ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue among women* in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the situation worse. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning issues that can be associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and finding a therapist that is familiar with adhd can improve your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than it does for men. This is due to many reasons, including the fact that women tend to present with more inattentive symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily spotted by others), they often develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms.
Being aloof in conversations is a common characteristic of women suffering from ADD/ADHD. This can make it difficult to connect with others and may increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. Insane coping strategies such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality shows), and overeating, are also common in women suffering from ADD/ADHD. The difficulty in remembering names is another typical indication of ADHD for women. This can be aggravated by a variety of situations, especially those that have to do with age, health, and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at greater chance of developing other mental health conditions, including tics, eating disorder, fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is crucial to treat these conditions in order to manage and reduce symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It is also harder for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to get enough sleep than other adults. This can result in fatigue, which can cause more symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Lack of sleep or a lack of quality sleep can make it difficult to concentrate on school, work or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people mistake "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 a person’s internal sense of their self as female, male or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person’s sexual orientation as well as genital anatomies and chromosomal make-up.
If you have ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of ways to improve your sleep and ease stress. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, performing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and making a healthy sleep routine.
Treatment
Women with ADHD have different experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be challenging for women with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and receive the help that they need. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive later diagnosis and less likely to receive treatment as effectively as men.
The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause. The decrease in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that come with aging can also trigger cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. It is therefore essential that health care providers distinguish between a normal aspect of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options for those who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. A good sleep hygiene routine, such as establishing a routine before bedtime, avoiding screen-time and eating regularly can help improve sleep. Exercise is crucial. Many people with ADHD discover that yoga or meditation helps them relax. You should talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD benefit from joining an ADHD support group. These groups can provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the difficulties that arise in relationships, work and other areas of your life when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD could also benefit from individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you to understand why you have been struggling and give you the framework to improve your life. Some people prefer working with an expert coach who will help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their life.
Self-help
There's a broad range of professional treatments for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These methods could include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications, therapy, or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD implement stress management strategies, home and work accommodations, and nutrition changes into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these techniques it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and meet your requirements.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major challenge for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticisms from partners, spouses and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, late appointments, and impulsive choices can also test the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication, and other techniques can help.
Certain people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms. Additionally, some women may develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI), which can be characterized as scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI is extremely risky and is often an indication of untreated ADHD and it is crucial to talk with your doctor regarding any concerns you might have.
It is also typical for women with ADHD to develop feelings of depression, shame, or self-pity after being misunderstood or dismissed by others. This can cause depression, self-esteem issues, and a lack motivation. A support system that can understand these issues and teaches you to manage them can make a significant difference in your life.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopausal periods can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these periods and require additional medication to treat their symptoms. Consider talking with your doctor about a hormone replacement therapy to regulate the body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally you can consult an ADHD coach can help you develop a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day obligations.
Genetics
The the chromosomal makeup of an individual determines the risk of developing certain disorders including ADHD. adhd in adult women test have demonstrated that there are genetic connections between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer and coronary artery disease. parents age at death and demographics such as the number of children, age of first born, and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these diseases, and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat them. This can consist of putting all their effort into their careers, hiding their problems from family members or altering their behavior to conform to social norms. Some of these strategies could be healthy, but some are not. They can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
In addition, societal expectations and family expectations often place the burden of taking care of mothers and women. Increased expectations and self-esteem issues and the difficulties that come with ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety. These emotions can trigger or worsen symptoms associated with ADHD like mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Certain women experience symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during menopausal perimenopausal periods, when estrogen decreases. This is likely due to the fact the diminution in estrogen causes seletonin and dopamine levels to drop, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women say that their ADHD diagnoses as an "lightbulb" moment. They are happy to finally understand the reason for their problems, and can now seek help and treatment. In some cases the diagnosis enables them to be able to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've endured in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be challenging to discern biological differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to all women and those born female regardless of their confirmed gender identity.