ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue among women* in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the situation worse. Many women report feeling unappreciated and overwhelmed by their struggles.
Hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning problems that are caused by adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and finding a therapist who is familiar with adhd can help alleviate your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. This is due to several factors, such as the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily spotted by others) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.
Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear absent in conversations. This can make it difficult to communicate with other people and can increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. Poor coping habits, such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality shows) and eating too much are also common among women suffering from ADD/ADHD. Having trouble remembering names is another common indication of ADHD in women. It can be aggravated by a variety of circumstances particularly those related to age, health, and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of developing other mental health conditions, including tics, eating disorder, fibromyalgia and PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is crucial to treat any underlying issues.
It can be difficult for women with ADD/ADHD get good quality sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it difficult to focus on work, school, or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people are confused by "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However sexuality is a biological phenomenon and gender is a social construct based on the person's own internal view of their self as female, male or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal makeup.
Regardless of whether you have ADHD or ADD, a lot of the same tips for improving sleep and reducing stress are applicable to. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and increase your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women with ADHD face particular issues when seeking treatment. It is sometimes difficult to identify symptoms in themselves, and can be more difficult to access the help they require. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and less likely to receive treatment as effectively as men.
The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes that occur during menopausal and perimenopausal. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can cause an increase in the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that come with aging can also trigger cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. This is why it's important 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 treatments for people suffering from ADHD which include lifestyle changes and medications. Good sleep hygiene, such as establishing a routine before bed, avoiding screens and eating a regular diet, can help you sleep better. Exercise is also important, and many people with ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help them relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about which treatments are best for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD might benefit from joining a group for support. These groups can offer a safe space to discuss the issues that arise in work, relationships and other areas of life when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD may also benefit by engaging in group or individual therapy which is focused on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing event for women. It will help you understand the reason you've been struggling, and it can give you a framework for improving your life. Many people choose to collaborate with a coach who can help them learn ways to manage their behavior and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
There is a wide selection of professional treatment options for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies include self-discipline techniques as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people with 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 with a medical professional to ensure they are safe and meet your requirements.
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 criticisms from partners, spouses and colleagues are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness late appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy and classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication can be helpful.
Some people with ADHD also struggle with depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that may take the form of cutting, burning or scratching. NSSI can be extremely dangerous and is usually an indication of untreated ADHD, so it is important to speak with your doctor about any concerns you have.
It is also normal for women suffering from ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame or self-pity when they are ignored or disregarded by others. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. A support system that understands these issues and teaches you to deal with them can make a huge impact on your life.
The different levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopausal cycles can impact your ADHD symptoms. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these cycles and need more medication to treat their symptoms. Think about talking to your physician about a hormone replacement therapy to help manage your body's natural production of estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can also assist you in establishing a specific strategy to reach your goals and feel in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's DNA - their chromosomal traits - determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Several different studies have reported that genetic links exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents dying at a certain age, and demographics, such as the number of children in a household, the age of the child who was born first, and sex at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic cause with these conditions, and also indicate that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. This makes it difficult to identify and treat them. This masking may consist of putting all their effort into their careers, hiding their problems from family members, or changing their behaviors in order to conform to the expectations of society. Certain of these strategies may be healthy, but some aren't. They can result in feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition, societal and family expectations often put the burden of taking care of women and mothers. A higher expectation and self-esteem issues and the challenges that come with ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety. It is not unusual for these emotions to trigger or even exacerbate ADHD symptoms, like mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness.
Some women notice that their symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during perimenopause and menopause, when estrogen decreases. This could be due to the fact that the reduction in estrogen causes seletonin and dopamine levels to decrease which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
adhd in women symptoms describe their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They are often relieved that they finally have a reason to explain their issues and are able to seek help and assistance. In some cases the diagnosis can allow the woman to be able to forgive herself for the mishaps she's experienced in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be challenging to distinguish the gender differences between women and men from socially constructed gender distinctions. This article applies to females and people who were designated female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.