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 by their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning issues that can be caused by adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet and finding a therapist familiar with adhd can ease 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 noticed by other people) They also develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Being aloof in conversations is a common symptom for women with ADD/ADHD. This can make it difficult for them to connect socially and can exacerbate problems with inattention and impulsivity. Women with ADD/ADHD are also more prone to unhealthy coping habits such as shopping or watching TV (especially reality shows) or eating too much. Having trouble remembering names is another typical sign of ADHD in women, which can be made worse by a myriad of factors particularly those related to health, aging, or menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also at a higher risk of depression than men. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have an increased chance of developing mental health problems, including tics, eating disorder, fibromyalgia and PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is essential to treat any underlying condition.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to have difficulty getting a good night's sleep when compared to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Poor or insufficient sleep can also make it harder to stay focused at work, in the classroom, or in household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people mistakenly use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, but sex refers to biology, while gender is a social concept that is assigned at birth based on an individual's internal sense of self as male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation, genital anatomies, and chromosomal make-up.
No matter if you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same suggestions 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 and developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD have unique issues when seeking treatment. It can be challenging for those with ADHD to identify their symptoms and get the help they require. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and less likely to be treated with the same efficiency as men.
adhd in women signs 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 dysfunction and emotional issues that are common to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with aging may also cause cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. It's therefore important that health professionals distinguish between normal signs of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are a myriad of treatment options available for people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medications. Practicing good sleep hygiene such as establishing a routine for bedtime and avoiding screens before going to bed, and eating a regular diet will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is also important for those who suffer from ADHD discover that meditation or yoga helps to relax. You should talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD are benefited by joining an organization for support. These groups provide a safe space to discuss the challenges that arise in relationships, work and other areas when you suffer from ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD might also benefit from engaging in group or individual therapy which concentrates on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative thinking patterns with more positive ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you understand why you've had a hard time and give you a plan to help you improve your life. adhd in women signs prefer working with an expert coach who will help them develop strategies for coping with stress and set goals for their lives.
Self-help
There is 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 and lifestyle changes, therapy, or counseling. Many people with ADHD incorporate stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations and dietary changes into their daily schedules. Before beginning any of these techniques it is crucial to speak with a doctor to ensure they are safe and suit your needs.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major challenge for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticisms from spouses, partners and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms like inattention, missing appointments and impulsive decision-making may also be frustrating to even the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize conflict resolution and communication, and other methods can help.
Certain people who suffer from ADHD may also experience anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that may take the form of burning, cutting or scratching. NSSI is a risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare professional.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame or self-pity following being ignored or disregarded by other people. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. A support system that can comprehend these challenges and help you overcome them can make all the difference in your quality of life.
ADHD symptoms can be affected by the fluctuating levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and perimenopausal. Some women find that their symptoms worsen during these times and require more medication to manage the symptoms. Consult your physician about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate your body's production of estrogen. Lastly you can consult an ADHD coach can assist you to build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more at ease with your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's chromosomes determines the risk of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic connections between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents' ages at death and demographics such as the number of children, the age of the first born, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic cause with these disorders. They also indicate that there are common neurobiological processes linking the two conditions.
Women with ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. This can make it difficult to diagnose and treat them. Masking may mean investing all their energy into their career, hiding their issues from their loved ones or changing their behavior to meet social expectations. Some of these methods are healthy, however others aren't, and could result in a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
In addition mothers and women are frequently required to look after their children due to social and familial expectations. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem, and the challenges of living with ADHD can be the perfect recipe for depression and anxiety. These feelings can trigger or exacerbate ADHD-related symptoms like mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Women may experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms when estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to decrease, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb" moment. They are relieved to finally have a reason for their problems and are now able to seek support and treatment. In some cases, 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 sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be challenging to distinguish the biological differences between women and men from socially constructed differences in gender. This article is applicable to women and people who were assigned gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.