ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning issues that can be that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet and finding an adhd-specific therapist can help alleviate your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than for men. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that women tend present with more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by other people), they create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Appearing aloof during conversations is a typical symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. This can make it difficult to connect with other people and can increase their impulsivity or inattention. signs of adhd in women coping habits such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality TV), and overeating, are also common in women suffering from ADHD or ADD. The difficulty in remembering names is another common indication of ADHD for women. This can be aggravated by a myriad of factors particularly those connected to age, health, and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have an increased chance of developing other mental health conditions, including eating disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. PTSD. It is essential to treat these conditions to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have a harder time getting enough sleep, especially compared to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can make it more difficult to concentrate at work, at school, or with household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people mistakenly use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" in the same way, 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, nonbinary, or male. Gender is different from a person’s sexual orientation as well as genital anatomies and the chromosomal makeup.
If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of tips that can help improve sleep and ease stress. Regular exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises and creating a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and increase your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have unique experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for women with ADHD to identify their symptoms and get the assistance they require. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to receive an early diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than males.
The difficulties of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can cause an increase in the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with aging can also trigger cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial for health care providers to be aware of the distinction between a natural part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments for people suffering from ADHD that include changes in lifestyle and medications. A good sleep hygiene routine, such as creating a routine before the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regular meals can help improve sleep. Exercise is also essential, and many people with ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help them relax. It's important to talk to your doctor about which treatments are best for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from joining a support group. These groups provide a safe place to discuss the issues you encounter in your relationships, at work, and in other areas of your life when you are ADHD. Women with ADHD may also benefit by taking part in individual or group therapy which concentrates on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while swapping out negative thoughts for healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It will help you understand the reason you've struggled and give you a direction to help you improve your life. Many people choose to work with coaches who can guide them through behavior strategies and help them develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
There's a broad range of professional treatments for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies include self-discipline techniques as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD also implement stress management strategies, work and home life accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these strategies it is essential to speak with a doctor to ensure they are safe and will meet your requirements.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major challenge for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticisms from spouses, partners, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness absence of appointments, and impulsive decisions can also test the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can be helpful.
Certain people with ADHD are also afflicted by depression and anxiety which can cause ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, some women might develop non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which can be characterized as burning, scratching, or cutting. NSSI is a risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Women with ADHD might also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can cause lack of motivation, procrastination and low self-esteem. A support system that understands the struggles you face and teaches you how to manage them can make a big difference in your life.
ADHD symptoms can be influenced by different levels of estrogen in menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopausal. Certain women experience symptoms get worse during these times and require additional medication to manage the symptoms. Talk to your doctor about an alternative therapy for hormones to help manage your body's natural production of estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can also help you develop tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome and chromosomal characteristics determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer and coronary artery disease. parents' ages at death and demographics such as the number of children, age of the first child, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a common genetic basis with these disorders, and they also suggest that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women with ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This can make it difficult to identify and treat them. This could include putting all their energy into their jobs, avoiding their problems from loved ones or altering their behavior to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies can be healthy, but some are not. They can lead to feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition, social and family expectations often put the burden of taking care of women and mothers. The combination of increased expectations, low self-esteem and the difficulties of living with ADHD can be the perfect recipe for depression and anxiety. It is not uncommon for these emotions to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, such as mood swings and feelings of inadequacy.
Certain women experience symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal perimenopausal periods as estrogen levels decrease. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to drop, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women say that their ADHD diagnoses as being a "lightbulb" moment. They are happy to finally have an explanation for their struggles and are now able to seek help and treatment. In certain cases the diagnosis can allow them to be able to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've endured in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than just biology and it can be difficult to separate the biological gender differences between males and females from gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article applies to women and people who were assigned female at birth regardless of their gender identity.