ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue for women in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the situation worse. They often feel misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning problems associated with adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and finding a therapist who is familiar with adhd may aid in reducing symptoms.
Symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This is due to several factors, such as the fact that women tend to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily observed by others) They often develop coping mechanisms that mask these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms.
Being aloof in conversations is a typical symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. This can make it difficult to communicate with others and can worsen their impulsivity or lack of attention. Women with ADD/ADHD are also susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies like shopping and watching television (especially reality shows) or eating too much. Having trouble remembering names is another common sign of ADHD in women. It can be aggravated by a myriad of factors that are related to health, aging, or menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also at higher risks of depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at greater chance of developing other mental health issues, such as eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. It is important to treat these issues to manage and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD have a harder time getting good quality sleep compared to other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Lack of sleep or a lack of quality sleep can make it harder to focus on school, work or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people confuse "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However the sex of a person is a matter of biology and gender is a social construct that is based on the person's own internal view of their self as female, male or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexuality, genital anatomy, and chromosomal makeup.
Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are many ways to improve your sleep and decrease stress. Regular exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises, and creating a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and increase your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women with ADHD have unique challenges when seeking treatment. It can be challenging for those with ADHD to identify their symptoms and to get the assistance they require. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and less likely to be treated in the same way as men.
The challenges of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes that take place during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow that occur with aging can trigger a cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. It's therefore important that health professionals distinguish between normal signs of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatments for people suffering from ADHD, including lifestyle changes and medication. A good sleep hygiene routine, such as establishing a routine before the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regularly can help improve sleep. Exercise is essential. Many people with ADHD discover that meditation or yoga can help to relax. It is important to talk with your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD might benefit by joining a group of support. These groups provide an opportunity to talk about the challenges you encounter in your relationships at work, in your relationships, and other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women with 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 thoughts 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 for improving your life. More hints opt to work with a coach who can help them learn behavioral strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are a variety of professional solutions for ADHD. These strategies can include self-discipline methods as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD incorporate stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations, and nutrition changes into their daily schedules. Before beginning any of these methods, it is important to consult with a medical professional to ensure that they are safe and will meet your requirements.
One of the biggest challenges for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships and family members. Misunderstandings and criticisms from partners, spouses, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms like absence, forgetfulness, and impulsive decision-making can cause frustration to the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on communication and conflict resolution can help.
Some people with ADHD have depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that can be in the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI is a very dangerous symptom that is often caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
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 cause depression, self-esteem issues, and a lack of motivation. A support system that is aware of the struggles you face and helps you learn to deal with them can make a huge difference in your life.
The different levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopause can affect your ADHD symptoms. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these periods and require more medication to control their symptoms. Think about talking to your healthcare professional about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to control your body's natural production estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Lastly An ADHD coach can help you create a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel more in control of your day-today obligations.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's DNA - their chromosomal traits - determines the risk of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Several different studies have reported that genetic connections exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer and coronary heart disease. parents who died and demographics such as the number of children in a family, the age of the first child born and the gender of the child at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic basis with these conditions, and also indicate that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women who have ADHD might develop strategies for coping to hide their symptoms, which may make it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. Masking can include putting their entire energy into their job, hiding their issues from their loved ones or altering their behavior to conform to social expectations. Some of these methods are healthy, however others are not and can cause a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition, mothers and women are frequently expected to take care of their children due to societal and family expectations. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create the perfect recipe for depression and anxiety. These feelings can trigger or exacerbate symptoms associated with ADHD such as mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women find that their symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during menopausal perimenopausal periods, when estrogen decreases. This is likely due to the the diminution in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to drop and make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women have described their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have an explanation for their issues, and can now seek support and treatment. In some cases the diagnosis allows the woman to forgive herself for the misfortunes she has experienced in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be difficult to separate biological differences between men and women from socially constructed differences in gender. This article applies to all women as well as those assigned female at birth, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.