ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue among women* in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and are overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning difficulties caused by adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet and finding an adhd-specific therapist can improve your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to several reasons, including the fact that women tend to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily noticed by others) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause can amplify symptoms.
Appearing aloof during conversations is a typical sign of women suffering from ADD/ADHD. This can make it difficult for them to interact with other people and can increase their impulsivity or inattention. Poor coping habits such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV), and overeating, are also common in women suffering from ADD/ADHD. Another common sign of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be aggravated in a number of ways as well as by health issues, aging and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to struggle with depression than men. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have greater chance of developing other mental health problems, including eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is important to treat these issues to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It can also be more difficult for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to get good quality sleep than other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Lack of sleep or a lack of quality sleep can make it more difficult to concentrate on school, work, or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people are confused by "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However the sex of a person is a matter of biology and gender is a social construct that is based on the person's own internal view of themselves as male, female or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation as well as genital anatomy and chromosomal makeup.
If you have ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of ways to improve your sleep and ease stress. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women with ADHD face particular issues when seeking treatment. It is sometimes difficult to spot symptoms within themselves, and it can be more difficult to get the help they require. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive later diagnosis and less likely to be treated with the same efficiency as men.
The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes that take place in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can exacerbate the executive functioning and emotional problems that often come with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with aging can also trigger cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. It's crucial that health care providers distinguish between a normal aspect of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are several treatments for people suffering from ADHD which include lifestyle changes and medication. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene - setting a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before going to bed, and eating a regular diet can help improve sleep quality. Exercise is also essential, and many people with ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps them relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about the treatments that are appropriate for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD are benefited by joining an organization for support. These groups can offer a safe space to discuss the difficulties that arise in work, relationships and other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD may benefit from either 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 learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative thoughts for healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you to discover the reason you've been struggling and provide you with a framework to improve your life. Many people choose to work with coaches who can help them learn behavioral strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
There's a broad variety of professional treatments for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies could include self-discipline methods and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. women and adhd with ADHD also implement stress management strategies as well as home and work modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. It is essential to consult with a doctor prior to beginning any of these strategies to ensure that they are safe for you and meet your individual 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. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses, partners, and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness late appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication can help.
Some people who suffer from ADHD may also experience depression and anxiety. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, some women might develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which may be characterized as burning, scratching, or cutting. NSSI can be extremely dangerous and is usually a symptom of untreated ADHD It is crucial to talk with your healthcare provider about any concerns you have.
Women who suffer from ADHD can also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination, and a low self-esteem. Supporting a person who can understand these struggles and help you manage these issues can make all the difference in your quality of life.
The different levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopausal cycles can affect your ADHD symptoms. Some women notice that their symptoms worsen during these periods and require more medication to control the symptoms. Talk to your physician about an alternative therapy for hormones to manage your body's natural production estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. A ADHD coach can assist you in establishing a specific strategy to achieve your goals and feel in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA of a person and chromosomal characteristics determines the risk of developing certain disorders, like ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer or coronary artery disease. parents' ages at death and demographics like the number of children, age of the first born and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these diseases and that there are also common neurobiological processes that connect the two conditions.
Women who have ADHD might develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, which could make it more difficult to diagnose and treated. This can 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 are not. They can leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition, societal and family expectations can put the burden of taking care of mothers and women. Increased expectations and low self-esteem and the challenges that come with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. It is not uncommon for these emotions to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, like mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness.
Some women notice that their symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during perimenopause and menopause when estrogen levels drop. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to fall, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women say that their ADHD diagnoses as an "lightbulb" moment. They are happy to finally have a reason for their issues and are now able to seek help and treatment. In some cases the diagnosis allows the patient to be able to forgive herself for the mistakes she has made in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than 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 applies to all women as well as those born female regardless of their confirmed gender identity.