ADHD in Older Women
Many womenin their middle age suffer from undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation, and executive dysfunction that is associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet and working with an adhd-specific therapist can ease your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than it does for men. This is due to a variety of factors, including that women tend present with more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by others), they develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.
A lack of interest in conversations is a common characteristic of women suffering from ADD/ADHD. This can make it hard for them to interact with other people and can increase their impulsivity or inattention. Women with ADD/ADHD are also prone to unhealthy coping behaviors like shopping and watching TV (especially reality shows) or eating too much. Another common sign of ADHD is having trouble remembering names. This can be aggravated by a variety of factors as well as by health issues, aging and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also more likely to experience depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to a variety of other medical conditions and mental health disorders like eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is essential to treat any underlying conditions.
It is also harder for women with ADD/ADHD get good quality sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it more difficult to concentrate on work, school or 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 assigned at birth based on a person's internal perception of themselves as male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexuality or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.
No matter if you suffer from ADHD or ADD, a lot of the same tips for improving your sleep and reducing stress apply. Getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises and creating a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and improve your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have unique experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for them to spot symptoms within themselves, and can 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 are less likely to receive treatment with the same efficiency as men.
The challenges of ADHD are often exacerbated because of hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause or menopause. Progesterone and estrogen levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen, and executive functioning issues are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that come with aging can also trigger cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's crucial for health professionals to be aware of the distinction between a normal part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD, including lifestyle changes and medications. A good sleep hygiene routine, such as establishing a routine before bed, avoiding screens and eating regular meals can help improve sleep. Exercise is crucial. Many people suffering from ADHD discover that meditation or yoga helps to relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about the treatments that are best for you.
Some people with ADHD may benefit from joining a group for support. These groups provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the issues you encounter in your relationships as well as at work and in other areas of your life when you're ADHD. Women who have ADHD may also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may also include cognitive behavior therapy, which can help you accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you to understand why you have struggled and provide the framework to improve your life. Some people prefer working with a professional coach who will help them develop strategies for coping with stress and set 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 methods could include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications therapy, counseling, or both. Many people who suffer from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques as well as home and work modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. Before adult adhd symptoms women begin any of these techniques, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and meet 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 criticism from spouses, partners, and coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, missing appointments, and impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication can help.
Some people with ADHD have depression and anxiety which can worsen ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that could take the form of burning, cutting or scratching. NSSI is extremely risky and is often an symptom of untreated ADHD, so it is crucial to talk with your healthcare professional regarding any concerns you might have.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to develop feelings of depression, shame or self-pity when they are ignored or disregarded by other people. This can cause lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. Supporting a person who can comprehend these challenges and help you overcome them can make all the difference in your quality of life.
ADHD symptoms can be affected by the varying levels estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopausal. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these cycles and require additional medication to manage their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and control your body's production levels of estrogen. Lastly An ADHD coach can assist you to develop a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more in control of your day-today obligations.
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, coronary artery disease, parents age at death and demographics like the number of children, age of the first child, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these diseases, and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat them. Masking may mean investing all their energy into their job, hiding their troubles from their loved ones, or changing behaviors to meet social expectations. Some of these methods are healthy, however others aren't, and could lead to a sense of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally, women and mothers are often expected to care for their children due to societal and familial expectations. A higher expectation and low self-esteem and the challenges associated with ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety. These emotions can trigger or worsen symptoms associated with ADHD like mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal periods when estrogen levels drop. This is probably due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen can cause dopamine and seletonin levels to decrease and make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women have described their ADHD diagnoses as being a "lightbulb" moment. They are relieved to finally have a reason for their struggles, and can now seek help and treatment. In some 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 is often difficult to distinguish the biological differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to females and those who were deemed female at birth regardless of their gender identity.