ADHD in Older Women
Many womenin their middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. They often feel misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning problems that are caused by adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet and working with an therapist who 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 reasons, including the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by others), they develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear distant during conversations. This makes it difficult for them to connect socially and can lead to problems with impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADD/ADHD are also susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies like shopping and watching television (especially reality shows) or overeating. Another common symptom of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be exacerbated in a number of ways such as health issues, aging and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at an increased chance of developing mental health problems, including tics, eating disorder, fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is essential to treat these conditions in order to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD suffer from difficulty getting good quality sleep as compared to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Lack of sleep or a lack of quality sleep can make it more difficult to concentrate on work, school, or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people are confused by "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However, sex is biology and gender is a social construct that is based on an individual's internal perception of their gender as male, female or non-binary. Gender is different from a person’s sexual orientation, genital anatomies, and the chromosomal makeup.
Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are many ways to improve your sleep and reduce stress. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and creating a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and increase your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD have unique experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for those with ADHD to identify their symptoms and to get the help that they need. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to receive a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than the men.
The difficulties of ADHD may be exacerbated due to hormonal changes that occur during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can cause an increase in the executive functioning and emotional issues that are common to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with aging may also cause cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. As a result, it's crucial for health professionals to be aware of the differences between a natural part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are a myriad of treatment options for those 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 regular meals will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is also important, and many people who suffer from ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps to relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about which treatments are appropriate for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from joining an ADHD support group. These groups provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the challenges you encounter in your relationships at work, in your relationships, and in other aspects of your life when you are ADHD. Women with ADHD might also benefit from taking part in individual or group therapy that is focused on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative thoughts with healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you have been struggling and provide you with the framework to improve your life. Some people opt to work with an expert coach who can assist them to learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are a variety of professional treatments available for ADHD. These strategies include self-discipline strategies, lifestyle modifications, and therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD incorporate stress management techniques such as home and work arrangements and dietary changes into their daily routines. Before beginning any of these methods it is essential to consult with a medical professional to ensure they are safe and will meet your needs.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major challenge for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses as well as colleagues are 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 conflict resolution and communication, and other strategies can be helpful.
Certain people suffering from ADHD are also afflicted with depression and anxiety. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that may take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching. NSSI is extremely risky and is often an symptom of untreated ADHD, so it is crucial to talk with your healthcare provider regarding any concerns you might have.
It is also typical for women with ADHD to develop feelings of shame, depression or self-pity following being misunderstood or dismissed by other people. This can cause feelings of self-doubt, procrastination, and a lack motivation. A support system that understands the struggles you face and helps you learn to manage them can make a big difference in your life.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause can impact your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience symptoms worsen during these periods and require more medication to manage the symptoms. Talk to your healthcare professional about an alternative therapy for hormones to help regulate your body's natural production estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. A ADHD coach can assist you in developing a customized strategy to reach your goals and feel confident in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome - their chromosomal traits - determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, like ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer or coronary artery disease. parents age at death and demographics like the number of children, age of first born and gender at birth. These findings 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 may develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. add in women test can make it difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat them. Masking can include putting their entire energy into their work, avoiding their troubles from their family and friends, or changing behaviors in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these strategies can be healthy, but some are not. They can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
In addition, societal and family expectations often put the burden of caretaking on women and mothers. A higher expectation and self-esteem issues and the challenges that come with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. It is not unusual for these feelings to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, including mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.
Certain women experience more severe symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause or menopause when estrogen levels drop. This is probably due to the the decrease in estrogen causes seletonin and dopamine levels to drop, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnoses as an "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have an explanation for their problems, and can now seek help and treatment. In certain cases the diagnosis enables them to be able to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've experienced in their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than just biology and it is often difficult to distinguish the biological gender differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to all women as well as those assigned female at birth regardless of their confirmed gender identity.