ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue among women* in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning problems associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and finding a therapist who is familiar with adhd can aid in reducing symptoms.
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 present with more inattentive symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily spotted by others) They often develop coping mechanisms that mask these symptoms and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause can amplify symptoms.
Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear disoriented during conversations. This can make it difficult to make connections with others and can cause problems with inattention and impulsivity. Poor coping habits such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality shows) and eating too much, are also common in women suffering from ADD/ADHD. Another common sign of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be aggravated by a variety of factors such as health issues, aging and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have higher risks of depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to a variety of other medical conditions and mental health disorders, such as tics, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is crucial to treat any underlying condition.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have a harder time getting enough sleep, especially as compared to other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Poor or insufficient 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 sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on an individual's inner self-perception of being male female, nonbinary, or male. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same tips to improve your sleep and reduce stress apply. Engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and improve your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD have different experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be challenging for those with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and to get the help that they need. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and are less likely to be treated as effectively as men.
The difficulties of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that are associated with perimenopause and menopause. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with aging may also cause cognitive decline, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. It is therefore essential to make sure that health professionals can differentiate between normal signs of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are a myriad of treatment options for those with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. Good sleep hygiene, such as setting a routine prior to the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating a regular diet, can help improve sleep. Exercise is also essential and many people with ADHD find that meditative or yoga helps to relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD might benefit from joining a group for support. These groups provide a safe place to discuss the challenges you face in your relationships as well as at work and in other aspects of your life when you're ADHD. adhd in adult women test with ADHD may benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing your negative patterns of thinking for healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you to understand why you have been struggling and provide you with the framework to improve your life. Many people choose to engage coaches who can guide them through behavioral strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
While there are a wide selection of professional treatment options for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies could include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications, therapy, or counseling. Many people with ADHD implement stress management strategies such as home and work arrangements and changes to their diet into their daily routines. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before beginning any of these strategies to ensure they are safe for you and address your individual needs.
One of the biggest challenges for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships and family members. Disagreements and criticisms from partners, spouses and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, absence of appointments, and impulsive choices can also strain the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution and other methods can help.
Certain people with ADHD also suffer from depression and anxiety. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which can be in the form of burning, cutting or scratching. NSSI can be extremely risky and is often an indication of untreated ADHD and it is crucial to talk with your doctor about any concerns you have.
Women suffering from ADHD can also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are misunderstood by others. This can lead to a lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. A support system that can understand the struggles you face and teaches you how to manage them can make a big difference in your life.
ADHD symptoms can be affected by the fluctuating levels of estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopausal. Some women notice that their symptoms worsen during these periods and require more medication to manage them. Consider talking with your doctor about a hormone replacement therapy to help regulate your body's natural production estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Finally you can consult an ADHD coach can help you create a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel more in control of your day-today obligations.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's DNA and chromosomal characteristics determines the risk of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic connections exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer and 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 the gender of the child at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD is a genetic basis with these disorders, and they also indicate that there are common neurobiological mechanisms connecting the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This can make it difficult to identify and treat them. Masking may mean investing all their energy in their career, hiding their troubles from their family members, or changing behaviors in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these methods are healthy, however others aren't, and could lead to a sense of exhaustion and overwhelm.
In addition, social and family expectations often put the burden of taking care of mothers and women. The combination of increased expectations, low self-esteem and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create a recipe for depression and anxiety. It is not unusual for these emotions to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, such as mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.
Women may experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal periods as estrogen levels decrease. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to fall, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women say that they have experienced their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb moment." They often feel content that they have a reason to explain their struggles and can now seek help and assistance. In some cases, the diagnosis allows people to accept the misfortunes that they have suffered through the course of their lives because 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-based differences that are constructed by society. This article is applicable to all women as well as those born female regardless of their declared gender identity.