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 by their struggles and are overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning problems caused by adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet, and seeking out a therapist familiar with adhd can help alleviate your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than for males. This is due to a number of factors, including that women typically exhibit more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily noticed by others) They also create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
A lack of interest 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 and inattention. Women with ADD/ADHD are also susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies like shopping or watching television (especially reality shows) or eating too much. Another common sign of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be caused in a variety of ways such as health issues, aging and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at a higher chance of developing other mental health conditions, including tics, eating disorder, fibromyalgia and PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is important to treat any underlying issues.
It can be difficult for women with ADD/ADHD to get good quality sleep than other adults. This can lead to fatigue, which can cause more symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Lack of sleep or a lack of quality sleep can make it difficult to focus on school, work, or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people mistakenly 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 the person's inner self-perception of being male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation, genital anatomy, and the chromosomal makeup.
No matter if you suffer from ADHD or ADD, many of the same suggestions for improving your sleep and reducing stress apply. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and creating a healthy sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and improve your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD have unique experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. add and adhd in women can be difficult for them to spot symptoms within the individual, and it could be more difficult for them to receive the help they require. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and less likely to be treated with the same efficiency as men.
The difficulties of ADHD may be exacerbated by hormonal changes that happen during perimenopause or menopause. The fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can cause an increase in the executive functioning and emotional problems that often come with ADHD. Additionally, the changes in blood flow that occur with aging can cause some cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. It is therefore essential that health professionals distinguish between normal signs of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatment options for those with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. Good sleep hygiene like setting a routine prior to bedtime, avoiding screen-time and eating regularly can help you sleep better. Exercise is also essential, and many people with ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help to relax. You should talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD may benefit by joining a group of support. These groups provide an opportunity to talk about the issues you face in your relationships, at work, and in other areas of your life when you're ADHD. Women who have ADHD may benefit from either individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can assist you in accepting your thoughts and feelings while replacing negative thinking patterns with healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It can help you discover the reason you've been struggling and provide you with an opportunity to improve your life. Many people choose to collaborate with coaches who can teach them behavior strategies and help them develop 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 could include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications therapy, counseling, or both. Many people suffering from ADHD implement stress management strategies as well as work and home accommodations and changes to their diet into their daily schedules. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any of these methods to ensure they are safe for you and meet your individual requirements.
One of the main challenges for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships and family members. Misunderstandings and criticisms from spouses, partners and colleagues are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, missing 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 be helpful.
Some people with ADHD are also afflicted by depression and anxiety which can worsen ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which could take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching. NSSI is a potentially dangerous symptom that is often caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Women suffering from ADHD may also develop feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination, and low self-esteem. A support system that can understand these struggles and teach you how to cope with these issues can make all the difference in your quality of life.
The varying levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal periods can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these periods and require additional medication to treat their symptoms. Talk to your healthcare professional about an alternative therapy for hormones to help control your body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. A ADHD coach can also assist you in establishing a specific strategy to reach your goals and feel confident 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. Many studies have shown that genetic links exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, 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 the gender of the child at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these diseases and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms. This can make it difficult to diagnose and treat them. Masking can include investing all their energy in their job, hiding their problems from their loved ones or altering their behavior in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these strategies could be healthy, however some aren't. They can result in feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
In addition, societal expectations and family expectations often place the burden of caring for mothers and women. The combination of increased expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create a recipe for depression and anxiety. It is not unusual for these emotions to trigger or even exacerbate ADHD symptoms, like mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.
Certain women experience symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during menopausal perimenopausal periods, when estrogen decreases. This could be due to the fact that the diminution in estrogen can cause dopamine and seletonin levels to drop, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb moment." They are often relieved that they finally have a rational explanation for their struggles and can now seek help and assistance. In some instances, the diagnosis allows the woman to forgive herself for the mishaps she's experienced in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be challenging to separate biological differences between men and women from socially constructed gender distinctions. This article applies to all women as well as those assigned female at birth regardless of their declared gender identity.