10 Meetups Around ADHD In Older Women You Should Attend

ADHD in Older Women

Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD caused by hormonal changes. They often report feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.

The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation as well as executive functioning problems that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and locating a therapist who is familiar with adhd may help alleviate your symptoms.

Symptoms

Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. This is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that women typically exhibit more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by others) They also develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.

Appearing aloof during conversations is a common characteristic of women suffering from ADHD or ADD. This makes it difficult to make connections with others and can cause problems with impulsivity and inattention. Unhealthy coping behaviors like shopping, TV watching (especially reality shows), and overeating, are also common in women with ADD/ADHD. Another common symptom of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be caused in a variety of ways, including by health issues, aging and menopausal.

Women with ADD/ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from various other medical conditions and mental health issues, like tics, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. It is important to treat these disorders in order to control and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.

It can also be more 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. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it harder to concentrate on work, school, or household chores.

Verywell Health notes that many people mistake "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However, sex is biology and gender is a social construct that is based on the person's own internal view of themselves as male, female or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexuality, genital anatomy, and the chromosomal makeup.

If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of ways to improve your sleep and reduce stress. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, performing meditation or deep breathing exercises and creating a healthy sleeping routine.

Treatment

Women with ADHD have different experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It is sometimes difficult to recognize symptoms in themselves, and can be more difficult for them to receive the assistance they require. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms. They are also more likely to receive a late diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than men.

The challenges of ADHD are often exacerbated due to hormonal changes that take place in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can increase the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are common to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that come with age can also lead to cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. It's crucial to make sure that health professionals can differentiate between normal signs of aging and ADHD symptoms.

There are a myriad of treatment options for those who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. A good night's sleep - setting a bedtime routine and avoiding time spent on screens prior to bed, and eating a regular diet will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is also essential for those who suffer from ADHD find that meditative or yoga can help to relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about what treatments are appropriate for you.

signs and symptoms of adhd in women  with ADHD can benefit from joining an ADHD support group. These groups can provide an environment where you can talk about the difficulties that arise in relationships, work and other areas of life when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD might also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing your negative thoughts for healthier ones.

Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you have been struggling and give you a framework to improve your life. Some people also opt to collaborate with an expert coach who can teach them ways to manage their behavior and help them set goals for their lives.

Self-help

There is a wide selection of professional treatment options for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies include self-discipline methods as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD also implement stress management strategies such as work and home adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these strategies it is essential to consult with a medical professional to ensure they are safe and meet your requirements.

The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major issue for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disagreements and criticisms from spouses, partners, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, missing appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other techniques can help.

Certain people with ADHD have anxiety and depression which can worsen ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that may take the form of cutting, burning or scratching. NSSI can be very dangerous and is often an symptom of untreated ADHD and it is essential to talk to your healthcare professional regarding any concerns you might have.

It is also common for women suffering from ADHD to develop feelings of depression, shame or self-pity when they are disregarded or criticized by other people. This can result in feelings of self-doubt, procrastination, and a lack of motivation. A support system that is aware of the struggles you face and teaches you to manage them can make a significant difference in your life.

The varying levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopausal cycles can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Some women find that their symptoms get worse during these periods and require more medication to control these symptoms. Discuss with 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 establishing a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel confident in control of the day-to-day tasks.

Genetics

The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome and chromosomal characteristics determines the risk of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Several different studies have reported that genetic links exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer or coronary heart disease. parents' age at death, and demographics, such as number of children in a family, age of the child who was born first and the gender of the child at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a common genetic basis with these disorders, and they also suggest that there are common neurobiological factors that link the two conditions.

Women who have ADHD may develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms, which may make it difficult to be diagnosed and treated. This could consist of putting all their effort into their work, avoiding their problems from family members or changing their behavior to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others are not and can lead to a sense of being overwhelmed and exhausted.

Additionally, social and family expectations can put the burden of caretaking on women and mothers. The combination of high expectations, low self-esteem and the challenges of living with ADHD can create the perfect recipe for anxiety and depression. These feelings can trigger or intensify symptoms of ADHD, like mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.

Certain women experience symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during perimenopause and menopause as estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact the diminution in estrogen causes seletonin and dopamine levels to drop, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.

Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb" moment. They are relieved to finally have a reason for their issues and are now able to seek support and treatment. In some cases, the diagnosis allows the woman to accept the mishaps she's experienced in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.

Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be challenging to distinguish the gender differences between men and women from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to all women as well as those born female, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.