ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common problem among women* in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the issue worse. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning difficulties associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet and working with an therapist who is familiar with adhd can ease your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than it does for men. This is due to a variety of factors, including that women typically exhibit more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily noticed by others) and they develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Appearing aloof during conversations is a common characteristic of women suffering from ADD/ADHD. This can make it difficult for them to interact with others and may increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. Insane coping strategies, such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows), and overeating, are also common in women suffering from ADHD or ADD. Having trouble remembering names is another typical sign of ADHD for women. This can be caused by a variety of situations that are connected to health, aging, and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also at a higher risk of depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have an increased chance of developing other mental health conditions, including eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia and PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is crucial to treat any underlying issues.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have a harder time getting good quality sleep in comparison to other adults. This can cause exhaustion which can exacerbate 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 misunderstand the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, but the term "sex" refers to biology while gender is a social construct assigned at birth based on an individual's internal perception of themselves as male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation as well as genital anatomy and the chromosomal makeup.
Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are many ways to improve your sleep and decrease stress. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises and making a healthy sleep routine.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD face particular challenges when seeking treatment. It is sometimes difficult to identify symptoms in the individual, and it could be more difficult to get the help they require. They are more likely to mask ADHD symptoms. They are also more likely to get a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than the men.
The difficulties of ADHD may be exacerbated due to hormonal changes that take place during perimenopause or menopause. The fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can exacerbate the executive functioning and emotional problems that often come with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with age can also lead to cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. It's crucial that health care providers distinguish between normal signs of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options for people with ADHD, including lifestyle changes and medication. Good sleep hygiene includes establishing a routine before the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regular meals can help you sleep better. Exercise is important. Many people suffering from ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps them relax. It's important to talk to your doctor about which treatments are best for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from joining a support group. adhd symptoms in women adults can provide a safe space to discuss the challenges that arise in relationships, work and other areas when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD could also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you accept your thoughts and feelings while swapping out negative thoughts for healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you to understand why you have been struggling and give you a framework to improve your life. Many people choose to engage an expert coach who can help them learn behavior strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are many professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies include self-discipline methods and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD employ stress management techniques, home and work accommodations and dietary changes into their daily schedules. It is important to speak with a medical professional prior to beginning any of these strategies to ensure that they are suitable for you and will meet your individual requirements.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major challenge for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses as well as coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, absence of appointments, and impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize conflict resolution and communication, and other strategies can be helpful.
Some people who have ADHD have depression and anxiety which can cause ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which could take the form of cutting, burning or scratching. NSSI is a risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Women who suffer from ADHD might also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are misunderstood by others. This can cause depression, self-esteem issues, and a lack of motivation. Having a support system that can understand these struggles and teach you how to manage these issues can make all the difference in your quality of life.
ADHD symptoms are influenced by fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause. Some women notice that their symptoms get worse during these times and require more medication to control them. Consider talking with your physician about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to regulate your body's natural production estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can assist you in developing a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's chromosomes determines the risk of having certain disorders including ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer or coronary artery disease. parents' ages at death and demographics such as the number of children, age of first born, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these diseases, and that there are also common neurobiological processes that connect the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop strategies for coping to mask their symptoms, which can make it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. This can include putting all their energy into their careers, hiding their issues from family members or changing their behavior to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies could be healthy, however some are not. They can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
In addition, social expectations and family expectations often place the burden of taking care of women and mothers. Expectations that are higher and low self-esteem and the challenges that come with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. These emotions can trigger or intensify symptoms of ADHD, like mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women find that their 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 decline in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to drop which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnoses as a "lightbulb" moment. They are happy to finally have a reason for their problems, and can now seek help and therapy. In some cases, the diagnosis allows people to accept the misfortunes that they have endured in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be challenging to discern gender differences between women and men from socially constructed gender distinctions. This article is applicable to all women and people born female, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.