ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD caused by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation as well as executive dysfunction that is caused by adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and finding a therapist who is familiar with adhd may help alleviate your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD can be more late in life than for men. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily noticed by others) They also create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Appearing aloof during conversations is a typical characteristic of women suffering from ADHD or ADD. This can make it difficult to communicate with others and may increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. People with ADD/ADHD are susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies like shopping, watching television (especially reality shows) or eating too much. Another sign of ADHD is having trouble remembering names. This can be aggravated by a variety of factors, including by health issues, aging and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more prone to various other mental health disorders, including eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is crucial to treat these issues to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It can also be more difficult for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to get good quality sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can also make it harder to stay focused at work, at school, or with household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, however sex refers to biology, while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on an individual's internal perception of themselves as male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexuality or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.
If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are many tips that can help improve sleep and decrease stress. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises and developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women with ADHD have their own unique challenges when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It is sometimes difficult to spot symptoms within the individual, and it could be more difficult to get the help they require. They are also more likely to mask 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 may be exacerbated because of hormonal changes that occur in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues are often linked to ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow associated with aging can trigger a cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. add women is why it is crucial for health professionals to be aware of the distinction between a normal part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD which include changes in lifestyle and medications. Good sleep hygiene, such as establishing a routine before the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regularly can improve sleep. Exercise is also essential, and many people with ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help to relax. You should talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment 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 challenges that arise in relationships, work and other areas when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD may also benefit by participating in group or individual therapy which focuses on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you accept your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thought patterns with more positive ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It will help you understand the reason you've had a hard time and give you a framework to help you improve your life. Some people also opt to work with a coach who can guide them through behavioral strategies and help them set goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by tackling it. There are many professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies may include self-discipline and lifestyle changes, therapy, or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques such as work and home adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before commencing any of these techniques to ensure they are safe for you and meet all of your needs.
One of the main challenges for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships as well as family members. Disagreements and criticisms from partners, spouses, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, missed appointments and impulsive decisions can cause frustration to the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize conflict resolution and communication, and other strategies can be helpful.
Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from depression and anxiety. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Additionally, some women may develop non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which may be characterized as scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI can be extremely risky and is often a symptom of untreated ADHD, so it is crucial to talk with your doctor regarding any concerns you may have.
Women who suffer from ADHD can also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are misunderstood by others. This can cause feelings of self-doubt, procrastination, and a lack of motivation. Supporting a person who can recognize these issues and teach you how to manage these issues can make all the difference to your quality of life.
ADHD symptoms are influenced by varying levels estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopausal. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these periods and require more medication to manage their symptoms. Talk to your healthcare professional about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to control your body's natural production estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can help you develop tailored strategies to achieve your goals and feel confident in control of the day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's DNA - their chromosomal characteristics - determines their risk for developing certain disorders, like ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic links exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents' age at death and demographics such as number of children in a household, the age of the first child born and the gender of the child at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these conditions and that there are also common neurobiological processes that connect the two conditions.
Women who have ADHD may develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms, which could make it more difficult to diagnose and treated. Masking may mean putting their entire energy into their work, avoiding their troubles from their family and friends or altering their behavior to meet social expectations. Some of these methods are healthy, however others aren't, and could lead to a sense of exhaustion and overwhelm.
In addition, societal expectations and family expectations often place the burden of caring for mothers and women. A higher expectation and self-esteem issues and the challenges associated with ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety. These feelings can trigger or intensify symptoms associated with ADHD like mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Certain women experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause when estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the the reduction in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to drop which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb moment." They are often content that they have a rational explanation for their struggles and can now seek help and assistance. In some cases the diagnosis allows the woman to accept the mistakes she has made 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 women from socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to all women and people born female regardless of their confirmed gender identity.