ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD caused by hormonal changes. They often feel misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopausal change can increase emotional dysregulation as well as executive functioning problems associated with adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and locating a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could aid in reducing symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to several reasons, including the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily observed by others), they often develop coping mechanisms that mask these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.
A lack of interest in conversations is a common sign of women suffering from ADD/ADHD. This can make it difficult for them to interact with others and may increase their impulsivity or inattention. People with ADD/ADHD are prone to unhealthy coping behaviors such as shopping and 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, including by health issues, aging, and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more prone to various other mental health disorders including eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is essential to treat these issues in order to control and reduce symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to have difficulty getting good quality sleep in comparison to other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it difficult to concentrate on school, work or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people confuse "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However the sex of a person is a matter of biology and gender is a social construct based on a person’s internal sense of their self as female, male or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexuality, genital anatomy, and chromosomal makeup.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same suggestions for improving your sleep and reducing stress are applicable to. Getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises and establishing a healthy sleeping routine can help you achieve better sleep and improve your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have their own unique challenges when seeking treatment for their condition. It is sometimes difficult to spot symptoms within themselves, and it can be more difficult for them to receive the assistance they require. signs of adhd in women tend to hide ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to receive a late diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than the men.
The challenges of ADHD may be exacerbated by hormonal changes that happen during perimenopause or menopause. The fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can cause an increase in the executive dysfunction and emotional issues that are often associated with ADHD. Additionally, the changes in blood flow associated with aging may cause cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. It's crucial that health care providers distinguish between a normal aspect of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD, including changes in lifestyle and medications. Practicing good sleep hygiene by establishing a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before going to bed, and eating a regular diet - can improve sleep quality. Exercise is important. Many people suffering from ADHD discover that meditation or yoga helps them relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD are benefited by joining an organization for support. These groups provide a safe place to discuss the challenges you encounter in your relationships at work, in your relationships, and in other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD might also benefit from participating in group or individual therapy which is focused on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thought patterns with more positive ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you know the reasons you've been struggling and provide you with a framework to improve your life. Some people choose to work with an expert coach who can assist them to learn behavioral strategies and develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
There's a broad variety of professional treatments for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies could include self-discipline strategies as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD implement stress management strategies, home and work accommodations and dietary changes into their daily routines. It is crucial to consult with a doctor prior to commencing any of these techniques to ensure that they are suitable for you and will meet your individual needs.
One of the main challenges for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships as well as family members. The misinterpretation and criticism of partners, spouses, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness missing appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution and other methods can help.
Certain people with ADHD may also experience anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that may take the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI is a very dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is important to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare professional.
It is also common for women suffering from ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame or self-pity when they are disregarded or criticized by others. This can result in depression, self-esteem issues, and a lack motivation. Supporting a person who can understand these struggles and teach you how to overcome them can make all the difference to your quality of life.
ADHD symptoms can be affected by the varying levels estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopausal. Some women find that their symptoms worsen during these periods and require more medication to control these symptoms. Discuss with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and control your body's production of estrogen. Lastly you can consult an ADHD coach can help you create a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel more at ease with your day-to-day responsibilities.
Genetics
The genetic DNA of a person - their chromosomal characteristics - determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, like ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents' ages at death and demographics such as the number of children, the age of the first born and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD is a genetic cause with these disorders. They also suggest that there are common neurobiological factors connecting the two conditions.
Women with ADHD may develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, which could make it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated. This could involve putting all their energy into their work, avoiding their problems from loved ones, or changing their behaviors in order to conform to the expectations of society. Certain of these strategies may be healthy, but some aren't. They can result in feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition, societal and family expectations often put the burden of taking care of mothers and women. Increased expectations, low self esteem, and the challenges associated with ADHD can cause depression and anxiety. It is not uncommon for these feelings to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, including mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.
Certain women experience more severe symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause or menopause as estrogen levels decrease. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to decrease, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They usually feel at peace knowing that they have a reason to explain their struggles and can now seek help and assistance. In some instances, the diagnosis allows the woman to forgive herself for the misfortunes she has experienced in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than just biology, and it can be difficult to separate the biological gender differences between males and females from gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article applies to women and people who were assigned gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.