ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in middle age suffer from undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. Many women report feeling unappreciated and overwhelmed by their struggles.
Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning problems that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and locating a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This is due to many factors, including the fact that women tend to present with more inattentive symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily spotted by others) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms.
Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear distant during conversations. This can make it hard to connect with others and may increase their impulsivity or inattention. Unhealthy coping behaviors like shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows), and overeating are also common among women with ADHD or ADD. Having trouble remembering names is another common sign of ADHD for women. This can be caused by a variety of situations particularly those related to health, aging, or menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have greater chance of developing mental health issues, such as eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is important to treat any underlying condition.
It is also harder for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can make it more difficult to focus at work, in the classroom, or in household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" in the same way, however sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social concept that is assigned at birth based on the person's inner self-perception of being male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference, genital anatomy, and chromosomal makeup.
If you have ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of ways to improve your sleep and decrease stress. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises and creating a healthy sleeping routine.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD face unique issues when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for them to identify symptoms in themselves, and can be more difficult to get the assistance they require. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive later diagnosis and less likely to receive treatment with the same efficiency as men.
add test for women of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. Progesterone and estrogen levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues are often associated with ADHD. In addition, the changes in blood flow that occur with aging may cause cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. As a result, it's important for health care providers to be aware of the differences between a natural part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments for people suffering from ADHD, including lifestyle changes and medications. Good sleep hygiene like setting a routine prior to bedtime, avoiding screen-time and eating a regular diet, can help improve sleep. Exercise is crucial. Many people suffering from ADHD discover that yoga or meditation helps them relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about which treatments are right for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD may benefit from joining a group for support. These groups can offer a safe space to discuss the difficulties that arise in work, relationships and other areas of life when you have ADHD. Women who have ADHD might benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative thoughts for healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It can help you understand why you've been struggling, and it can give you a direction to help you improve your life. Some people also choose to engage a coach who can teach them behavior strategies and help them set goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by tackling it. There are a variety of professional solutions for ADHD. These strategies may include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications or therapy. Many people suffering from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques such as work and home accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. It is crucial to consult with a medical professional prior to beginning any of these strategies to ensure they are suitable for you and will meet your individual requirements.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major problem for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses, partners, and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, absence of appointments, and impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on communication and conflict resolution can help.
Some people with ADHD are also afflicted by depression and anxiety which can cause ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI), which can take the form of burning, scratching, or cutting. NSSI is a potentially risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is crucial to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
Women who suffer from ADHD may also develop feelings of self-pity or shame when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can cause low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack motivation. A support system that can understand these struggles and helps you learn to deal with them can make a significant difference in your life.
The varying levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopausal cycles can impact your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these periods and require more medication to manage their symptoms. Think about talking to your doctor about a hormone replacement therapy to regulate the body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. Lastly An ADHD coach can assist you to build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day obligations.
Genetics
The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome and chromosomal characteristics determines the risk of developing certain disorders, like ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic connections between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents' ages at death, and demographics such as the number of children, age of the first child and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a common genetic cause with these conditions, and also indicate that there are common neurobiological mechanisms connecting the two conditions.
Women with ADHD may develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, which may make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. Masking could mean 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 are healthy, but others aren't and could cause a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition, societal expectations and family expectations often place the burden of caretaking on mothers and women. The combination of high expectations, low self-esteem and the challenges of living with ADHD can be the perfect recipe for depression and anxiety. It is not unusual for these emotions to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, such as mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness.
Certain women experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal periods when estrogen levels drop. This is probably due to the the reduction in estrogen can cause dopamine and seletonin levels to decrease which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They often feel content that they have an external explanation for their issues and are able to seek help and treatment. In certain cases the diagnosis can allow people to accept the misfortunes that they have endured in their lives as a result of their 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 is applicable to all women and people assigned female at birth, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.
