From All Over The Web From The Web: 20 Awesome Infographics About ADHD In Older Women
ADHD in Older Women
Many womenin their middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD caused by hormonal changes. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopausal change can increase emotional dysregulation as well as executive dysfunction that is that are associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet and working with an adhd-specific therapist can ease your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. This is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that women tend present with more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by others) and they develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
A lack of interest in conversations is a common symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. This can make it difficult to communicate with others and may increase their impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADHD are also more prone to unhealthy coping habits such as shopping and watching TV (especially reality shows), or overeating. Having trouble remembering names is another common sign of ADHD for women. This can be caused by a myriad of factors particularly those that have to do with health, aging, and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of depression than men. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have greater chance of developing mental health problems, including eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is essential to treat these issues to manage and reduce symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD also suffer from difficulty getting enough sleep, especially in comparison to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can make it harder to stay focused at work, in school, or with household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people confuse "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However sexuality is a biological phenomenon and gender is a social construct based on the person's own internal view of their gender as male, female or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexuality or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.
Regardless of whether you have ADHD or ADD, many of the same tips to improve your sleep and reduce stress can be applied. Regular exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and increase your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD have unique experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It is sometimes difficult to recognize symptoms in the individual, and it could be more difficult to get the help they need. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and less likely to be treated in the same way as men.
The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes that occur during menopausal and perimenopausal. The decrease in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues are often linked to ADHD. Additionally, the changes in blood flow associated with aging can trigger a cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. It is therefore essential to make sure that health professionals can differentiate between a normal part of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are several treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD, including changes in lifestyle and medications. Practicing good sleep hygiene such as establishing a routine for bedtime and avoiding screens before going to going to bed and eating regularly can help improve sleep quality. Exercise is essential. Many people suffering from ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps to relax. inattentive add in women should talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can benefit by joining a group of support. These groups can provide an environment where you can talk about the difficulties that arise in relationships, work and other areas of your life when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD can also benefit from participating in group or individual therapy which is focused on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you accept your thoughts and feelings while changing negative patterns of thinking for healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you've been struggling, and it can give you a plan to help you improve your life. Some people also choose to engage an expert coach who can teach them ways to manage their behavior and help them develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
There's a broad range of professional treatments for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies may include self-discipline and lifestyle changes or therapy. Many people suffering from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques such as work and home accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these strategies, it is important to consult with a medical professional to ensure they are safe and meet your requirements.
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. Misunderstandings and criticisms from spouses, partners and colleagues are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, late appointments, and impulsive choices can also test the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution and other methods can help.
Certain people with ADHD also struggle with anxiety and depression which can cause ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which could take the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI can be extremely dangerous and is often an indication of untreated ADHD It is crucial to talk with your healthcare professional regarding any concerns you may have.
It is also common for women with ADHD to experience feelings of shame, depression or self-pity following being ignored or disregarded by others. This can result in depression, self-esteem issues, and a lack motivation. Supporting a person who can recognize these issues and help you cope with them can make a huge difference in your quality of life.
The different levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause can impact your ADHD symptoms. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these periods and require additional medication to control their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and control your body's production of estrogen. An ADHD coach can assist you in developing a customized strategy to reach your goals and feel confident in control of the day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The the chromosomal makeup of an individual determines the risk for certain disorders including ADHD. adhd symptoms in women test have proven that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer and coronary artery disease. parents age at death and demographics like the number of children, age of first born, and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these diseases and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms. inattentive add in women can make it difficult to diagnose and treat them. Masking may mean putting their entire energy into their career, hiding their troubles from their family and friends 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 expectations and family expectations often place the burden of taking care of mothers and women. Increased expectations and low self-esteem and the difficulties that come with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. It is not uncommon for these emotions to trigger or even exacerbate ADHD symptoms, such as mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.
Certain women experience symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during perimenopause and 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 say that their ADHD diagnoses as a "lightbulb" moment. They are happy to finally have a reason for their issues, and can now seek support and treatment. In some cases the diagnosis allows the patient 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 can be difficult to separate the biological differences between males and women from gender-based differences that are constructed by society. This article is applicable to all women and those assigned female at birth, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.