ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue for women in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They often feel misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning issues that can be that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and finding a therapist that is familiar with adhd may improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to a variety of factors, including that women are more likely to exhibit more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by others), they develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.
Appearing aloof during conversations is a common characteristic of women suffering from ADD/ADHD. This can make it hard to connect with other people and can increase their impulsivity or inattention. Poor coping habits like shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV) and eating too much, are also common in women suffering from ADHD or ADD. inattentive add in women in remembering names is a common sign of ADHD in women. It can be caused by a variety of circumstances particularly those connected to health, aging, or menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also at an increased risk of developing depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to various other mental health disorders such as eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is important to treat any underlying conditions.
It can also be more difficult for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to get enough sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can make it more difficult to concentrate at work, in school, or with household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people mistakenly use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" in the same way, however the term "sex" refers to biology while gender is a social construct assigned at birth based on the person's internal sense of self as male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference, genital anatomies, and the chromosomal makeup.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same strategies to improve your sleep and reduce stress are applicable to. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises and making a healthy sleep routine.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have unique challenges when seeking treatment. It can be challenging for women with ADHD to identify their symptoms and receive the help that they need. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to get a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than men.
The challenges of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. The decrease in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen and executive functioning issues are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with aging may also cause cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's important for health care providers to be aware of the distinction between a normal part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are several treatment options for people with ADHD, including changes in lifestyle and medications. A good night's sleep such as establishing a routine for bedtime, avoiding screen time before going to bed and eating regularly will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is also important, and many people with ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help to relax. It's important to talk to your doctor about what treatments are appropriate for you.
Some people with ADHD can benefit from joining a support group. These groups offer the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the difficulties you face in your relationships at work, in your relationships, and in other aspects 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 include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative thoughts for healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It will help you understand the reason you've struggled, and it can give you a framework to improve your life. Some people choose to work with an expert coach who will help them discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are a myriad of professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies can include self-discipline methods and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD employ stress management techniques such as home and work arrangements and dietary changes into their daily schedules. Before beginning any of these strategies it is crucial to speak with a doctor to ensure that they are safe and suit your requirements.
The negative impact on family relationships and friends is a major problem for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses or colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, missed appointments and impulsive decisions can also be a source of frustration for the most understanding family members. Couples therapy classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution and other methods can help.
Some people who have ADHD have depression and anxiety which can worsen ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that can be in the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI can be extremely risky and is often a symptom of untreated ADHD It is important to speak with your doctor about any concerns you have.
Women suffering from ADHD can also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can cause low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack of motivation. Supporting a person who can comprehend these challenges and help you manage them can make all the difference in your quality of life.
ADHD symptoms are influenced by different levels of estrogen in pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and perimenopausal. Some women notice that their symptoms become more severe during these times and require more medication to control these symptoms. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and regulate your body's production of estrogen. An ADHD coach can also assist you in establishing a specific strategy to achieve your goals and feel in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's chromosomes determines the risk of having certain disorders including ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents' ages at death and demographics like the number of children, the age of first born, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic cause with these conditions, and also indicate that there are common neurobiological factors that link the two conditions.
Women who suffer from ADHD might develop strategies for coping to hide their symptoms, which could make it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. Masking could mean investing all their energy in their work, avoiding their issues from their loved ones, or changing behaviors in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others aren't and could cause a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally, mothers and women are typically expected to take care of their children due to social and family expectations. A higher expectation, low self esteem, and the challenges associated with ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety. These emotions can trigger or intensify ADHD-related symptoms like mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Certain women experience symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles as estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact the diminution in estrogen can cause dopamine and seletonin levels to decrease, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They often feel relieved that they finally have an external explanation for their difficulties and can seek treatment and support. In some instances, the diagnosis can allow the woman to be able to forgive herself for the misfortunes she has experienced in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be challenging to distinguish the gender differences between men and women from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to all women and those assigned female at birth, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.