ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. They often feel misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning difficulties that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and finding a therapist that is knowledgeable about adhd could improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to several reasons, including the fact that women are more likely to present with more inattentive symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily spotted by others) They often develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.
People with ADD/ADHD are often distant during conversations. This can make it difficult for them to connect socially and can lead to problems with impulsivity and inattention. Unhealthy coping behaviors, such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV), and overeating are also common among women suffering from ADHD or ADD. Another sign of ADHD is the difficulty in remembering names. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including by health issues, aging, and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also more likely to struggle with depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at an increased chance of developing other mental health problems, including eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. It is crucial to treat these disorders in order to control and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It is also harder for women with ADD/ADHD get good quality sleep than other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it more difficult to concentrate on work, school, or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people are confused by "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However sexuality is a biological phenomenon and gender is a social construct that is based on the person's own internal view of themselves as male, female or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference as well as genital anatomies and the chromosomal makeup.
No matter if you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same suggestions to improve your sleep and reduce stress can be applied. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises and developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD have their own unique challenges when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for them to identify symptoms in themselves, and it can be more difficult to get the help they need. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to receive a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than men.
The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult due to hormonal changes that take place during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues that are often linked to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with age can also lead to cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. It is therefore essential that health care providers distinguish between a normal aspect of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments available to people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. A good sleep hygiene routine includes setting a routine prior to the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regular meals can help improve sleep. Exercise is also important, and many people who suffer from ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps to relax. You should talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can benefit from joining a support group. These groups provide 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 are ADHD. Women who have ADHD might also benefit from individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while swapping out negative thoughts for healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It will help you understand the reason you've had a hard time, and it can give you a framework for improving your life. Some people opt to work with an expert coach who can help them develop strategies for coping with stress and set goals for their lives.
Self-help
While there are a wide variety of professional treatments for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies could include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications therapy, counseling, or both. Many people suffering from ADHD employ stress management techniques, home and work accommodations, and nutrition changes into their daily routines. It is important to speak with a doctor prior to commencing any of these techniques to ensure they are safe for you and meet your individual requirements.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major issue for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticisms from spouses, partners and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, missing appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy classes that focus on the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other strategies can be helpful.
Some people with ADHD are also afflicted by anxiety and depression which can cause ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that can be in the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI can be extremely dangerous and is often an indication of untreated ADHD It is essential to talk to your healthcare provider regarding any concerns you might have.
Women suffering from ADHD may also develop 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 can understand the struggles you face and teaches you to cope can make a big difference in 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 require more medication to manage their symptoms. Think about talking to your physician about a hormone replacement therapy to help manage the body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. A ADHD coach can also assist you in developing a customized strategy to reach your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's DNA - their chromosomal traits - determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. adhd symptoms in adult women have reported that genetic connections exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer and coronary heart disease. parents who died, and demographics, such as the number of children in a household, the age of the child who was born first, and sex at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these conditions and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop strategies for coping to hide their symptoms, which may make it more difficult to diagnose and treated. Masking can include putting their entire energy into their career, hiding their issues from their loved ones or altering their behavior to conform to social expectations. Some of these strategies could be beneficial, but others are not. They can result in feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
Additionally, women and mothers are often expected to care for their children due to societal and familial expectations. A higher expectation and low self-esteem and the challenges associated with ADHD can cause depression and anxiety. These emotions can trigger or intensify symptoms associated with ADHD such as mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Women may experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause when estrogen levels drop. This is probably due to the fact the diminution in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to decrease and make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women say that they have experienced their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb moment." They often feel content that they have a rational explanation for their struggles and can now seek treatment and support. 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 sex as more than just biology. It can be challenging to distinguish the gender differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to females and those who were deemed female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.