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 feel misunderstood by their struggles and overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopausal change can increase emotional dysregulation and executive dysfunction that is that are associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and locating a therapist who is familiar with adhd may improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to many reasons, including the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily spotted by other people), they often develop coping mechanisms that mask these symptoms, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.
A lack of interest in conversations is a common sign of women suffering from ADHD or ADD. This can make it hard to communicate with others and may increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. Women with ADHD are also prone to unhealthy coping behaviors such as shopping, watching television (especially reality shows) or overeating. Trouble remembering names is another common sign of ADHD in women, which can be aggravated by a variety of situations, especially those connected to age, health, and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have greater chance of developing other mental health issues, such as eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is important to treat any underlying conditions.
It can also be more difficult for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it harder to stay focused on school, work, 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 an individual's internal perception of themselves as male, female or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation as well as genital anatomies and chromosomal make-up.
Regardless of whether you have ADHD or ADD, many of the same strategies for improving 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 creating a healthy sleeping routine.
Treatment
Women with ADHD face particular difficulties when seeking treatment. It can be challenging for those suffering from ADHD to recognize their symptoms and to get the help that they need. They are also more likely to conceal their ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and less likely to receive treatment as effectively as men.
The challenges of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. The decrease in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen and executive functioning issues that are often linked to ADHD. In addition, the changes in blood flow that occur with aging may cause cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. It is therefore essential that health care providers distinguish between a normal aspect of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options for those who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. Good sleep hygiene like setting a routine prior to bed, avoiding screens and eating regularly can help improve sleep. Exercise is also essential, and many people with ADHD find that meditative or yoga can help them relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD can benefit from joining an organization for support. These groups offer the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the issues you encounter in your relationships, at work, and in other aspects of your life when you're ADHD. Women with ADHD may benefit from either 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 thinking patterns with healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It can help you to know the reasons you've been struggling and give you the framework to improve your life. Some people choose to work with an expert coach who can help them discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their life.
Self-help
There's a broad variety of professional treatments for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies can include self-discipline strategies, lifestyle modifications, and therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD employ stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations, and nutrition changes into their daily schedules. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before commencing any of these techniques to ensure that they are suitable for you and will meet all of your specific needs.
The negative impact on family relationships and friends is a major problem for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses, partners and colleagues are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, absence of appointments, and impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication can help.
Some people with ADHD are also afflicted by anxiety and depression which can worsen ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which can be in the form of burning, cutting or scratching. NSSI can be very risky and is often an symptom of untreated ADHD It is important to speak with your healthcare provider regarding any concerns you may have.
It is also typical for women suffering from ADHD to experience feelings of shame, depression or self-pity when they are ignored or disregarded by other people. This can cause feelings of self-doubt, procrastination, and a lack motivation. A support system that can understand these struggles and teach you how to manage them can make a huge difference to your quality of life.
The varying levels of estrogen that occur during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopause can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Some women find that their symptoms become more severe during these periods and require more medication to manage the symptoms. Consult your physician about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and regulate your body's production levels of estrogen. An ADHD coach can also assist you in developing a customized strategy to reach your goals and feel confident in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic connections exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents who died, and demographics, such as number of children in a household, the age of the child who was born first and sex at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these conditions, and that there are also common neurobiological processes that connect the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat them. This could include putting all their energy into their jobs, avoiding their problems from loved ones, or changing their behaviors to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies could be beneficial, but others are not. They can result in feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally, mothers and women are frequently expected to take care of their children due to societal and family expectations. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create the perfect recipe for depression and anxiety. These emotions can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of ADHD, like mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
adult adhd symptoms women worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during perimenopause and menopause as estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the the decrease in estrogen can cause dopamine and seletonin levels to drop, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb moment." They often feel relieved that they finally have a reason to explain their issues and are able to seek help and assistance. In certain cases the diagnosis can allow them to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've endured in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be difficult to distinguish the gender differences between women and men from socially constructed differences in gender. This article applies to women and people who were designated female at birth regardless of their gender identity.
