genetic connections exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer or coronary heart disease. parents dying at a certain age and demographics such as the number of children in a family, age of the child who was born first and the gender of the child at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic cause with these conditions, and also indicate that there are common neurobiological factors connecting the two conditions.

Women with ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat them. Masking can include investing all their energy into their work, avoiding their troubles from their family members or altering their behavior to meet social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, while others aren't and could result in a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.

Additionally, mothers and women are frequently expected to care for their children due to societal and familial expectations. A higher expectation, low self esteem, and the challenges associated with ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety. These feelings can trigger or exacerbate symptoms associated with ADHD such as mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.

Women may experience more severe symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause or menopause when estrogen levels decrease. This could 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 report their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They often feel at peace knowing that they have a reason to explain their struggles and can now seek help and assistance. In some cases the diagnosis can allow the woman to forgive herself for the mishaps she's experienced in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.

Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than just biology, and it is often difficult to distinguish the biological differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to all women and people assigned female at birth regardless of their declared gender identity.