adhd in older women (check out this one from Technetbloggers)

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

Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning problems that are caused by adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and locating a therapist who is familiar with adhd may aid in reducing symptoms.

Symptoms

Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that women are more likely to have more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily noticed by other people) They often develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms.

Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear disoriented during conversations. This can make it difficult for them to socialize and can exacerbate problems with inattention and impulsivity. Women with ADHD are also prone to unhealthy coping behaviors like shopping or watching television (especially reality shows) or eating too much. Having trouble remembering names is another typical indication of ADHD in women, which can be caused by a variety of circumstances that are that have to do with health, aging, or menopause.

Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have an increased chance of developing other mental health conditions, including tics, eating disorder and 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 suffering from ADD/ADHD to get good quality sleep than other adults. This can result in fatigue, which can cause more symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it harder to concentrate on school, work or household chores.

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

Regardless of whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same suggestions to improve your sleep and reduce stress are applicable to. Regular exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and increase your ability to focus.

Treatment

Women who suffer from ADHD have unique experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for those suffering from ADHD to recognize their symptoms and receive the help that they need. They are more likely to mask adhd in women test free symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and are less likely to be treated as effectively as men.

The challenges of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during menopausal and perimenopausal. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues are frequently associated with adhd in adult women symptoms. The changes in blood circulation that happen with aging may also cause 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 variety of treatments for people suffering from ADHD which include lifestyle changes and medication. A good night's sleep such as establishing a routine for bedtime, avoiding screen time before bed, and eating a regular diet - can improve sleep quality. Exercise is also essential, and many people with ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help to relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about what treatments are best for you.

Certain people suffering from ADHD might benefit from joining a group of support. These groups offer an opportunity to talk about the challenges you face in your relationships, at work, and in other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD may also benefit from individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy may also include cognitive behavior therapy, which can help you accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative thoughts for healthier ones.

Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It will help you understand the reason you've been struggling and give you a plan to help you improve your life. Some people choose to work with an expert coach who can assist them to learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their lives.

Self-help

You can improve your health by tackling it. There are a myriad of professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline methods and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques such as work and home accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. It is important to speak with a doctor prior to beginning any of these strategies to ensure that they are suitable for you and will meet your individual requirements.

One of the main challenges for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships as well as family members. The misinterpretation and criticism of partners, spouses, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms like absence, forgetfulness and impulsive decision-making may also be a source of frustration for the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other techniques can help.

Some people suffering from ADHD also suffer from depression and anxiety. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which may manifest as scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI can be very risky and is often an indication of untreated adhd in women assessment It is crucial to talk with your healthcare professional about any concerns you have.

Women suffering from ADHD might also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination and low self-esteem. A support system that can recognize these issues and help you manage them can make a huge difference in your quality of life.

The fluctuating levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopause can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience symptoms get worse during these periods and require more medication to manage these symptoms. Consult your physician about hormone replacement therapy. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and control your body's production of estrogen. Lastly, an ADHD coach can help you develop a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more at ease with your day-to-day responsibilities.

Genetics

The genetic makeup of a person's DNA and chromosomal characteristics determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic correlations exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer and coronary heart disease. parents who died, and demographics, such as the number of children in a household, the age of the child who was born first and sex at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a common genetic basis with these conditions, and also suggest that there are common neurobiological processes that link the two conditions.

Women with ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult to diagnose and treat them. This could consist of putting all their effort into their jobs, avoiding their problems from loved ones or altering their behavior to conform to social norms. Certain of these strategies may be healthy, however some aren't. They can result in feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

Additionally, mothers and women are frequently expected to take care of their children due to societal and familial expectations. Expectations that are higher, low self esteem, and the challenges that come with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. It is not uncommon for these emotions to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, like mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.

Certain women experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms when estrogen levels drop. This is likely due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen can cause dopamine and seletonin levels to drop and make ADHD symptoms worse.

Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They usually feel content that they have a rational explanation for their difficulties and can seek help and treatment. In certain instances, the diagnosis allows them to forgive themselves for the misfortunes that they have endured in their lives as a result 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 women and men from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to all women and those born female, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.