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ADHD in Older Women Many women* in middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They often feel misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles. Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning problems that are that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet and finding an adhd-specific therapist can ease your symptoms. Symptoms For women, the diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than for males. This is due to a number of factors, including that women tend present with more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily noticed by others) They also create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal. Being aloof in conversations is a common sign of women suffering from ADD/ADHD. This makes it difficult for them to connect socially and can lead to problems with impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADHD are also more prone to unhealthy coping habits like shopping, watching television (especially reality shows) or eating too much. Another sign of ADHD is the difficulty in remembering names. This can be caused by a variety of factors as well as by health issues, aging and menopause. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing depression than men. In addition, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from various other mental health disorders, including eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is crucial to treat these disorders to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. It can be difficult for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to get good quality sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can also make it harder to stay focused at work, in the classroom, or in household chores. Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms “gender” and “ADD/ADHD” interchangeably, but sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social construct assigned at birth based on a person's internal sense of self as male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference as well as genital anatomy and chromosomal makeup. Regardless of whether you have ADHD or ADD, many of the same suggestions for improving sleep and reducing stress are applicable to. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, performing 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 may be harder to identify symptoms in the individual, and it could be more difficult to get the help they need. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive later diagnosis and less likely to be treated with the same efficiency as men. The challenges of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. The decrease in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen, and executive functioning issues are often linked to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with aging may also cause cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial for health professionals to recognize the differences between the natural occurrences of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms. There are a variety of treatments for people suffering from ADHD, including lifestyle changes and medications. 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 a regular diet – can improve sleep quality. Exercise is important. Many people with ADHD discover that yoga or meditation helps to relax. adhd in women test is essential to speak to your doctor about what treatments are right for you. Certain people suffering from ADHD may benefit from joining a group of support. These groups can provide a safe space to discuss the difficulties that arise in work, relationships and other areas when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD may benefit from either individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you accept your thoughts and feelings while changing your negative patterns of thinking for healthier ones. Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you understand why you've had a hard time and give you a framework to help you improve your life. adhd in women test choose to work with coaches who can teach them behavioral strategies and help them establish goals for their lives. Self-help There is a wide selection of professional treatment options for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies may include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications, therapy, or counseling. Many people with ADHD employ stress management techniques, home and work accommodations and changes to their diet into their daily schedules. Before beginning any of these techniques it is essential to consult with a medical professional to ensure they are safe and meet your needs. One of the biggest challenges for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships and family members. Disagreements and criticisms from spouses, partners, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms like inattention, missing appointments and impulsive decision-making may also be a source of frustration for the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on communication and conflict resolution can help. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from depression and anxiety. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which could manifest as burning, scratching or cutting. NSSI is a very dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare provider. Women suffering from ADHD might also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can result in feelings of self-doubt, procrastination, and a lack of motivation. A support system that can recognize these issues and teach you how to manage them can make a huge difference in the quality of your life. The fluctuating levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal cycles can affect your ADHD symptoms. Some women notice that their symptoms worsen during these times and require additional medication to manage the symptoms. Think about talking to your doctor about an alternative therapy for hormones to help regulate your body's natural production estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. Lastly you can consult an ADHD coach can assist you to create a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel more in control of your day-today tasks. Genetics The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome – their chromosomal traits – determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have proven that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents' ages at death and demographics like the number of children, the age of the first born, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic basis with these conditions, and also indicate that there are common neurobiological processes connecting the two conditions. Women who suffer from ADHD might develop strategies for coping to mask their symptoms, which may make it difficult to be diagnosed and treated. This masking may involve putting all their energy into their careers, hiding their problems from loved ones or changing their behavior to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies can be healthy, but some aren't. They can lead to feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Additionally, social expectations and family expectations often place the burden of caretaking on women and mothers. Expectations that are higher and self-esteem issues and the challenges associated with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. These feelings can trigger or intensify symptoms associated with ADHD like mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety. Certain women experience symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during perimenopause and menopause as estrogen levels decrease. This is probably due to the fact that the diminution in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to decrease and make ADHD symptoms worse. Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as a “lightbulb moment.” They often feel content that they have an external explanation for their struggles and can now seek help and treatment. In some cases, the diagnosis allows them to forgive themselves for the misfortunes that they have suffered through the course of their lives because of their ADHD symptoms. Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be difficult to separate biological differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to all women and those born female regardless of their confirmed gender identity.