ADHD in Older Women
Many womenin their middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They often report feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation as well as executive dysfunction that is associated with adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and finding a therapist that is familiar with adhd can help alleviate your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. This is due to a variety of factors, including that women are more likely to exhibit more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by other people) and they develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.
Appearing aloof during conversations is a typical symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. This can make it hard for them to interact with others and can worsen their impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADHD are also more prone to unhealthy coping habits like shopping or watching television (especially reality shows) or overeating. Trouble remembering names is a common sign of ADHD in women. It can be made worse by a myriad of factors that are connected to health, aging, or menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have higher risks of depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have greater risk of developing other mental health issues, such as eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. It is important to treat these disorders in order to control and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD also suffer from difficulty getting enough sleep, especially in comparison to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can make it more difficult to concentrate at work, in school, or with household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, however 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, or nonbinary. Gender is different from a person’s sexual orientation as well as genital anatomies and the chromosomal makeup.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same suggestions for improving your sleep and reducing stress are applicable to. Getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and creating a healthy sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and improve your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women with ADHD have different experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for them to recognize symptoms in themselves, and can be more difficult for them to receive the help they require. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to receive an early diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than men.
The challenges of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues are frequently associated with ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow that occur with aging may cause cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. As a result, it's crucial for health care providers to be aware of the distinction between the natural occurrences of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD which include changes in lifestyle and medications. Practicing good sleep hygiene such as establishing a routine for bedtime and avoiding screens before going to bed, and eating a regular diet will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is also important for those with ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help them relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD might benefit by joining a group of support. These groups can offer the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the challenges that arise in relationships, work and other areas when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD might also benefit from taking part in individual or group therapy which concentrates on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing your negative thoughts for healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It will help you understand the reason you've been struggling and can provide you a direction for improving your life. Some people also opt to collaborate with coaches who can help them learn behavioral strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
There's a broad selection of professional treatment options for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies may include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications, therapy, or counseling. Many people who suffer from ADHD also implement stress management strategies such as work and home modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. Before beginning any of these techniques it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to ensure that they are safe and suit your needs.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major issue for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of partners, spouses, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, missed appointments and impulsive decision-making may also be a source of frustration for the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy classes that focus on the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other techniques can help.
adhd in adult women test suffering from ADHD may also experience anxiety and depression. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that can be in the form of cutting, burning or scratching. NSSI is extremely dangerous and is usually a symptom of untreated ADHD It is important to speak with your healthcare professional regarding any concerns you may have.
Women who suffer from ADHD may also develop feelings of self-pity or shame when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can cause low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack motivation. A support system that is aware of these struggles and teaches you to cope can make a big impact on your life.
The varying levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal periods can affect your ADHD symptoms. Some women find that their symptoms get worse during these periods and require more medication to control these symptoms. Consider talking with your healthcare professional about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to regulate your body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. A ADHD coach can help you develop tailored strategies to achieve your goals and feel in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome - their chromosomal characteristics - determines their risk for developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Many studies have shown that genetic connections 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 child who was born first and the gender of the child at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a common genetic basis with these conditions, and also indicate that there are common neurobiological processes linking the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. This can make it difficult to diagnose and treat them. Masking can include putting their entire energy into their work, avoiding their problems from their loved ones or altering their behavior to meet social expectations. Some of these strategies could be healthy, but some aren't. They can lead to feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
Additionally mothers and women are frequently expected to care for their children due to societal and family expectations. The combination of increased expectations, low self-esteem, and the challenges of living with ADHD can be a recipe for depression and anxiety. It is not unusual for these feelings to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, like mood swings and feelings of inadequacy.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms when estrogen levels drop. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to fall, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They often feel relieved that they finally have a rational explanation for their issues and are able to seek help and treatment. In certain cases the diagnosis enables them to forgive themselves for the misfortunes that they have experienced in their lives because of their 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 socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to females and people who were designated gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.