ADHD in women and adhd and untreated ADHD is a common issue for women in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning issues that can be caused by adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet and finding a therapist familiar with adhd can improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to a number of factors, including that women typically exhibit more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by others), they develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear disoriented during conversations. This can make it difficult to make connections with others and can cause problems with inattention and impulsivity. People with ADD/ADHD are more prone to unhealthy coping habits such as shopping or watching television (especially reality shows), or overeating. Another common symptom of ADHD is having trouble remembering names. This can be exacerbated in a number of ways, including by health issues, aging and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also at an increased risk of developing depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more prone to various other medical conditions and mental health disorders, like tics, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. It is crucial to treat these conditions in order to control and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD have a harder time getting good quality sleep in comparison to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it more difficult to concentrate on work, school, or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" in the same way, however the term "sex" refers to biology while gender is a social construct assigned at birth based on the person's inner self-perception of being male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexuality, genital anatomy, and chromosomal makeup.
If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are many tips that can help improve sleep and reduce stress. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleeping routine can help you achieve better sleep and increase your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women with ADHD have their own unique challenges when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. adhd in women treatment may be harder to spot symptoms within the individual, and it could be more difficult for them to receive the assistance they require. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and are less likely to receive treatment as effectively as men.
The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes that are associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. The decrease in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. In addition, the changes in blood flow associated with aging can trigger a cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. It's crucial to make sure that health professionals can differentiate between a normal aspect of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD, including changes in lifestyle and medications. Good sleep hygiene like setting a routine prior to bedtime, avoiding screen-time and eating regular meals can help improve sleep. Exercise is also essential, and many people who suffer from ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help them relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD benefit from joining an ADHD support group. These groups can offer a safe space to discuss the challenges that arise in relationships, work and other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD may also benefit by participating in group or individual therapy which concentrates on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative thoughts for healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you to know the reasons you've struggled and provide an opportunity to improve your life. Some people prefer working with a professional coach who can help them discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their life.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are a variety of professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline techniques, lifestyle modifications, and therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD employ stress management techniques, home and work accommodations and dietary changes into their daily routines. It is crucial to consult with a doctor prior to starting any of these methods to ensure they are suitable for you and will meet all of your needs.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major challenge for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses or coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms like absence, forgetfulness, and impulsive decision-making can cause frustration to the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution and other techniques can help.
Some people suffering from ADHD also suffer from anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, some women might develop non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which can take the form of burning, scratching or cutting. NSSI is a potentially risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare provider.
Women suffering from ADHD may also develop feelings of self-pity or shame when they are misunderstood by others. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination, and a low self-esteem. A support system that can understand these struggles and teach you how to manage these issues can make all the difference to your quality of life.
The varying levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal periods can impact your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these cycles and require additional medication to treat their symptoms. Consider talking with your physician about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to control the body's natural production of estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Lastly, an ADHD coach can help you build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more at ease with your day-to-day obligations.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic connections between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer and coronary artery disease. parents age at death, and demographics such as the number of children, age of the first child, and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD is a genetic basis with these disorders. They also suggest that there are common neurobiological processes connecting the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, which may make it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. Masking could mean investing all their energy in their work, avoiding their problems from their family members or altering their behavior in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others aren't, and could result in a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
Additionally, social and family expectations often put the burden of taking care of mothers and women. Expectations that are higher and low self-esteem and the challenges that come with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. These feelings can trigger or intensify symptoms of ADHD, such as mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause or menopause as estrogen levels decrease. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to fall, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally understand the reason for their issues, and can now seek help and treatment. In some cases the diagnosis enables people to accept the misfortunes that they have endured in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than just biology, and it is often difficult to distinguish the biological gender differences between males and females from gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article applies to all women and those born female regardless of their declared gender identity.