ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD caused by hormonal changes. They often feel misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
Hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning difficulties that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet, and seeking out a therapist familiar with adhd can help alleviate your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than for men. This is due to several factors, including the fact that women tend to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily noticed by others) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes, and menopause can amplify symptoms.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear disoriented during conversations. This can make it difficult to connect with others and may increase their impulsivity and inattention. People with ADD/ADHD are prone to unhealthy coping behaviors such as shopping and watching television (especially reality shows) or eating too much. The difficulty in remembering names is another common indication of ADHD in women. It can be made worse by a variety of circumstances particularly those that have to do with health, aging, and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have higher risks of depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have an increased chance of developing other mental health problems, including eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is crucial to treat any underlying conditions.
Women with ADD/ADHD also are more likely to have difficulty getting good quality sleep in comparison to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Poor or insufficient sleep can also make it more difficult to focus at work, in the classroom, or in household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, however the term "sex" refers to biology while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on an individual's internal perception of themselves as male female, nonbinary, or male. Gender is distinct from a person’s sexual orientation as well as genital anatomies and chromosomal make-up.
Regardless of whether you have ADHD or ADD, a lot of the same tips for improving sleep and reducing stress apply. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, performing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have unique experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be challenging for those suffering from ADHD to identify their symptoms and get the help they require. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and less likely to receive treatment as effectively as men.
The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult because of hormonal changes that occur in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can cause an increase in the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are common to ADHD. Additionally, the changes in blood flow that occur with aging can trigger a cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's important for health professionals to be aware of the distinction between a normal part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatment options for those with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. A good night's sleep such as establishing a routine for bedtime and avoiding time spent on screens prior to bed, and eating a regular diet will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is also important and many people with ADHD discover that meditation or yoga helps to relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about the treatments that are appropriate for you.
Some people with ADHD may benefit from joining a group of support. These groups can provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the challenges that arise in relationships, work and other areas of life when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD may also benefit by participating in group or individual therapy that concentrates on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you accept your thoughts and feelings while changing negative patterns of thinking for healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you've struggled, and it can give you a plan to improve your life. adhd symptoms in women adults choose to engage a coach who can help them learn behavior strategies and help them develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
While there are a wide variety of professional treatments for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These methods could include self-discipline, lifestyle changes, therapy, or counseling. Many people who suffer from ADHD also implement stress management strategies as well as home and work accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. It is crucial to consult with a doctor prior to starting any of these methods to ensure that they are suitable for you and will meet all of your specific requirements.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major problem for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disagreements and criticisms from partners, spouses, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness absence of appointments, and impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding family members. adhd in young women , classes that emphasize conflict resolution and communication, and other methods can help.
Some people with ADHD have anxiety and depression which can worsen ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women develop non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which could manifest as burning, scratching or cutting. NSSI is a very risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Women who suffer from ADHD can also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can cause lack of motivation, procrastination and low self-esteem. A support system that can understand these struggles and help you manage these issues can make all the difference in the quality of your life.
The different levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal cycles can affect your ADHD symptoms. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these cycles and require more medication to manage their symptoms. Consider talking with your healthcare professional about an alternative therapy for hormones to help regulate your body's natural production of estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can help you develop tailored strategies to meet your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's DNA - their chromosomal traits - determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, like ADHD. Several different studies have reported that genetic links exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer and coronary heart disease. parents who died, and demographics, such as the number of children in a family, age of the child who was born first and sex at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic basis with these disorders. They also suggest that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. This makes it difficult to identify and treat them. Masking can include putting their entire energy into their job, hiding their troubles from their family and friends, or changing behaviors to meet social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others are not and can result in a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
In addition, social expectations and family expectations often place the burden of caretaking on mothers and women. A higher expectation and low self-esteem and the difficulties that come with ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression. It is not unusual for these feelings to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, like mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.
Some women find that their symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during perimenopause and menopause as estrogen levels decrease. This could 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 report their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb moment." They often feel at peace knowing that they have a reason to explain their issues and are able to seek treatment and support. In certain instances, the diagnosis allows them 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 difficult to discern gender differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to all women as well as those born female regardless of their confirmed gender identity.