ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue among women* in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the situation worse. They often report feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation and increase executive functioning issues that can be that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet and working with a therapist familiar with adhd can help alleviate your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD can be more late in life than for men. This is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by other people) They also create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.
Being aloof in conversations is a typical sign of women suffering from ADHD or ADD. This can make it difficult for them to socialize and can exacerbate problems with inattention and impulsivity. adhd symptoms in women coping behaviors like shopping, watching TV (especially reality TV), and overeating, are also common in women with ADHD or ADD. Another common symptom of ADHD is the difficulty in remembering names. This can be caused in a variety of ways, including by health issues, aging and menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have higher risks of depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at a higher chance of developing other mental health conditions, including tics, eating disorder, fibromyalgia and PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is important to treat any underlying issues.
It is also harder for women with ADD/ADHD to have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can make it more difficult to focus at work, in school, or with household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" in the same way, however 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, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference as well as genital anatomy and the chromosomal makeup.
If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of tips that can help improve sleep and decrease stress. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, performing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and creating a healthy sleeping routine.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD face unique difficulties when seeking treatment. It may be harder to identify symptoms in themselves, and it can be more difficult to get the help they require. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive later diagnosis and less likely to receive treatment as effectively as men.
The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult due to hormonal changes that take place in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can exacerbate the executive functioning and emotional issues that are common to ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow associated with aging can cause some cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. As a result, it is crucial for health care providers to be aware of the distinction between the natural occurrences of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatment options available for people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medications. A good night's sleep by establishing a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before going to bed, and eating a regular diet - can improve sleep quality. Exercise is also essential and many people with ADHD discover that meditation or yoga helps to relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about which treatments are appropriate for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD are benefited by joining an organization for support. These groups provide an opportunity to talk about the issues you encounter in your relationships, at work, and in other aspects of your life when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD might also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing your negative thoughts for healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you to discover the reason you've struggled and provide the framework to improve your life. Some people opt to work with an expert coach who will help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their life.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are many professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline and lifestyle changes therapy, counseling, or both. Many people suffering from ADHD implement stress management strategies such as home and work arrangements and dietary changes into their daily schedules. It is important to speak with a medical professional prior to commencing any of these techniques to ensure they are suitable for you and will meet your individual needs.
One of the biggest challenges for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships as well as family members. Disregard and mistrust from spouses as well as coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness missing appointments, and impulsive choices can also strain the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication, and other methods can help.
Certain people with ADHD are also afflicted with anxiety and depression. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Additionally, some women may suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which can manifest as burning, scratching or cutting. NSSI is a very dangerous symptom that is often caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare provider.
Women with ADHD might also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can result in feelings of self-doubt, procrastination, and a lack of motivation. Supporting a person who can understand these struggles and help you cope with them can make a huge difference to your quality of life.
ADHD symptoms can be influenced by fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopause. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these periods and require more medication to treat their symptoms. Talk to your physician about a hormone replacement therapy to help manage the body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally you can consult an ADHD coach can assist you to create a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel more in control of your day-today obligations.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk of developing certain disorders including ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic links exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents' age at death and demographics, like the number of children in a household, the age of the first child born and the gender of the child at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a common genetic basis with these disorders, and they also suggest that there are common neurobiological factors that link the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This can make it difficult to diagnose and treat them. This could include putting all their energy into their careers, hiding their issues from family members or changing their behavior to conform to social norms. Some of these strategies are healthy, while others aren't and could lead to a sense of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally, mothers and women are typically expected to care for their children due to social and family expectations. The combination of high expectations, low self-esteem and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create an ideal recipe for depression and anxiety. These feelings can trigger or intensify ADHD-related symptoms like mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal periods when estrogen levels decrease. This is probably due to the fact that the diminution in estrogen can cause dopamine and seletonin levels to decrease which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb moment." They are often relieved that they finally have an external explanation for their difficulties and can seek help and treatment. In some instances, the diagnosis allows the patient to forgive herself for 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 is often difficult to distinguish the biological differences between males and women from gender-based differences that are constructed by society. This article is applicable to all women and those assigned female at birth, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.