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.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopausal change can increase emotional dysregulation, and executive dysfunction that is that are associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and finding a therapist who is familiar with adhd may aid in reducing symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD can be more late in life than for males. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that women are more likely to have more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily observed by other people) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.
Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear distant during conversations. This makes it difficult for them to socialize and can exacerbate problems with inattention and impulsivity. Unhealthy coping behaviors, such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality shows) and eating too much, are also common in women with ADHD or ADD. The difficulty in remembering names is another common indication of ADHD in women. It can be caused by a variety of circumstances, especially those connected to age, health, and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have greater chance of developing other mental health issues, such as tics, eating disorder as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. It is crucial to treat these disorders to manage and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It can also be more difficult for women with ADD/ADHD get good quality sleep than other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Poor or insufficient sleep can make it more difficult to focus at work, at school, or with household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people are confused by "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However, sex is biology and gender is a social construct that is based on the person's own internal view of their gender as male, female or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.
If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of strategies that can help you improve your sleep and decrease stress. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD face particular challenges when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for women with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and to get the help they require. They are more likely to mask ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to get a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than the men.
The difficulties of ADHD are often exacerbated due to hormonal changes that happen in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Progesterone and estrogen levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues that are often linked to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with aging can also trigger cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's important for health care providers to recognize the differences between the natural occurrences of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments available to people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. Practicing good sleep hygiene - setting a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before going to bed and eating regular meals - can improve sleep quality. Exercise is essential. Many people suffering from ADHD discover that meditation or yoga helps them relax. It is important to talk with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD might benefit by joining a group of support. These groups offer a safe place to discuss the issues you encounter in your relationships at work, in your relationships, and in other areas of your life when you are ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD might also benefit from taking part in individual or group therapy which is focused on teaching strategies to deal 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 will help you understand the reason you've had a hard time, and it can give you a direction for improving your life. Many people choose to engage a coach who can teach them behavioral strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
There's a broad variety of professional treatments for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These methods could include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications or therapy. Many people suffering from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques such as work and home modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. It is essential to consult with a doctor prior to commencing any of these techniques to ensure they are safe for you and address all of your needs.
The negative impact on family relationships and friends is a major challenge for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disagreements and criticisms from spouses, partners and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, missing appointments, and impulsive decisions can also test the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication, and other strategies can be helpful.
Many people suffering from ADHD may also experience anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which may take the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI can be very risky and is often an indication of untreated ADHD, so it is crucial to talk with your healthcare provider regarding any concerns you might have.
Women who suffer from ADHD may also develop feelings of self-pity or shame when they are viewed as unlikable by others. adhd in women checklist can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination, and low self-esteem. A support system that can understand these struggles and teaches you how to deal with them can make a big difference in your life.
The varying levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal cycles can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these cycles and require additional medication to control their symptoms. Consider talking with your healthcare professional about an alternative therapy for hormones to help regulate your body's natural production estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. Finally you can consult an ADHD coach can assist you to build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome - their chromosomal characteristics - determines their risk for developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Many studies have shown that genetic links 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 first child born and sex at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these conditions, and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to identify and treat them. Masking can include investing all their energy in their job, hiding their troubles from their family and friends or changing their behavior in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these strategies can be beneficial, but others aren't. They can lead to feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
In addition, societal expectations and family expectations often place the burden of taking care of mothers and women. Increased expectations, low self esteem, and the challenges associated with ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety. It is not unusual for these feelings to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, like mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause or menopause when estrogen levels drop. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to fall, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women say that their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally understand the reason for their struggles, and can now seek support and treatment. In certain instances the diagnosis enables them to be able to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've endured in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be challenging to distinguish the biological differences between men and women from socially constructed differences in gender. This article is applicable to all women as well as those assigned female at birth regardless of their declared gender identity.