ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common problem among women* in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the situation worse. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation and increase executive functioning difficulties associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet and finding an therapist who is familiar with adhd can ease your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This is due to several factors, including the fact that women are more likely to have more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily observed by other people), they often develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms.
People with ADD/ADHD are often distant during conversations. This makes it difficult to make connections with others and can cause problems with inattention and impulsivity. Unhealthy coping behaviors such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV) and eating too much are also common among women with ADD/ADHD. Another common symptom of ADHD is having trouble remembering names. This can be aggravated in a number of ways as well as by health issues, aging and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing depression than men. In addition, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from various other medical conditions and mental health disorders, like eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is important to treat any underlying condition.
Women with ADD/ADHD suffer from difficulty getting good quality sleep compared to other adults. This can cause exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deficient or of poor quality can also make it harder to concentrate at work, in school, or with 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 based on an individual's internal perception of their gender as male, female or nonbinary. Gender is different from a person's sexual orientation as well as genital anatomies and the chromosomal makeup.
Whatever your condition, whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same suggestions for improving sleep and reducing 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 who suffer from ADHD have different experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It is sometimes difficult to recognize symptoms in the individual, and it could be more difficult to get the help they need. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to get a late diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than males.
The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes that occur during menopausal and perimenopausal. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with aging may also cause cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial for health care providers to be aware of the distinction between the natural occurrences of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are several treatment options for people with ADHD, including lifestyle changes and medication. A good sleep hygiene routine like establishing a routine before bedtime, avoiding screen-time and eating regularly can help improve sleep. Exercise is crucial. Many people with ADHD discover that meditation or yoga can help them relax. It is important to talk with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD can benefit from joining an ADHD support group. These groups can offer an environment where you can talk about the difficulties that arise in work, relationships and other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD may also benefit by engaging in group or individual therapy which focuses on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative thoughts for healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you know the reasons you've been struggling and provide you with a framework to improve your life. Many people choose to engage coaches 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 many professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies include self-discipline techniques, lifestyle modifications, and therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD also implement stress management strategies, work and home life accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. It is important to speak with a medical professional prior to commencing any of these techniques to ensure they are safe for you and address all of your specific requirements.
One of the major issues for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships as well as family members. The misinterpretation and criticism of partners, spouses, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, missing appointments, and impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution and other methods can help.
Many people with ADHD may also experience depression and anxiety. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI), which can manifest as burning, scratching or cutting. NSSI is a potentially dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
Women who suffer from ADHD might 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 is aware of the struggles you face and teaches you to deal with them can make a big impact on your life.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopausal cycles can affect your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these cycles and require additional medication to control their symptoms. Talk to your physician about a hormone replacement therapy to regulate the body's natural production of estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can help you develop tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more in control of the day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic makeup of a person's chromosomes determines the risk for certain disorders, including ADHD. Many studies have shown that genetic connections exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer and coronary heart disease. parents who died and demographics such as 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 common genetic cause with these disorders, and they also indicate that there are common neurobiological processes linking the two conditions.
Women with ADHD might develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms. This makes it difficult to identify and treat them. Masking may mean putting their entire energy into their work, avoiding their issues from their family members, or changing behaviors to conform to social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others are not and can cause a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
In addition, social and family expectations can put the burden of caring for women and mothers. A higher expectation and low self-esteem and the challenges that come with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. These feelings can trigger or worsen symptoms associated with ADHD such as mood swings, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Certain women experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause when estrogen levels drop. This could be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to drop 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 problems, and can now seek help and therapy. In add in adult women , the diagnosis allows them to forgive themselves for 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 biology, and it can be difficult to separate the biological differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to all women and those born female regardless of their declared gender identity.