ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue among women* in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation, and executive dysfunction that is caused by adhd. Exercise, eating 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 life. This is due to several factors, including the fact that women are more likely to have more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily observed by others) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms that mask these symptoms and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear disoriented during conversations. This makes it difficult for them to connect socially and can cause problems with inattention and impulsivity. Insane coping strategies, such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV) and eating too much, are also common in women with ADHD or ADD. The difficulty in remembering names is another typical indication of ADHD in women. It can be caused by a myriad of factors that are connected to health, aging, or menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to struggle with depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to a myriad of other medical conditions and mental health disorders such as tics, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is crucial to treat any underlying conditions.
It can be difficult for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can cause exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can also make it harder to stay focused at work, in school, or with household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people are confused by "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However, sex is biology and gender is a social construct based on a person’s internal sense of themselves as male, female or non-binary. Gender is different from a person's sexual preference or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.
If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are many strategies that can help you improve your sleep and ease stress. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and increase your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have their own unique challenges when seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for them to spot symptoms within themselves, and can be more difficult to access the help they need. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive late diagnosis and less likely to receive treatment with the same efficiency as men.
The difficulties of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause. Progesterone and estrogen levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues that are frequently associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with aging can also trigger cognitive decline, which can mimic 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 with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene - setting a bedtime routine, avoiding screen time before going to bed and eating regularly can help improve sleep quality. Exercise is essential. Many people suffering from ADHD discover that meditation or yoga can help them relax. It's important to talk to your doctor about what treatments are right for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD benefit from joining a support group. These groups offer an opportunity to talk about the issues you encounter in your relationships as well as at work and in other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD can also benefit from taking part in individual or group therapy which concentrates on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you accept your thoughts and feelings while swapping out negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It can help you understand why you've been struggling, and it can give you a direction for improving your life. Some people also choose to work with an expert coach who can help them learn behavioral strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
There is a wide variety of professional treatments for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies could include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications, therapy, or counseling. adhd in adults women with ADHD implement stress management strategies such as home and work arrangements, and nutrition changes into their daily schedules. Before you begin any of these techniques, it is important to speak with a doctor to ensure that they are safe and will meet your needs.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major issue for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses, partners, and colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness absence of appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also test the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can help.
Some people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Additionally, some women may suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which can take the form of scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI is extremely dangerous and is often a symptom of untreated ADHD and it is important to speak with your healthcare professional regarding any concerns you may have.
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 low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack of motivation. A support system that understands these issues and helps you learn to cope can make a significant impact on your life.
ADHD symptoms can be affected by the fluctuating levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and perimenopause. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these cycles and need more medication to treat their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate your body's production levels of estrogen. Finally An ADHD coach can assist you to create a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel more in control of your day-today responsibilities.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's DNA - their chromosomal characteristics - determines the risk of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents age at death and demographics such as the number of children, age of the first child and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these conditions, and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women with ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. This makes it difficult to identify and treat them. Masking could mean investing all their energy in their career, hiding their troubles from their family members, or changing behaviors in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others aren't, and could lead to a sense of exhaustion and overwhelm.
In addition, social expectations and family expectations often place the burden of caring for mothers and women. The combination of high expectations, low self-esteem and the challenges of living with ADHD can be a recipe for depression and anxiety. These feelings can trigger or exacerbate ADHD-related symptoms such as mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Women may experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal periods when estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to drop, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb moment." Home feel at peace knowing that they have a rational explanation for their difficulties and can seek treatment and support. In some instances, the diagnosis can allow the woman to forgive herself for the mistakes she has made in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be challenging to discern biological differences between women and men from socially constructed gender distinctions. This article applies to all women and people assigned female at birth, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.