ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue among women* in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and are overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation as well as executive functioning issues that are caused by adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and locating a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could help alleviate your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than for males. This is due to a number of factors, including that women typically exhibit more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by others) and they develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
A lack of interest in conversations is a common sign of women suffering from ADHD or ADD. This makes it difficult for them to connect socially and can cause problems with inattention and impulsivity. Unhealthy coping behaviors like shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows) and eating too much, are also common in women with ADHD or ADD. Having trouble remembering names is another common sign of ADHD in women. It can be aggravated by a myriad of factors, especially those connected to health, aging, and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. In addition, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from various other medical conditions and mental health disorders, like eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is important to treat any underlying issues.
Women with ADD/ADHD also suffer from difficulty getting a good night's sleep when as compared to other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Lack of sleep or a lack of quality sleep can make it more difficult to focus on work, school, or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, but sex refers to biology, while gender is a social concept that is assigned at birth based on the person's internal perception of themselves as male female, nonbinary, or male. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal make-up.
No matter if you suffer from ADHD or ADD, a lot of the same strategies to improve your sleep and reduce stress apply. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and improve your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women with ADHD face unique challenges when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for them to identify symptoms in the individual, and it could be more difficult to get the help they require. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and less likely to receive treatment with the same efficiency as men.
The difficulties of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes that happen in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Progesterone and estrogen levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues are often linked to ADHD. Additionally, the changes in blood flow that occur with aging may cause cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. This is why it is crucial for health care providers to recognize the differences between the natural occurrences of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are several treatment options for people with ADHD which include lifestyle changes and medication. A good sleep hygiene routine, such as establishing a routine before the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regular meals can help improve sleep. Exercise is important. Many people with ADHD discover that yoga or meditation helps to relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about the treatments that are right for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can benefit from joining a group of support. These groups can provide a safe space to discuss the difficulties that arise in relationships, work and other areas of life when you suffer from ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD might also benefit from participating in group or individual therapy which focuses on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thinking patterns with healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It will help you understand the reason you've struggled and can provide you a framework to help you improve your life. Some people also opt to collaborate with an expert coach who can guide them through behavior strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are many professional treatments available for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline methods and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD incorporate stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations, and nutrition changes into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these strategies, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to ensure that they are safe and will meet your needs.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major challenge for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses as well as colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, absence of appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on communication and conflict resolution can help.
Some people suffering from ADHD are also afflicted with depression and anxiety. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which can be in the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI is a very risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Women who suffer from ADHD might also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination, and a low self-esteem. Having adult add in women that can recognize these issues and help you manage these issues can make all the difference in your quality of life.
The different levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause can affect your ADHD symptoms. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these periods and need more medication to manage their symptoms. Think about talking to your healthcare professional about a hormone replacement therapy to manage the body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. 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 obligations.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Several different studies have reported that genetic connections exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents dying at a certain age and demographics, such as number of children in a family, the age of the child who was born first and sex at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD is a genetic cause with these disorders. They also suggest that there are common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women who suffer from ADHD might develop strategies for coping to mask their symptoms, which may make it more difficult to diagnose and treated. Masking can include investing all their energy into their job, hiding their problems from their family and friends, or changing behaviors to meet social expectations. Some of these strategies could be healthy, but some are not. They can leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally, women and mothers are often expected to take care of their children due to societal and family expectations. adult add women of higher expectations, low self-esteem and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create an ideal recipe for anxiety and depression. These emotions can trigger or intensify symptoms of ADHD, like mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Women may experience more severe symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause or menopause when estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact the reduction 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 being a "lightbulb moment." They usually feel at peace knowing that they have a reason to explain their issues and are able to seek treatment and support. In certain instances the diagnosis can allow them to be able to forgive themselves for the misfortunes that they have endured in their lives as a result of their 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 stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article applies to all women and people assigned female at birth regardless of their confirmed gender identity.