ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in middle age suffer from undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. They often report feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation and executive functioning problems that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet and finding an adhd-specific therapist can ease your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than for males. This is due to a number of factors, including that women are more likely to exhibit more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily noticed by others) They also develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.
Being aloof in conversations is a typical symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. This can make it difficult for them to interact with other people and can increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. Women with ADD/ADHD are also susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies such as shopping, watching television (especially reality shows), or overeating. Another common sign of ADHD is having trouble remembering names. This can be aggravated by a variety of factors such as health issues, aging and menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of depression than men. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have an increased chance of developing other mental health issues, such as tics, eating disorder, fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is essential to treat these issues to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have a harder time getting a good night's sleep when in comparison to other adults. This can lead to exhaustion which can exacerbate 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 points out that many people misunderstand the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, but sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social concept that is assigned at birth based on an individual's inner self-perception of being male female, nonbinary, or male. Gender is different from a person's sexual orientation, genital anatomies, and chromosomal make-up.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADHD or ADD, a lot of the same suggestions for improving your sleep and reducing stress can be applied. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and making a healthy sleep routine.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have unique challenges when seeking treatment. It may be harder to recognize symptoms in themselves, and can be more difficult for them to receive the help they require. They are also more likely to conceal their ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive late diagnosis and less likely to receive treatment in the same way as men.
The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult because of hormonal changes that take place during perimenopause or menopause. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen, and executive functioning issues are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that come with aging can also trigger cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. It's therefore important to make sure that health professionals can differentiate between a normal part of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatments available to people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medications. Good sleep hygiene like creating a routine before the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regularly can help improve sleep. Exercise is crucial. Many people suffering from ADHD find that yoga or meditation helps them relax. Talk to adhd in adult women test to determine the best treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD are benefited by joining an ADHD support group. These groups can provide a safe space to discuss the difficulties that arise in relationships, work and other areas of life when you suffer from 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 help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative thoughts with healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you to know the reasons you've struggled and provide a framework to improve your life. Some people also choose to engage a coach who can teach them behavior strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your health by tackling it. There are many professional treatments available for ADHD. These methods could include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications, therapy, or counseling. Many people with ADHD employ stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations and dietary changes into their daily routines. Before beginning any of these techniques, it is important to consult with a medical professional to ensure they are safe and meet your needs.
The negative impact on family relationships and friends is a major problem for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses as well as colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms such as absence, forgetfulness and impulsive decisions can also be a source of frustration for the most understanding family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize conflict resolution and communication, and other techniques can help.
Some people with ADHD also struggle with anxiety and depression which can worsen ADHD symptoms. Additionally, some women may develop non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which can take the form of scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI is a risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
It is also common for women suffering from ADHD to develop feelings of shame, depression or self-pity when they are disregarded or criticized by other people. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination and low self-esteem. A support system that can understand these struggles and help you manage them can make a huge difference in your quality of life.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause can affect your ADHD symptoms. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these periods and need more medication to control their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and control the body's production of estrogen. An ADHD coach can also assist you in developing a customized strategy to reach your goals and feel in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA of a person and chromosomal characteristics determines the risk of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have proven that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer and coronary artery disease. parents age at death and demographics such as the number of children, the age of first born and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a common genetic basis with these disorders, and they also suggest that there are common neurobiological factors connecting the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat them. This can consist of putting all their effort into their jobs, avoiding their problems from family members, or changing their behaviors to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others aren't and could cause a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally, women and mothers are often expected to care for their children because of societal and familial expectations. The combination of increased expectations, low self-esteem and the challenges of living with ADHD can create the perfect recipe for anxiety and depression. These emotions can trigger or worsen ADHD-related symptoms such as mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women notice that their symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles, when estrogen decreases. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to drop and can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women say that they have experienced their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They often feel at peace knowing that they have an external explanation for their struggles and can now seek help and assistance. In some cases the diagnosis can allow people to accept 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 challenging to discern gender differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to all women and people born female, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.