ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet and working with an adhd-specific therapist can improve your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than for men. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that women typically exhibit more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by others), they create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, and also hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear disoriented during conversations. This makes it difficult to make connections with others and can exacerbate problems with inattention and impulsivity. Women with ADHD are also susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies like shopping and watching television (especially reality shows), or overeating. Having trouble remembering names is another typical indication of ADHD in women, which can be aggravated by a variety of circumstances that are related to health, aging, and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have an increased chance of developing other mental health conditions, including tics, eating disorder and fibromyalgia. PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is essential to treat any underlying conditions.
Women with ADD/ADHD have a harder time getting a good night's sleep when as compared to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can also make it more difficult to concentrate at work, at school, or on 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 that is based on a person’s internal sense of themselves as male, female or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation, genital anatomy, and the chromosomal makeup.
If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of ways to improve your sleep and reduce stress. Regular exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and increase your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD face unique difficulties when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for them to identify symptoms in themselves, and it can be more difficult for them to receive the assistance they require. They are also more likely to conceal their ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to get a late diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than the men.
The challenges of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can cause an increase in the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are common to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with aging may also cause cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. It's crucial that health care providers distinguish between a normal aspect of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are several treatments for people suffering from ADHD, including lifestyle changes and medication. A good sleep hygiene routine like setting a routine prior to bed, avoiding screens and eating a regular diet, can help improve sleep. Exercise is crucial. Many people suffering from ADHD find that yoga or meditation helps them relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about which treatments are appropriate for you.
Some people with ADHD benefit from joining a support group. These groups can offer a safe space to discuss the issues that arise in work, relationships and other areas of your life when you have ADHD. adhd in adult women symptoms with ADHD may also benefit by participating in group or individual therapy which is focused on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thought patterns with healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you to understand why you have been struggling and provide you with the framework to improve your life. Many people choose to engage a coach who can guide them through behavior strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
While there are a wide variety of professional treatments for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies can include self-discipline techniques, lifestyle modifications, and therapy or counseling. signs and symptoms of adhd in women suffering from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques such as work and home accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any of these methods to ensure that they are safe for you and address your individual requirements.
One of the major issues for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships and family members. Misunderstandings and criticisms from spouses, partners and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms like inattention, missing appointments, and impulsive decision-making can also be frustrating to even the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication can help.
Some people who have ADHD also struggle with anxiety and depression which can cause ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which could manifest as burning, scratching, or cutting. NSSI is a very risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare professional.
Women with ADHD can also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination, and a low self-esteem. A support system that understands the struggles you face and teaches you to manage them can make a significant difference in your life.
The varying levels of estrogen that occur during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopausal cycles can impact your ADHD symptoms. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these periods and require more medication to control their symptoms. Talk to your healthcare professional about a hormone replacement therapy to help manage your body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can help you develop tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel in control of the day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA of a person and chromosomal characteristics 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, age of first born, and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these diseases, and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. This can make it difficult to diagnose and treat them. This could involve putting all their energy into their work, avoiding their issues from family members or changing their behavior in order to conform to the expectations of society. Certain of these strategies may be beneficial, but others aren't. They can lead to feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
In addition, women and mothers are often required to look after their children due to social and familial expectations. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can be a recipe for depression and anxiety. These emotions can trigger or intensify ADHD-related symptoms such as mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal periods when estrogen levels drop. This is likely due to the the reduction in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to drop which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women say that they have experienced their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb moment." They are often content that they have a rational explanation for their difficulties and can seek help and assistance. In some cases, the diagnosis can allow the woman to forgive herself for the mishaps she's experienced in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be difficult to discern gender differences between men and women from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to all women and people assigned female at birth regardless of their declared gender identity.