ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in middle age suffer from undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. adhd symptoms in women adults report feeling unappreciated and overwhelmed by their struggles.
Hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation and increase executive functioning problems that are caused by adhd. adhd in young women , a healthy diet and finding a therapist familiar with adhd can improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than for males. This is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that women typically exhibit more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by others), they develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.
Being aloof in conversations is a common symptom for women with ADHD or ADD. This can make it difficult to make connections with others and can exacerbate problems with impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADHD are also more prone to unhealthy coping habits like shopping, watching television (especially reality shows), or overeating. Trouble remembering names is another common indication of ADHD in women. It can be caused by a myriad of factors that are related to health, aging, or menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also more likely to struggle with depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to a myriad of other medical conditions and mental health disorders including eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. It is essential to treat these disorders to manage and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It is also harder for women with ADD/ADHD get good quality sleep than other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Lack of sleep or a lack of quality sleep can make it harder to focus on school, work or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people are confused by "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However sexuality is a biological phenomenon and gender is a social construct that is based on a person’s internal sense of their self as female, male or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference, genital anatomy, and the chromosomal makeup.
No matter if you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same strategies to improve your sleep and reduce stress are applicable to. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and making a healthy sleep routine.
Treatment
Women with ADHD have unique challenges when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for them to spot symptoms within the individual, and it could be more difficult to access the help they need. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and are less likely to receive treatment as effectively as men.
The difficulties of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during menopausal and perimenopausal. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning problems that often come with ADHD. Additionally, the changes in blood flow that occur with aging can cause some cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. This is why it's crucial for health care providers to recognize the differences between the natural occurrences of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments for people suffering from ADHD that include changes in lifestyle and medications. Good sleep hygiene includes setting a routine prior to the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating a regular diet, can help you sleep better. Exercise is also essential and many people who suffer from ADHD find that meditative or yoga can help them relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD may benefit from joining a group of support. These groups provide an opportunity to talk about the challenges you encounter in your relationships, at work, and in other aspects of your life when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD may also benefit by participating in group or individual therapy which focuses on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thinking patterns with healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It can help you to know the reasons you've struggled and provide an opportunity to improve your life. Some people also choose to work with a coach who can teach them behavior strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
There's a broad variety 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, lifestyle modifications or therapy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques as well as home and work modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before beginning any of these strategies to ensure that they are safe for you and meet all of your needs.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major challenge for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disagreements and criticisms from partners, spouses and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms like absence, forgetfulness and impulsive decisions can cause frustration to the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication can be helpful.
Certain people suffering from ADHD may also experience depression and anxiety. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which can be in the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI can be very risky and is often an symptom of untreated ADHD, so it is crucial to talk with your healthcare provider about any concerns you have.
It is also normal for women suffering from ADHD to develop feelings of shame, depression, or self-pity after being misunderstood or dismissed by other people. This can cause low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack of motivation. A support system that is aware of these issues and teaches you to manage them can make a big difference in your life.
ADHD symptoms are influenced by varying levels estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopausal. Certain women experience symptoms get worse during these times and require more medication to manage them. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and regulate the body's production of estrogen. A ADHD coach can assist you in establishing a specific strategy to reach your goals and feel confident in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome - their chromosomal traits - determines the risk of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer or coronary artery disease. parents age at death and demographics like the number of children, the age of the first born 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 factors linking the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to identify and treat them. This can include putting all their energy into their jobs, avoiding their issues from family members, or changing their behaviors in order to conform to the expectations of society. Certain of these strategies may be beneficial, but others aren't. They can lead to feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition women and mothers are often expected to care for their children due to societal and family expectations. Increased expectations, low self esteem, and the difficulties that come with ADHD can cause depression and anxiety. These emotions can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of ADHD, such as mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Women may experience more severe 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 drop which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women say that they have experienced their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb moment." They usually feel at peace knowing that they have a rational explanation for their struggles and can now seek help and treatment. In some instances, the diagnosis can allow the woman to accept the mistakes she has made in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than biology, and it can be difficult to separate the biological differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to women and people who were designated female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.