ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue among women* in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and are overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation as well as executive dysfunction that is caused by adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and locating a therapist who is familiar with adhd can help alleviate your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD can be more late in life than for men. This is due to several factors, including the fact that women are more likely to have more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily spotted by other people), they often develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopause 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 communicate with other people and can increase their impulsivity or inattention. Unhealthy coping behaviors like shopping, watching TV (especially reality TV), and overeating, are also common in women with ADD/ADHD. The difficulty in remembering names is a common sign of ADHD in women, which can be aggravated by a variety of situations that are related to health, aging, or menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have higher risks of depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to a myriad of other mental health disorders like eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is important to treat any underlying issues.
Women with ADD/ADHD also are more likely to have difficulty getting enough sleep, especially as compared to other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can also make it harder to focus at work, in school, or on household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, but the term "sex" refers to biology while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on the person's internal sense of self as male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation, genital anatomy, and chromosomal makeup.
Regardless of whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same suggestions to improve your sleep and reduce stress apply. Regular exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleeping routine can help you achieve better sleep and increase your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women with ADHD have unique challenges when seeking treatment. It can be challenging for those suffering from ADHD to identify their symptoms and get the help they require. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and are less likely to be treated with the same efficiency as men.
The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult because of hormonal changes that occur in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can increase the executive functioning and emotional issues that are common to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with aging may also cause cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial for health professionals to be aware of the differences between the natural occurrences of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatments available to people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medications. Good sleep hygiene includes setting a routine prior to bed, avoiding screens and eating regularly can help you sleep better. Exercise is also essential for those who suffer from ADHD discover that meditation or yoga helps to relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about which treatments are appropriate for you.
Some people with ADHD can benefit from joining a support group. These groups can offer an environment where you can talk about the difficulties that arise in relationships, work and other areas when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD may benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you accept your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thinking patterns with more positive ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you to discover the reason you've struggled and provide an opportunity to improve your life. Some people choose to work with a professional coach who will help them discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their life.
Self-help
There is a wide variety of professional treatments for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies could include self-discipline techniques and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people who suffer from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques, work and home life modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these techniques, it is important to consult with a medical professional to ensure that they are safe and meet your requirements.
One of the main challenges for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships and family members. Iam Psychiatry and criticism from spouses, partners, and colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms like absence, forgetfulness and impulsive decision-making may also be a source of frustration for the most understanding family members. Couples therapy classes that focus on the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other methods can help.
Some people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which may take the form of burning, scratching or cutting. NSSI is a very dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare professional.
It is also typical for women with ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame or self-pity when they are misunderstood or dismissed by other people. This can cause low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack motivation. A support system that is aware of the struggles you face and teaches you how to manage them can make a big impact on your life.
ADHD symptoms are influenced by varying levels estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause. Some women notice that their symptoms become more severe during these times and require more medication to control the symptoms. Consider talking with your doctor about an alternative therapy for hormones to manage your body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally An ADHD coach can help you create a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA of a person - their chromosomal characteristics - determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have proven that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer or coronary artery disease. parents' ages at death and demographics like the number of children, age of the first child and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a common genetic cause with these disorders. They also indicate that there are common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women who suffer from ADHD might develop strategies for coping to hide their symptoms, which may make it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated. Masking can include investing all their energy into their work, avoiding their issues from their family members, or changing behaviors in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these strategies could be healthy, however some are not. They can result in feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
In addition, women and mothers are often expected to take care of 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 an ideal recipe for anxiety and depression. It is not uncommon for these feelings to trigger or even exacerbate ADHD symptoms, like mood swings and feelings of inadequacy.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause or menopause when estrogen levels drop. This could be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to decrease which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They are often at peace knowing that they have a rational explanation for their issues and are able to seek help and assistance. In some cases, the diagnosis allows the woman to accept the misfortunes she has experienced in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than just biology and it can be difficult to separate the biological differences between males and females from gender-based differences that are constructed by society. This article is applicable to all women as well as those born female regardless of their confirmed gender identity.