ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue among women* in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the situation worse. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning issues that can be caused by adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and finding a therapist who is familiar with adhd can improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than for males. This is due to several factors, including the fact that women are more likely to have more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily spotted by others) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms.
Being aloof in conversations is a common symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. This can make it difficult to connect with others and may increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. People with ADD/ADHD are prone to unhealthy coping behaviors such as shopping and watching television (especially reality shows) or overeating. Trouble remembering names is another common sign of ADHD in women, which can be caused by a myriad of factors, especially those connected to health, aging, and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also at a higher risk of depression than men. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing other mental health problems, including eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is crucial to treat these disorders to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD have a harder time getting good quality sleep in comparison to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it difficult to focus on work, school or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people mistakenly use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, however the term "sex" refers to biology while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on the person's inner self-perception of being male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.
Regardless of whether you have ADHD or ADD, many of the same suggestions for improving your sleep and reducing stress can be applied. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, performing meditation or deep breathing exercises and developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have different experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for those suffering from ADHD to identify their symptoms and receive the help they require. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to get an early diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than the men.
The difficulties of ADHD may be exacerbated by hormonal changes that take place during perimenopause or menopause. signs of add in adult women in estrogen and progesterone can cause an increase in the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning problems that often come with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that come with aging can also trigger cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. This is why it's crucial for health care providers to be aware of the distinction between a normal part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are a myriad of treatment options for those with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medications. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene - setting a bedtime routine and avoiding time spent on screens prior to going to bed and eating regularly can help improve sleep quality. Exercise is crucial. Many people suffering from ADHD discover that meditation or yoga can help to relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD may benefit from joining a group of support. These groups provide a safe space to discuss the issues that arise in relationships, work and other areas of your life when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD may also benefit by participating in group or individual therapy that focuses on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you to accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative patterns of thinking for healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It can help you discover the reason you've been struggling and provide you with the framework to improve your life. Some people opt to work with a professional coach who will help them discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their life.
Self-help
You can improve your health by tackling it. There are many professional treatments available for ADHD. These methods could include self-discipline and lifestyle changes or therapy. Many people suffering from ADHD incorporate stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations, and nutrition changes into their daily schedules. Before you begin any of these methods it is crucial to consult with a medical professional to ensure that they are safe and will meet your needs.
One of the major issues for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships as well as family members. Disregard and mistrust from spouses or coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, absence of appointments, and impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication, and other techniques can help.
Many people suffering from ADHD are also afflicted with anxiety and depression. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which could take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching. NSSI is a potentially risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare provider.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to develop feelings of depression, shame or self-pity following being misunderstood or dismissed by other people. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination and low self-esteem. A support system that can understand these struggles and teach you how to cope with these issues can make all the difference in the quality of your life.
ADHD symptoms can be affected by the fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause. Some women notice that their symptoms worsen during these times and require additional medication to manage these symptoms. Consider talking with your physician about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to manage 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 at ease with your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA of a person - their chromosomal traits - determines their risk for developing certain disorders, like ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic connections between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer and coronary artery disease. parents age at death and demographics such as the number of children, the age of the first child and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these conditions and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women who have ADHD might develop strategies for coping to hide their symptoms, which can make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. Masking could mean putting their entire energy into their career, hiding their troubles from their family and friends or altering their behavior to conform to social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, while others aren't and could lead to a sense of exhaustion and overwhelm.
In addition, societal expectations and family expectations often place the burden of caring for women and mothers. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem and the difficulties of living with ADHD can be an ideal recipe for anxiety and depression. These emotions can trigger or worsen symptoms of ADHD, such as mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Certain women experience more severe symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal symptoms when estrogen levels drop. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to decrease, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women say that they have experienced their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb moment." They usually feel relieved that they finally have an external explanation for their issues and are able to seek help and assistance. In some cases, the diagnosis can allow the woman to accept the mishaps she's experienced in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be difficult to separate biological differences between women and men from socially constructed differences in gender. This article applies to all women and people born female regardless of their confirmed gender identity.