ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD caused by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and are overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopausal change can increase emotional dysregulation and executive functioning problems associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet, and seeking out an therapist who is familiar with adhd can help alleviate your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to a number of factors, such as the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by other people), they develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear absent in conversations. This can make it difficult to connect with other people and can increase their impulsivity or inattention. Women with ADD/ADHD are also more prone to unhealthy coping habits such as shopping and watching television (especially reality shows) or eating too much. Having trouble remembering names is another common indication of ADHD in women. It can be aggravated by a variety of situations particularly those related to age, health, and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have 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 essential to treat any underlying condition.
It can also be more difficult for women with ADD/ADHD get enough sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can make it harder to focus at work, at school, or on 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 an individual's internal perception of themselves as male, female or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation, genital anatomy, and the chromosomal makeup.
If you have ADD/ADHD or not, there are many strategies that can help you improve your sleep and decrease stress. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and creating a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and increase your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD face particular difficulties when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for them to spot symptoms within the individual, and it could be more difficult for them to receive the assistance they require. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive later diagnosis and less likely to receive treatment as effectively as men.
The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause. Progesterone and estrogen levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that come with aging can also trigger cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. This is why it's crucial for health care providers to be aware of the distinction between the natural occurrences of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments available to people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medications. Good sleep hygiene, such as creating a routine before bed, avoiding screens and eating regularly can improve sleep. Exercise is crucial. Many people with ADHD discover that meditation or yoga can help to relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about which treatments are appropriate for you.
Some people with ADHD may benefit from joining a group of support. These groups provide a safe space to discuss the difficulties that arise in work, relationships 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 strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative thought patterns with healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It will help you understand the reason you've struggled and can provide you a framework for improving your life. Some people choose to work with an expert coach who will help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are many professional solutions for ADHD. adhd symptoms in women can include self-discipline strategies, lifestyle modifications, and therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques such as work and home accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. Before beginning any of these methods it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to ensure that they are safe and will meet your requirements.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major challenge for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disagreements and criticisms from spouses, partners and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, absence of appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also test the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on communication and conflict resolution can help.
Some people with ADHD also suffer from depression and anxiety. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that could take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching. NSSI is a very risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare provider.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to develop feelings of shame, depression or self-pity following being ignored or disregarded by others. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination, and low self-esteem. Having a support system that can comprehend these challenges and help you manage them can make a huge difference in the quality of your life.
The varying levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal cycles can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Some women notice that their symptoms get worse during these periods and require more medication to control them. Talk to your doctor about an alternative therapy for hormones to help control your body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, an ADHD coach can assist you to develop a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day obligations.
Genetics
The genetic DNA of a person and chromosomal characteristics determines their risk for developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic links exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents' age at death, and demographics, such as number of children in a family, the age of the child who was born first and the gender of the child at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these conditions and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms. This can make it difficult to diagnose and treat them. Masking could mean investing all their energy in their work, avoiding their issues from their loved ones or altering their behavior to conform to social expectations. Certain of these strategies may be beneficial, but others are not. They can lead to feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
Additionally mothers and women are typically required to look after their children due to societal and familial expectations. Increased expectations, low self esteem, and the challenges associated with ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety. These emotions can trigger or worsen ADHD-related symptoms like mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Certain women experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms when estrogen levels drop. This is probably due to the the reduction in estrogen causes seletonin and dopamine levels to decrease and make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women say that they have experienced their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They are often at peace knowing that they have a reason to explain their difficulties and can seek help and treatment. In certain instances, 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 that sex is more than biology, and it can be difficult to separate the biological differences between males and women from gender-based differences that are constructed by society. This article applies to all women and those assigned female at birth, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.