ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue among women* in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the situation worse. They often report feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning problems that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet and working with an therapist who is familiar with adhd can ease your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that women tend present with more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by others), they create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear absent in conversations. This makes it difficult to make connections with others and can lead to problems with impulsivity and inattention. Poor coping habits such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality TV), and overeating, are also common in women suffering from ADHD or ADD. Trouble remembering names is another common indication of ADHD for women. This can be aggravated by a myriad of factors that are connected to age, health, and menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more prone to a myriad of other medical conditions and mental health disorders, such as eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is crucial to treat these disorders to manage and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD also are more likely to have difficulty getting a good night's sleep when in comparison to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can also make it harder to focus at work, at the classroom, or in household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" in the same way, however 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, nonbinary, or male. Gender is distinct from a person's sexuality or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal makeup.
Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are many tips that can help improve sleep and reduce stress. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises and creating a healthy sleeping routine.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have unique experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for those with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and get the help that they need. They are also more likely to hide their 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 exacerbated by hormonal changes that are associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can cause an increase in the executive functioning and emotional issues that are often associated with ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow associated with aging may cause cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's important for health professionals to be aware of the differences between the natural occurrences of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatment options available for people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. Good sleep hygiene includes creating a routine before bed, avoiding screens and eating regularly can help you sleep better. Exercise is also important, and many people who suffer from ADHD find that meditative or yoga helps them relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about what treatments are right for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD benefit from joining an organization for support. These groups can offer the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the issues that arise in relationships, work and other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD might benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to assist you in accepting your thoughts and feelings while replacing negative thought patterns with healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you have been struggling and give you a framework to improve your life. Some people also opt to work with coaches who can help them learn ways to manage their behavior and help them develop goals for their lives.
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 may include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications or therapy. Many people with ADHD incorporate stress management techniques such as home and work arrangements and dietary changes into their daily schedules. Before beginning any of these strategies it is essential to speak with a doctor to ensure that they are safe and meet your requirements.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major problem for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses or colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms like absence, forgetfulness, and impulsive decision-making can also be a source of frustration for the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can help.
Some people suffering from ADHD are also afflicted with depression and anxiety. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that can be in the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI is a potentially dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns with your healthcare professional.
Women who suffer from ADHD may also develop feelings of shame or self-pity when they are misunderstood by others. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. Having a support system that can understand these struggles and teach you how to overcome these issues can make all the difference to your quality of life.
ADHD symptoms can be influenced by fluctuating levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and perimenopausal. Some women find that their symptoms become more severe during these times and require more medication to control these symptoms. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and control the body's production of estrogen. Additionally, an ADHD coach can assist you to build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day responsibilities.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's DNA - their chromosomal characteristics - determines the risk of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic links exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer and coronary heart disease. parents' age at death, and demographics, like the number of children in a family, age of the first child born and the gender of the child at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD is a genetic cause with these disorders. They also suggest that there are common neurobiological mechanisms connecting the two conditions.
adhd in adult women with ADHD may develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms, which can make it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. This can consist of putting all their effort into their careers, hiding their problems from loved ones, or changing their behaviors to conform to social norms. Some of these strategies can be healthy, but some are not. They can result in feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
Additionally, social and family expectations often put the burden of caretaking on women and mothers. Increased expectations and self-esteem issues and the challenges that come with ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety. It is not uncommon for these emotions to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, including mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness.
Certain women experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause as estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to drop and can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb moment." They often feel at peace knowing that they have a reason to explain their difficulties and can seek help and assistance. In some cases, the diagnosis allows the patient to be able to forgive herself for the mishaps she's experienced in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than just biology and it is often difficult to distinguish the biological gender differences between males and females from gender-based differences that are constructed by society. This article is applicable to women and people who were designated female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.