ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue among women* in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation as well as executive dysfunction that is associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and finding a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could aid in reducing symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that women tend present with more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily noticed by other people) and they develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear distant during conversations. add adult women can make it hard for them to interact with others and can worsen their impulsivity or inattention. Women with ADHD are also susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies like shopping, watching television (especially reality shows) or eating too much. The difficulty in remembering names is a common indication of ADHD in women. It can be caused by a variety of situations particularly those connected to age, health, and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have a higher chance of developing other mental health conditions, including tics, eating disorder and fibromyalgia. PTSD. It is crucial to treat these conditions in order to control and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have a harder time getting good quality sleep as compared to other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can make it harder to focus at work, in the classroom, or in household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people mistake "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However sexuality is a biological phenomenon and gender is a social construct based on a person’s internal sense of their gender as male, female or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal makeup.
No matter if you suffer from ADHD or ADD, many of the same suggestions to improve your sleep and reduce stress can be applied. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and creating a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and improve your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD face particular difficulties when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for them to identify symptoms in the individual, and it could be more difficult to get the assistance they require. They are more likely to mask ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive late diagnosis 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 perimenopause and menopause. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can increase the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow associated with aging can cause some cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. It's therefore important that health professionals distinguish between normal signs of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are several treatments for people suffering from ADHD which include lifestyle changes and medications. Good sleep hygiene like setting a routine prior to bedtime, avoiding screen-time and eating a regular diet, can help you sleep better. Exercise is important. Many people suffering from ADHD discover that yoga or meditation helps them relax. It's important to talk to your doctor about what treatments are appropriate for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD benefit from joining an ADHD support group. These groups provide a safe place to discuss the challenges you encounter in your relationships as well as at work and in other aspects of your life when you are ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD might also benefit from taking part in individual or group therapy which is focused on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you learn to 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 event for women. It can help you to discover the reason you've struggled and provide the framework to improve your life. Some people opt to work with an expert coach who will help them develop strategies for coping with stress and set goals for their life.
Self-help
There's a broad range of professional treatments for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies include self-discipline techniques and lifestyle modifications, as well as 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. It is important to speak with a medical professional prior to commencing any of these techniques to ensure that they are safe for you and address all of your specific needs.
One of the main challenges for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships as well as family members. Misunderstandings and criticisms from spouses, partners and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as inattention, missing appointments, and impulsive decision-making can cause frustration to the most understanding family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other methods can help.
Some people who have ADHD have anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that could take the form of cutting, burning or scratching. NSSI is a dangerous symptom that is often caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Women who suffer from ADHD can also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can cause lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. A support system that is aware of these issues and teaches you how to cope can make a huge difference in your life.
The varying levels of estrogen that occur during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopausal periods can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Some women notice that their symptoms get worse during these periods and require more medication to manage them. Talk to your physician about a hormone replacement therapy to regulate your body's natural production of estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, an ADHD coach can help you build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more in control of your day-today obligations.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Many studies have shown that genetic correlations exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents who died and demographics such as number of children in a household, the age of the child who was born first and the gender of the child at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a common genetic basis with these disorders. They also indicate that there are common neurobiological factors linking the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. This can make it difficult to diagnose and treat them. Masking may mean putting their entire energy into their career, hiding their issues from their family members, or changing behaviors in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, while others aren't, and could cause a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
In addition, social expectations and family expectations often place the burden of caring for women and mothers. A higher expectation and low self-esteem and the difficulties that come with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. It is not unusual for these feelings to trigger or even exacerbate ADHD symptoms, including mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal periods when estrogen levels decrease. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to fall, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women say that their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb" moment. They are relieved to finally understand the reason for their struggles, and can now seek support and treatment. In certain instances, the diagnosis allows them to forgive themselves for the misfortunes that they have experienced in their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be challenging to discern gender differences between men and women from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to all women and people assigned female at birth regardless of their confirmed gender identity.