ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in middle age suffer from undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning issues that can be caused by adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and locating a therapist who is familiar with adhd can improve your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than for males. 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 observed by other people) and they create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
People with ADD/ADHD are often disoriented during conversations. This makes it difficult for them to socialize and can lead to problems with impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADD/ADHD are also more prone to unhealthy coping habits like shopping and watching television (especially reality shows) or eating too much. The difficulty in remembering names is a common sign of ADHD for women. This can be aggravated by a variety of situations particularly those connected to health, aging, or menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of developing other mental health conditions, including tics, eating disorder as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. It is crucial to treat these issues in order to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It can be difficult for women with ADD/ADHD get good quality sleep than other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Poor or insufficient sleep can also make it more difficult to focus at work, in school, or on household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, but the term "sex" refers to biology while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on a person's inner self-perception of being male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is different from a person’s sexual orientation or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.
Regardless of whether you have ADHD or ADD, many of the same suggestions to improve your sleep and reduce stress can be applied. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, performing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and creating a healthy sleeping routine.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD face unique challenges when seeking treatment. It is sometimes difficult to identify symptoms in the individual, and it could be more difficult to access the assistance they require. They are also more likely to conceal their ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and are less likely to receive treatment with the same efficiency as men.
The difficulties of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes that are associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can cause an increase in the executive functioning and emotional issues that are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with age can also lead to cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. This is why it's crucial for health professionals to be aware of the distinction between the natural occurrences of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatment options for those who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene such as establishing a routine for bedtime and avoiding time spent on screens prior to going to bed and eating regularly will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is also important and many people who suffer from 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.
adhd in older women with ADHD benefit from joining an organization for support. These groups can provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the challenges that arise in relationships, work and other areas when you have ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD might also benefit from engaging in group or individual therapy that is focused on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing negative thoughts with more positive ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you've struggled and can provide you a framework to help you improve your life. Some people also choose to collaborate with coaches who can guide them through behavioral strategies and help them set goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your health by tackling it. There are a variety of professional solutions for ADHD. These methods could include self-discipline and lifestyle changes therapy, counseling, or both. Many people suffering from ADHD employ stress management techniques such as home and work arrangements, and nutrition changes into their daily routines. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before commencing any of these techniques to ensure that they are safe for you and address your individual needs.
One of the major issues for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships as well as family members. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses as well as colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms such as absence, forgetfulness and impulsive decision-making may also be a source of frustration for the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication can be helpful.
Some people who have ADHD are also afflicted by depression and anxiety which can worsen ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that may take the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI can be extremely risky and is often an indication of untreated ADHD and it is important to speak 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 ignored or disregarded by other people. This can cause lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. A support system that is aware of these struggles and teaches you to deal with them can make a big difference in your 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 times and require additional medication to control the symptoms. Consider talking with your doctor about an alternative therapy for hormones to control the body's natural production of estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Finally An ADHD coach can assist you to develop a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more at ease with your day-to-day obligations.
Genetics
The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome - their chromosomal traits - determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic connections exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents dying at a certain age, and demographics, like the number of children in a household, the age of the first child born and the gender of the child at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these conditions and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women with ADHD may develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, which could make it more difficult to diagnose and treated. Masking can include putting their entire energy into their job, hiding their troubles from their family and friends or changing their behavior to meet social expectations. Some of these strategies could be healthy, but some aren't. They can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
Additionally, mothers and women are frequently expected to take care of their children due to societal and family expectations. Increased expectations and low self-esteem and the difficulties that come with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. These emotions can trigger or exacerbate symptoms associated with ADHD such as mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Some women notice that their symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal perimenopausal periods, when estrogen decreases. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to fall, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb" moment. They are relieved to finally have a reason for their struggles, and can now seek support and treatment. In certain cases the diagnosis enables people to accept the mishaps they've suffered through the course of their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than just biology and it can be difficult to separate the biological gender differences between males and females from gender-based differences that are constructed by society. This article applies to all women and those born female regardless of their confirmed gender identity.