ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations of 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 locating a therapist who is familiar with adhd can help alleviate your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women may 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 can be more easily spotted by others), they often develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms.
A lack of interest in conversations is a typical sign of women suffering from ADD/ADHD. This can make it difficult for them to interact with others and may increase their impulsivity and inattention. Poor coping habits like shopping, watching TV (especially reality TV) and eating too much are also common among women with ADHD or ADD. Another common symptom of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be exacerbated in a number of ways as well as by health issues, aging, and menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have higher risks of depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from a variety of other mental health disorders, such as tics, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. It is important to treat these issues in order to manage and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It is also harder for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to get enough sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can make it harder to focus at work, at the classroom, or in household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people mistakenly use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, but the term "sex" refers to biology while gender is a social concept that is assigned at birth based on a person's internal sense of self as male female, nonbinary, or male. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference as well as genital anatomy and chromosomal makeup.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same strategies for improving your sleep and reducing stress are applicable to. 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 suffering from ADHD have their own unique challenges when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be challenging for women with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and get the assistance they require. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive late diagnosis and less likely to receive treatment as effectively as men.
The challenges of ADHD may be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur 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 occur with age can also lead to cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. It is therefore essential that health care providers distinguish between a normal part of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options for people with ADHD which include lifestyle changes and medications. A good night's sleep - setting a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before going to bed, and eating a regular diet can help improve sleep quality. Exercise is essential. Many people suffering from ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help them relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can benefit from joining an organization for support. These groups can provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the issues that arise in relationships, work and other areas of life when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD can also benefit from participating in group or individual therapy which is focused on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you understand why you've had a hard time, and it can give you a plan for improving your life. Some people also choose to work with coaches who can teach them behavioral strategies and help them develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
There is a wide range of professional treatments for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies could include self-discipline techniques, lifestyle modifications, and therapy or counseling. Many people who suffer from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques, work and home life modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any of these methods to ensure they are safe for you and address all of your specific needs.
One of the main 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 criticisms from spouses, partners, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms like inattention, missing appointments, and impulsive decision-making can also be a source of frustration for the most understanding family members. adhd in women that focus on the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other strategies can be helpful.
Many people suffering from ADHD are also afflicted with depression and anxiety. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that could take the form of burning, cutting or scratching. NSSI can be very dangerous and is often a symptom of untreated ADHD and it is essential to talk to your healthcare provider regarding any concerns you might have.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame or self-pity when they are disregarded or criticized by others. This can result in feelings of self-doubt, procrastination, and a lack of motivation. A support system that understands these struggles and teaches you how to manage them can make a big difference in your life.
ADHD symptoms can be influenced by varying levels estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopausal. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these cycles and need more medication to control their symptoms. Consult your physician about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and regulate your body's production of estrogen. Additionally you can consult an ADHD coach can assist you to build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more at ease with your day-to-day obligations.
Genetics
The the chromosomal makeup of an individual determines the risk of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic connections exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents' age at death and demographics, like the number of children in a household, the age of the child who was born first, and sex at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic cause with these disorders. They also suggest that there are common neurobiological factors connecting the two conditions.
Women who suffer from ADHD may develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, which could make it more difficult to diagnose and treated. Masking may mean investing all their energy in their career, hiding their problems from their loved ones, or changing behaviors in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these methods are healthy, however others aren't and could result in a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
In addition mothers and women are frequently expected to care for their children due to social and family expectations. A higher expectation and self-esteem issues and the challenges associated with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. These feelings can trigger or exacerbate symptoms associated with ADHD such as mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Certain women experience symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles as estrogen levels decrease. This could 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 have described their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have an explanation for their issues and are now able to seek help and treatment. In some cases, the diagnosis allows them to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've suffered through the course of their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be challenging to discern biological differences between women and men from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to women and people who were designated gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.