ADHD in Older Women
Many womenin their middle age suffer from undiagnosed and untreated ADHD caused by hormonal changes. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause or menopausal change can increase emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues that are caused by adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet and finding an adhd-specific therapist can help alleviate your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than for men. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily noticed by others), they often develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.
A lack of interest in conversations is a typical characteristic of women suffering from ADHD or ADD. This can make it hard for them to interact with others and can worsen their impulsivity or inattention. People with ADD/ADHD are prone to unhealthy coping behaviors such as shopping or watching television (especially reality shows), or overeating. Another common symptom of ADHD is the difficulty in remembering names. This can be exacerbated in a variety of ways as well as by health issues, aging and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have a higher chance of developing other mental health conditions, including tics, eating disorder, fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is essential to treat these issues to manage and reduce symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It is also harder for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to get enough sleep than other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it more difficult to focus on school, work or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, but the term "sex" refers to biology while gender is a social concept that is assigned at birth based on a person's inner self-perception of being male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is different from a person’s sexual orientation or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal make-up.
Regardless of 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 sleep routine can help you achieve better sleep and improve your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women with ADHD have unique experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It is sometimes difficult to spot symptoms within themselves, and can be more difficult to get the help they require. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to receive a late diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than men.
The difficulties of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during menopausal and perimenopausal. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can cause an increase in the executive dysfunction and emotional problems that often come 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 that health care providers distinguish between a normal part of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatments for people suffering from ADHD that include lifestyle changes and medications. Practicing good sleep hygiene - setting a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before going to going to bed and eating regularly can help improve sleep quality. Exercise is essential. Many people suffering from ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help them relax. You should talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD are benefited by joining an organization for support. These groups offer the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the issues you face in your relationships as well as at work and other areas of your life when you are ADHD. Women with ADHD may also benefit by engaging in group or individual therapy that is focused on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you accept your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thinking patterns with more positive ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you to discover the reason you've been struggling and provide you with the framework to improve your life. Some people opt to work with an expert coach who can assist them to discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by tackling it. There are a variety of professional treatments available for ADHD. These strategies include self-discipline strategies as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD also implement stress management strategies, work and home life adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any of these strategies to ensure that they are suitable for you and will meet 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. Disregard and mistrust from spouses or colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness missing appointments, and impulsive choices can also test the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other techniques can help.
Some people who have ADHD are also afflicted by depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that could take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching. NSSI can be very dangerous and is often an symptom of untreated ADHD and it is essential to talk to your doctor regarding any concerns you might have.
It is also typical for women suffering from ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame or self-pity when they are ignored or disregarded by other people. This can cause low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack of motivation. A support system that is aware of the struggles you face and teaches you to deal with them can make a significant difference in your life.
The different levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopausal periods can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these cycles and require additional medication to control their symptoms. Discuss with 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 also help you develop tailored strategies to meet 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. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents' ages at death and demographics like the number of children, age of the first child, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a common genetic cause with these disorders. adhd traits in women indicate that there are common neurobiological processes connecting the two conditions.
Women who have ADHD might develop strategies for coping to mask their symptoms, which may make it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. This masking may consist of putting all their effort into their careers, hiding their issues from family members or altering their behavior to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies could be beneficial, but others are not. They can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
In addition, societal and family expectations often put the burden of caring for mothers and women. Increased expectations, low self esteem, and the challenges that come with ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression. These feelings can trigger or intensify ADHD-related symptoms such as mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women find that their symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during perimenopause and menopause as estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to decrease which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women report their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They often feel content that they have an external explanation for their issues and are able to seek treatment and support. In some cases the diagnosis allows the patient to accept 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 biological differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article applies to women and people who were assigned female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.