ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation and increase executive functioning issues that can be that are associated with adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and finding a therapist that is knowledgeable about adhd could improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. This is due to a number of factors, such as the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by others), they develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear distant during conversations. adhd symptoms in women test can make it difficult for them to socialize and can exacerbate problems with inattention and impulsivity. Poor coping habits, such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality TV), and overeating are also common among women with ADHD or ADD. Having trouble remembering names is another typical indication of ADHD in women, which can be caused by a variety of situations, especially those related to health, aging, and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to a myriad of other medical conditions and mental health disorders, like eating disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. PTSD. It is crucial to treat these issues to manage and reduce symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It is also harder for women with ADD/ADHD to get enough sleep than other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can make it more difficult to concentrate 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, however sex refers to biology, while gender is a social construct assigned at birth based on an individual's inner self-perception of being male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference, genital anatomies, and chromosomal make-up.
Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are plenty of strategies that can help you improve your sleep and ease stress. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, performing meditation or deep breathing exercises and developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women with ADHD face unique issues when seeking treatment. It can be challenging for those with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and to get the help that they need. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive late diagnosis and less likely to be treated with the same efficiency as men.
The difficulties of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. The decrease in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are often linked to ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow associated with aging can cause some cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's important for health professionals to recognize the differences between a natural part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD, including lifestyle changes and medications. Good sleep hygiene includes setting a routine prior to the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regular meals can improve sleep. Exercise is crucial. Many people suffering from ADHD discover that yoga or meditation helps them relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD can benefit by joining a group of support. These groups offer a safe place to discuss the issues you face in your relationships, at work, and in other aspects of your life when you are ADHD. Women with ADHD may benefit from either individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may also include cognitive behavior therapy, which can help you to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you discover the reason you've been struggling and give you an opportunity to improve your life. Many people choose to collaborate with an expert coach who can teach them ways to manage their behavior and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
There is a wide range of professional treatments for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies can include self-discipline methods as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD also implement stress management strategies, work and home life accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. It is essential to consult with a doctor prior to beginning any of these strategies to ensure they are suitable for you and will meet your individual needs.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major challenge for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses, partners, and colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, absence of appointments, and impulsive choices can also strain the patience of even the most understanding loved ones. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on communication and conflict resolution can help.
Some people with ADHD are also afflicted with depression and anxiety. treatment for adhd in women can worsen ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, some women might develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which could take the form of scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI can be extremely dangerous and is often an symptom of untreated ADHD, so it is essential to talk to your doctor regarding any concerns you might have.
Women suffering from ADHD might also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can result in depression, self-esteem issues, and a lack of motivation. Supporting a person who can comprehend these challenges and teach you how to manage these issues can make all the difference in your quality of life.
The varying levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopausal periods can impact your ADHD symptoms. Some women notice that their symptoms become more severe during these periods and require more medication to control these symptoms. Consult your physician about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate your body's production of estrogen. Additionally, an ADHD coach can help you develop a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more in control of your day-today obligations.
Genetics
The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome - their chromosomal characteristics - determines their risk for developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents' ages at death and demographics like the number of children, age of first born and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic basis with these disorders. They also indicate that there are common neurobiological factors linking the two conditions.
Women with ADHD may develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, which may make it harder to be diagnosed and treated. Masking can include investing all their energy into their career, hiding their issues from their family and friends or altering their behavior to meet social expectations. Some of these strategies can be healthy, but some aren't. They can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
In addition, mothers and women are typically expected to take care of their children because of societal and family expectations. Increased expectations, low self esteem, and the challenges that come with ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression. These emotions can trigger or worsen symptoms associated with ADHD such as mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women find that their symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal perimenopausal 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 and can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnoses as a "lightbulb" moment. They are relieved to finally understand the reason for their struggles, and can now seek help and treatment. In some cases, the diagnosis can allow the woman to be able to forgive herself for the mishaps she's experienced in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just a matter of biology. It can be challenging to distinguish the gender differences between women and men from socially constructed differences in gender. This article is applicable to women and those who were deemed female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.