ADHD in Older Women
Many womenin their middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD caused by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation as well as executive dysfunction that is caused by adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and finding a therapist that is familiar with adhd may improve your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD could be later in life than for males. This is due to a number of factors, including that women tend present with more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily noticed by other people), they develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, and also hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
A lack of interest in conversations is a typical sign of women suffering from ADD/ADHD. This can make it hard for them to interact with others and can worsen their impulsivity or inattention. People with ADD/ADHD are susceptible to unhealthy coping strategies like shopping, watching television (especially reality shows) or overeating. Trouble remembering names is another typical indication of ADHD in women, which can be caused by a variety of situations that are that have to do with age, health, and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing depression than men. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing other mental health issues, such as tics, eating disorder as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. In order to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is important to treat any underlying conditions.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have a harder time getting a good night's sleep when compared to other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it harder to concentrate on school, work or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" in the same way, however sex refers to biology, while gender is a social construct that is assigned at birth based on a person's internal sense of self as male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is different from a person’s sexual orientation, genital anatomies, and chromosomal make-up.
Regardless of whether you have ADHD or ADD, a lot of the same suggestions for improving your sleep and reducing stress are applicable to. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and creating a healthy sleeping routine.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD face unique challenges when seeking treatment. It can be difficult for them to identify symptoms in themselves, and it can be more difficult to access the help they require. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and less likely to receive treatment as effectively as men.
The challenges of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes that are associated with menopausal and perimenopausal. The fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can cause an increase in the executive functioning and emotional problems that often come with ADHD. Additionally, the changes in blood flow that occur with aging may cause cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. This is why it is crucial for health care providers to recognize the differences between a normal part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are a myriad of treatments available to people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. A good night's sleep by establishing a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before going to bed and eating regular meals - can improve sleep quality. Exercise is important. Many people with ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help them relax. add women is important to talk with your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD are benefited by joining an ADHD support group. These groups provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the challenges you encounter in your relationships as well as at work and other areas of your life when you're ADHD. Women who have ADHD could also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you discover the reason you've struggled and provide the framework to improve your life. Many people choose to engage a coach who can help them learn behavior strategies and help them develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are a myriad of professional treatments available for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline methods, lifestyle modifications, and therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD employ stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations, and nutrition changes into their daily schedules. Before beginning any of these techniques it is crucial to consult with a medical professional to ensure that they are safe and will meet your needs.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major problem for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of partners, spouses and colleagues are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms like inattention, missing appointments and impulsive decision-making may also be a source of frustration for the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication can be helpful.
Some people with ADHD are also afflicted by anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Additionally, some women may develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which could take the form of burning, scratching, or cutting. NSSI can be extremely dangerous and is often an indication of untreated ADHD It is essential to talk to your healthcare professional regarding any concerns you may have.
Women who suffer from ADHD might also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can result in feelings of self-doubt, procrastination, and a lack motivation. A support system that can understand these struggles and teaches you how to deal with them can make a significant impact on your life.
The varying levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopausal cycles can impact your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience symptoms become more severe during these times and require more medication to control them. Think about talking to your healthcare professional about an alternative therapy for hormones to help control the body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally you can consult an ADHD coach can assist you to develop a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day responsibilities.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic correlations exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents dying at a certain age, and demographics, such as number of children in a family, age of the first child born and the gender of the child at birth. These results suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic cause with these disorders. They also suggest that there are common neurobiological factors that link the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat them. This masking may consist of putting all their effort into their work, avoiding their problems from loved ones or changing their behavior to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others aren't, and could lead to a sense of exhaustion and overwhelm.
In addition, societal and family expectations can put the burden of taking care of women and mothers. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can be an ideal recipe for depression and anxiety. These emotions can trigger or worsen ADHD-related symptoms like mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Women may experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms when estrogen levels decrease. This is likely due to the fact that the diminution in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to decrease which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women have described their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have an explanation for their struggles and are now able to seek support and treatment. In some instances, the diagnosis allows the patient to accept the mishaps she's experienced in her life because of her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be difficult to discern biological differences between women and men from socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to all women as well as those born female regardless of their confirmed gender identity.