ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue among women* in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They often report feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation and increase executive functioning issues that can be that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and finding a therapist that is familiar with adhd may improve your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women may 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 spotted by others), they often develop coping mechanisms that mask these symptoms, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes, and menopause can amplify symptoms.
People with ADD/ADHD are often absent in conversations. This makes it difficult to make connections with others and can cause problems with impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADHD are also more prone to unhealthy coping habits like shopping and watching television (especially reality shows), or overeating. Another common symptom of ADHD is having trouble remembering names. This can be exacerbated in a number of ways as well as by health issues, aging and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at a higher chance of developing other mental health conditions, including tics, eating disorder, fibromyalgia and PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is essential to treat any underlying issues.
It can also be more difficult for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to get good quality sleep than other adults. This can result in fatigue, which can cause more symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Poor or insufficient sleep can make it more difficult 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, however sex refers to biology, while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on a person's inner self-perception of being male female, nonbinary, or male. Gender is distinct from a person's sexuality as well as genital anatomy and the chromosomal makeup.
If you have ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of strategies that can help you improve your sleep and ease stress. 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 concentrate.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have unique issues when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for those with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and receive the assistance they require. They are more likely to mask ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to get an early diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than the men.
The challenges of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes that are associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. adhd in women uk in estrogen and progesterone can cause an increase in the executive functioning and emotional issues that are often associated with ADHD. Additionally, the changes in blood flow associated with aging may cause cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. It is therefore essential to make sure that health professionals can differentiate 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 medication. Good sleep hygiene includes setting a routine prior to the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regular meals can improve sleep. Exercise is also essential for those with ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps to relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about what treatments are best for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD benefit from joining an organization for support. These groups can provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the challenges that arise in relationships, work and other areas when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD could also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to help you accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing negative thoughts with healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you to know the reasons you've been struggling and give you an opportunity to improve your life. Some people choose to work with a professional coach who will help them learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
There is a wide selection of professional treatment options for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies may include self-discipline and lifestyle changes, therapy, or counseling. Many people with ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques such as work and home modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. Before beginning any of these techniques it is crucial to consult with a medical professional to ensure they are safe and will meet your requirements.
One of the biggest challenges for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships as well as family members. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses, partners, and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms like absence, forgetfulness, and impulsive decision-making can also be a source of frustration for the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication can help.
Certain people with ADHD have anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, some women might suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which could be characterized as scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI is a potentially dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame or self-pity following being misunderstood or dismissed by other people. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. A support system that is aware of these issues and helps you learn to manage them can make a big difference in your life.
The different levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal cycles can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Some women notice that their symptoms become more severe during these times and require more medication to control the symptoms. Talk to your physician about a hormone replacement therapy to control your body's natural production of estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can also help you develop tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk of having certain disorders, including ADHD. Several different studies have reported that genetic correlations exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer and coronary heart disease. parents who died, and demographics, such as number of children in a household, the age of the child who was born first and the gender of the child at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD is a genetic cause with these conditions, and also indicate that there are common neurobiological mechanisms connecting the two conditions.
Women who have ADHD may develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, which could make it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated. Masking could mean investing all their energy into their career, hiding their troubles from their family and friends or changing their behavior to meet social expectations. Some of these strategies can be healthy, however some aren't. They can lead to feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition, societal expectations and family expectations often place the burden of taking care of women and mothers. Expectations that are higher and low self-esteem and the difficulties that come with ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression. It is not unusual for these emotions to trigger or even exacerbate ADHD symptoms, including mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness.
Certain women experience symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles, when estrogen decreases. This could be due to the fact that the diminution in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to decrease, which can 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 struggles, and can now seek help and treatment. In some cases the diagnosis can allow the woman to forgive herself for the mistakes she has made in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than just biology, and it is often difficult to distinguish the biological differences between males and women from socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to all women and people born female, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.