ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and are overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are caused by adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet and working with an adhd-specific therapist can improve your symptoms.
adhd in women signs and symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD can be more late in life than for men. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that women tend to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily noticed by others), they often develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.
Appearing aloof during conversations is a typical characteristic of women suffering from ADD/ADHD. This makes it difficult for them to socialize and can lead to problems with impulsivity and inattention. Women with ADHD are also more prone to unhealthy coping habits like shopping or watching TV (especially reality shows) or eating too much. Another sign of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be aggravated in a number of ways such as health issues, aging and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have higher risks of depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more prone to various other mental health issues, including tics, eating disorders as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is essential to treat any underlying issues.
It can be difficult for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can lead to exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it more difficult to stay focused on work, school, or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, however sex 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 different from a person's sexual orientation as well as genital anatomies and the chromosomal makeup.
Regardless of whether you have ADHD or ADD, many of the same tips for improving your sleep and reducing stress can be applied. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women with ADHD have different experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be challenging for those suffering from ADHD to identify their symptoms and receive the assistance they require. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and are less likely to receive treatment in the same way as men.
The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. The decrease in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can cause emotional dysregulation to worsen, and executive functioning issues that are often linked to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with aging can also trigger cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's important for health professionals to be aware of the distinction between a natural part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options available for people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medications. Good sleep hygiene like establishing a routine before the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regularly can help improve sleep. Exercise is also important and many people who suffer from ADHD find that meditative or yoga can help to relax. You should talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD can benefit from joining an ADHD support group. These groups offer a safe place to discuss the difficulties you encounter in your relationships at work, in your relationships, and in other aspects of your life when you are ADHD. Women who have ADHD might also benefit from individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thinking patterns with more positive ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you have been struggling and provide you with a framework to improve your life. Many people choose to engage an expert coach who can guide them through behavioral strategies and help them set goals for their lives.
Self-help
While there are a wide variety of professional treatments for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies may include self-discipline, lifestyle changes therapy, counseling, or both. Many people with ADHD incorporate stress management techniques, home and work accommodations and dietary changes into their daily schedules. It is essential to consult with a doctor prior to commencing any of these techniques to ensure that they are suitable for you and will meet all of your needs.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major issue for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses or coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, missed appointments and impulsive decisions can also be frustrating to even the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can be helpful.
Some people who have ADHD have anxiety and depression which can cause ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which may take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching. NSSI can be extremely dangerous and is often an indication of untreated ADHD and it is essential to talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you have.
It is also typical for women suffering from ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame or self-pity following being misunderstood or dismissed by other people. This can result in feelings of self-doubt, procrastination, and a lack of motivation. Supporting a person who can comprehend these challenges and teach you how to overcome them can make all the difference in the quality of your life.
ADHD symptoms can be influenced by different levels of estrogen in menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopause. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these periods and need more medication to manage their symptoms. Consider talking with your doctor about a hormone replacement therapy to manage your body's natural production of estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. Lastly An ADHD coach can assist you to create a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel more at ease with your day-to-day responsibilities.
Genetics
The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome and chromosomal characteristics determines the risk of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Many studies have shown that genetic correlations exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents' age at death, and demographics, such as number of children in a family, age of the child who was born first and the gender of the child at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these diseases, and that there are common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms. This can make it difficult to identify and treat them. Masking can include investing all their energy in their job, hiding their issues from their family members or altering their behavior in order to satisfy social expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others are not and can result in a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
In addition, social and family expectations can put the burden of caring for mothers and women. Increased expectations and self-esteem issues and the challenges that come with ADHD can cause depression and anxiety. It is not unusual for these feelings to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, like mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness.
Women may experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause when estrogen levels drop. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to fall and can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women have described their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have a reason for their issues and are now able to seek help and treatment. In some instances, the diagnosis allows 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 just biology and it can be difficult to separate the biological differences between males and women from gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article applies to females and those who were deemed female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.