ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They often report feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation as well as executive dysfunction that is associated with adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and finding a therapist that is familiar with adhd can improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This is due to many factors, including the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily observed by others), they often develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms.
People with ADD/ADHD are often absent in conversations. This can make it hard to communicate with other people and can increase their impulsivity or inattention. Unhealthy coping behaviors, such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV), and overeating, are also common in women with ADHD or ADD. Having trouble remembering names is a common indication of ADHD in women, which can be aggravated by a variety of circumstances that are related to health, aging, and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from a variety of other medical conditions and mental health disorders, such as eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. It is important to treat these issues to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD have a harder time getting enough sleep, especially in comparison to other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can make it harder to concentrate at work, at school, or with household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand 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 different from a person's sexual preference, genital anatomies, and the chromosomal makeup.
Regardless of whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same tips to improve your sleep and reduce stress apply. Getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and increase your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD face particular challenges when seeking treatment. It can be challenging for those suffering from ADHD to identify their symptoms and to get the help that they need. They are more likely to mask ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to receive a late diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than males.
The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult because of hormonal changes that take place during perimenopause or menopause. The decrease in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues that are often linked to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with age can also lead to cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. This is why it is crucial for health care providers to be aware of the differences between the natural occurrences of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are a myriad of treatments available to people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. A good sleep hygiene routine like creating a routine before bed, avoiding screens and eating regularly can improve sleep. Exercise is also essential and many people with ADHD discover that meditation or yoga can help to relax. It's important to talk to your doctor about what treatments are appropriate for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can benefit from joining a group for support. These groups can provide an environment where you can talk about the challenges that arise in work, relationships and other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD might also benefit from participating in group or individual therapy which focuses 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 healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you understand why you've been struggling and give you a plan to help you improve your life. Some people choose to work with a professional coach who will help them discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are many professional solutions for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline methods as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD implement stress management strategies such as home and work arrangements and dietary changes into their daily routines. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before commencing any of these techniques to ensure that they are safe for you and meet all of your needs.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major problem for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticisms from partners, spouses and colleagues are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, missing appointments, and impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can be helpful.
Some people suffering from ADHD also suffer from anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that can be in the form of cutting, burning or scratching. NSSI is a potentially dangerous symptom that is often caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
It is also common for women with ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame, or self-pity after being misunderstood or dismissed by other people. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt, procrastination, and a lack motivation. adult add in women that is aware of the struggles you face and teaches you how to manage them can make a huge difference in your life.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen that occur during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopause can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these cycles and need more medication to manage their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to help control the body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can also help you develop tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's DNA - their chromosomal characteristics - determines their risk for developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Many studies have shown that genetic connections exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents' age at death and demographics such as number of children in a household, the age of the child who was born first and sex at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these diseases and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women with ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat them. Masking can include investing all their energy in their job, hiding their problems from their family members or changing their behavior in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others are not and can result in a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
Additionally, mothers and women are frequently expected to care for their children due to social and familial expectations. A higher expectation, low self esteem, and the difficulties that come with ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety. These feelings can trigger or intensify ADHD-related symptoms such as mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Some women find that their symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during perimenopause and menopause when estrogen levels drop. This could be due to the fact that the diminution in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to decrease and make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women say that their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb" moment. They are relieved to finally have an explanation for their problems and are now able to seek help and therapy. In some cases the diagnosis enables them to be able to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've experienced in their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be difficult to discern gender differences between men and women from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to females and those who were deemed female at birth regardless of their gender identity.