ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue among women* in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They often report feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning problems that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet and working with an therapist who is familiar with adhd can ease your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. This is due to many factors, including the fact that women are more likely to have more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily spotted by other people) They often develop coping mechanisms that mask these symptoms, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes, and menopause can amplify symptoms.
Appearing aloof during conversations is a common symptom for women with ADD/ADHD. This makes it difficult for them to connect socially and can exacerbate problems with inattention and impulsivity. adhd in women uk coping behaviors, such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality shows) and eating too much are also common among women suffering from ADHD or ADD. Another common symptom of ADHD is the difficulty in remembering names. This can be caused in a variety of ways, including by health issues, aging and menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to struggle with depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from a myriad of other mental health disorders, like tics, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is essential to treat any underlying issues.
Women with ADD/ADHD also are more likely to have difficulty getting enough sleep, especially as compared to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Poor or insufficient sleep can also make it more difficult to concentrate at work, in the classroom, or in household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people are confused by "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However sexuality is a biological phenomenon and gender is a social construct based on the person's own internal view of themselves as male, female or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person’s sexual orientation, genital anatomies, and chromosomal make-up.
Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are plenty of strategies that can help you improve your sleep and ease stress. Regular exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleeping routine can help you achieve better sleep and improve your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women with ADHD face particular difficulties when seeking treatment. It is sometimes difficult to identify symptoms in the individual, and it could be more difficult to access the help they require. They are more likely to mask ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and less likely to be treated in the same way as men.
adhd in adult women treatment of ADHD may be exacerbated because of hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause or menopause. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with aging can also trigger cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. As a result, it is crucial for health professionals to be aware of the differences between a normal part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments available to people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. adhd in young women - setting a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before going to going to bed and eating regularly can help improve sleep quality. Exercise is also essential for those who suffer from ADHD discover that meditation or yoga helps them relax. You should talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD can benefit from joining a support group. These groups can offer an environment where you can talk about the difficulties that arise in relationships, work and other areas of life when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD may also benefit by taking part in individual or group therapy that is focused on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative thought patterns with more positive ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you to understand why you have struggled and provide a framework to improve your life. Some people choose to work with an expert coach who will help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their life.
Self-help
While there are a wide variety of professional treatments for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies could include self-discipline techniques as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD incorporate stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations and changes to their diet into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these methods, it is important to speak with a doctor to ensure they are safe and meet your needs.
One of the main challenges for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships as well as family members. Misunderstandings and criticisms from partners, spouses and colleagues are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms like inattention, missing appointments and impulsive decisions can also be frustrating to even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on communication and conflict resolution can be helpful.
Some people with ADHD also struggle with depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Additionally, some women may suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which can take the form of burning, scratching, or cutting. NSSI is a potentially dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Women suffering from ADHD might also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can result in feelings of self-doubt, procrastination, and a lack of motivation. Supporting a person who can recognize these issues and help you overcome these issues can make all the difference in the quality of your life.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen that occur during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopausal cycles can affect your ADHD symptoms. Some women find that their symptoms become more severe during these times and require more medication to control these symptoms. Consult your physician about hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate the body's production of estrogen. An ADHD coach can also assist you in developing a customized strategy to meet your goals and feel more in control of the day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA of a person - their chromosomal traits - determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, like ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic connections between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents who died at a certain age, and demographics such as the number of children, the age of first born, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these conditions and that there are common neurobiological processes that connect the two conditions.
Women who suffer from ADHD might develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, which can make it harder to be diagnosed and treated. This can include putting all their energy into their jobs, avoiding their problems from loved ones or changing their behavior in order to conform to the expectations of society. Some of these strategies can be healthy, however some are not. They can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
Additionally, social and family expectations often put the burden of caring for mothers and women. Expectations that are higher and self-esteem issues and the challenges that come with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. These emotions can trigger or intensify ADHD-related symptoms such as mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Certain women experience symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during perimenopause and menopause as estrogen levels decrease. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to decrease and can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnoses as a "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have an explanation for their struggles and are now able to seek support and treatment. In some instances, the diagnosis allows the patient to be able to forgive herself for the mistakes she has made in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than biology, and it can be difficult to separate the biological differences between males and females from gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article applies to all women and people assigned female at birth regardless of their declared gender identity.