ADHD in Older Women
Many womenin their middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD caused by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning issues that can be associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet and finding an adhd-specific therapist can help alleviate your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than it does for men. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that women tend present with more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by others) They also develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
People with ADD/ADHD are often absent in conversations. This can make it difficult to make connections with others and can lead to problems with impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADHD are also prone to unhealthy coping behaviors such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows) or overeating. Trouble remembering names is a common indication of ADHD for women. This can be caused by a variety of circumstances, especially those related to health, aging, or menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of depression than men. In addition, women with ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to a variety of other medical conditions and mental health disorders, like tics, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. It is essential to treat these disorders in order to manage and reduce symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have a harder time getting enough sleep, especially in comparison to other adults. This can result in fatigue, which can cause more symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can make it more difficult to stay focused at work, in school, or with household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people confuse "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 their self as female, male or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexuality, genital anatomy, and chromosomal makeup.
Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are plenty of strategies that can help you improve your sleep and decrease stress. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and creating a healthy sleeping routine.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD have different experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It is sometimes difficult to recognize symptoms in the individual, and it could be more difficult for them to receive the help they need. They are more likely to mask ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to get a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than the men.
The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes that take place during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen, and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with aging can also trigger cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's crucial for health professionals to be aware of the differences between a normal part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options for those with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. A good night's sleep such as establishing a routine for bedtime and avoiding screens before going to bed, and eating a regular diet can help improve sleep quality. Exercise is also important, and many people who suffer from ADHD find that meditative or yoga can help them relax. It is important to talk with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can benefit from joining an ADHD support group. These groups can offer a safe space to discuss the difficulties that arise in relationships, work and other areas of life when you suffer from ADHD. Women who have ADHD may benefit from either individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them 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.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It will help you understand the reason you've had a hard time and can provide you a plan for improving your life. Many people choose to work with coaches who can help them learn ways to manage their behavior and help them develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
While there are a wide variety of professional treatments for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies could include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications, therapy, or counseling. Many people with ADHD employ stress management techniques, home and work accommodations, and nutrition changes into their daily routines. It is crucial to consult with a medical professional prior to commencing any of these techniques to ensure they are safe for you and address all of your needs.
One of the major issues for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships and family members. Misunderstandings and criticisms from spouses, partners and colleagues are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, missed appointments and impulsive decision-making may cause frustration to the most understanding family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other methods can help.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are also afflicted with anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate 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 risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare professional.
Women with ADHD might also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are misunderstood by others. This can cause lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. A support system that understands the struggles you face and teaches you how to manage them can make a huge impact on your life.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopausal periods can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Some women find that their symptoms worsen during these times and require more medication to control these symptoms. Discuss with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate your body's production levels of estrogen. An ADHD coach can help you develop tailored strategies to achieve your goals and feel in control of the day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA of a person - their chromosomal traits - determines their risk for developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents' ages at death and demographics such as the number of children, age of first born, and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these diseases, and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop strategies for coping to mask their symptoms, which can make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. Masking could mean investing all their energy in their career, hiding their problems from their loved ones or altering their behavior in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others aren't, and could lead to a sense of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition, women and mothers are often required to look after their children due to societal and familial expectations. The combination of increased expectations, low self-esteem and the challenges of living with ADHD can create a recipe for depression and anxiety. adhd in older women is not uncommon for these emotions to trigger or even exacerbate ADHD symptoms, including mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.
Women may experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause when estrogen levels drop. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to decrease which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnoses as a "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have a reason for their struggles and are now able to seek help and therapy. In certain instances, the diagnosis allows people to accept the mishaps they've experienced in their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be difficult to distinguish the gender differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to all women as well as those born female, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.