ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common problem for women in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and are overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation and executive functioning problems caused by adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and finding a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could aid in reducing symptoms.
Symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. 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 noticed by others) In addition, they tend to develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear disoriented during conversations. This makes it difficult for them to connect socially and can lead to problems with inattention and impulsivity. Women with ADHD are also prone to unhealthy coping behaviors like shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows) or overeating. The difficulty in remembering names is another typical sign of ADHD for women. This can be aggravated by a variety of situations that are related to health, aging, and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD also have an increased chance of developing other mental health problems, including eating disorders, tics as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is crucial to treat any underlying issues.
It is also harder for women with ADD/ADHD get good quality sleep than other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it harder to concentrate on school, work or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" in the same way, however the term "sex" refers to biology while gender is a social concept that is assigned at birth based on the person's internal perception of themselves as male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is different from a person's sexual preference, genital anatomies, and chromosomal make-up.
Regardless of whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same strategies to improve your sleep and reduce stress apply. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises and establishing a healthy sleeping routine can help you get better sleep and increase your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD face particular challenges when seeking treatment. It is sometimes difficult to identify symptoms in themselves, and it can be more difficult to access the help they need. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive later diagnosis and less likely to receive treatment as effectively as men.
The challenges of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. The fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can increase the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are common to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with aging may also cause cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. It's therefore important that health care providers distinguish between a normal part of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments for people suffering from ADHD, including lifestyle changes and medications. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene - setting a bedtime routine, avoiding screen time before going to bed and eating regularly can help improve sleep quality. Exercise is crucial. Many people with ADHD discover that yoga or meditation helps to relax. It is important to talk with your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD are benefited by joining an ADHD support group. These groups can provide an environment where you can talk about the issues that arise in work, relationships and other areas when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD might also benefit from participating in group or individual therapy that is focused on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may also include cognitive behavior therapy, which can help you accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative patterns of thinking for healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It can help you discover the reason you've been struggling and give you the framework to improve your life. Many people choose to engage an expert coach who can help them learn behavior strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your health by tackling it. There are many professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies can include self-discipline methods, lifestyle modifications, and therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD implement stress management strategies such as home and work arrangements and dietary changes into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these strategies it is essential to consult with a medical professional to ensure that they are safe and will meet your needs.
One of the major issues for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it has on their relationships as well as family members. women and adhd and criticism from spouses, partners, and coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, missed appointments and impulsive decision-making may cause frustration to the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication, and other strategies can be helpful.
Some people with ADHD have anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which may be characterized as scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI is extremely dangerous and is usually a symptom of untreated ADHD, so it is essential to talk to your healthcare professional regarding any concerns you may have.
It is also typical for women with ADHD to develop feelings of shame, depression or self-pity following being misunderstood or dismissed 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 the quality of your life.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopause can impact your ADHD symptoms. Some women notice that their symptoms worsen during these periods and require more medication to manage these symptoms. Talk to your doctor about an alternative therapy for hormones to manage your body's natural production estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. Finally, an ADHD coach can assist you to build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more in control of your day-today tasks.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk of having certain disorders including ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic links exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents' age at death and demographics such as the number of children in a family, the age of the child who was born first, and sex at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a genetic connection with these conditions and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult to diagnose and treat them. This masking may include putting all their energy into their jobs, avoiding their issues from family members, or changing their behaviors to conform to social norms. Some of these methods are healthy, however others aren't, and could cause a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition, societal and family expectations can put the burden of caring for women and mothers. The combination of increased expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create the perfect recipe for anxiety and depression. These emotions can trigger or intensify symptoms of ADHD, such as mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal periods when estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to decrease which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women have described their ADHD diagnoses as a "lightbulb" moment. They are relieved to finally have an explanation for their issues and are now able to seek support and treatment. In some instances, the diagnosis can allow the woman to forgive herself for the mistakes she has made in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than just biology and it is often difficult to distinguish the biological gender differences between males and females from gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article applies to females and people who were designated female at birth regardless of their gender identity.