ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD caused by hormonal changes. attention deficit disorder in women report feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues that are that are associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and locating a therapist who is familiar with adhd can aid in reducing symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. This is due to a number of factors, such as the fact that women tend present with more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by other people) They also develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear distant during conversations. This can make it hard for them to interact with others and can worsen their impulsivity and inattention. Poor coping habits, such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows) and eating too much, are also common in women suffering from ADHD or ADD. The difficulty in remembering names is another common sign of ADHD in women. It can be aggravated by a myriad of factors particularly those connected to health, aging, or menopause.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from a variety of other medical conditions and mental health disorders, including eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is crucial to treat any underlying condition.
It is also harder for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to get good quality sleep than other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can also make it more difficult to concentrate at work, in school, or with household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people confuse "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However, sex is biology and gender is a social construct that is based on a person’s internal sense of themselves as male, female or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference, genital anatomy, and the chromosomal makeup.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADHD or ADD, many of the same strategies to improve your sleep and reduce stress apply. Regular exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises and establishing a healthy sleeping routine can help you get better sleep and improve your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women with ADHD have unique experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It may be harder to spot symptoms within themselves, and can be more difficult to get the help they need. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to get a late diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than males.
The challenges of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during menopausal and perimenopausal. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can increase the executive functioning and emotional issues that are often associated with ADHD. In addition, the changes in blood flow that occur with aging can trigger a cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's important for health professionals to recognize the differences between a natural part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are several treatments for people suffering from ADHD, including changes in lifestyle and medications. A good sleep hygiene routine, such as creating a routine before bed, avoiding screens and eating a regular diet, can help improve sleep. Exercise is also essential for those with ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps to relax. It's important to talk to your doctor about what treatments are right for you.
Some people with ADHD are benefited by joining an organization for support. These groups provide a safe place to discuss the difficulties you encounter in your relationships, at work, and in other aspects of your life when you are ADHD. Women with ADHD could benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thinking patterns with more positive ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you understand why you've struggled, and it can give you a direction to improve your life. Some people also choose to work with coaches who can teach them behavior strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are many professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies include self-discipline techniques as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD incorporate stress management techniques, home and work accommodations, and nutrition changes into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these strategies it is crucial to speak with a doctor to ensure that they are safe and will meet your needs.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major challenge for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disregard and mistrust from spouses or coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, absence of appointments, and impulsive choices can also strain the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize conflict resolution and communication, and other strategies can be helpful.
Some people with ADHD are also afflicted by depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which could take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching. NSSI is a risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Women with ADHD can also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination, and a low self-esteem. A support system that can comprehend these challenges and teach you how to manage them can make a huge difference in your quality of life.
The different levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal periods can impact your ADHD symptoms. Some women find that their symptoms worsen during these times and require additional medication to manage them. Think about talking to your physician about a hormone replacement therapy to help control your body's natural production estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, an ADHD coach can assist you to create a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel more in control of your day-today responsibilities.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's chromosomes determines the risk of having certain diseases, such as ADHD. Many studies have shown that genetic links exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer or coronary heart disease. parents' age at death 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 has a genetic connection with these conditions and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women who suffer from ADHD might develop strategies for coping to mask their symptoms, which may make it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated. Masking could mean investing all their energy into their career, hiding their troubles from their loved ones or changing their behavior to meet social expectations. Some of these strategies can be healthy, but some are not. They can result in feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition, societal and family expectations can put the burden of caretaking on mothers and women. Increased expectations and self-esteem issues and the challenges associated with ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression. These feelings can trigger or worsen symptoms of ADHD, like mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women notice that their symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles, when estrogen decreases. This could be due to the the reduction in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to drop and make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women say that they have experienced their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb moment." They are often relieved that they finally have an external explanation for their issues and are able to seek help and assistance. In some cases, the diagnosis can allow the woman to accept the mistakes she has made in her life due to 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 socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to all women and people born female regardless of their declared gender identity.