ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common issue among women* in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the issue worse. They often report feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation and greater executive functioning problems that are associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet and working with an therapist who is familiar with adhd can help alleviate your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This is due to a variety of factors, including that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by others) and they create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
Appearing aloof during conversations is a typical characteristic of women suffering from ADD/ADHD. This makes it difficult to make connections with others and can lead to problems with impulsivity and inattention. Unhealthy coping behaviors, such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality TV) and eating too much are also common among women with ADHD or ADD. Another common symptom of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be aggravated by a variety of factors, including by health issues, aging, and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more prone to a variety of other mental health issues, including tics, eating disorders as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is crucial to treat any underlying condition.
It can also be more difficult for women with ADD/ADHD to have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Poor or insufficient sleep can make it more difficult to stay focused at work, at school, or with household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people confuse "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However the sex of a person is a matter of biology and gender is a social construct based on an individual's internal perception of themselves as male, female or non-binary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation or genital anatomy, as well as chromosomal make-up.
If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of tips that can help improve sleep and decrease stress. Regular exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises and establishing a healthy sleeping routine can help you get better sleep and increase your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women who suffer from ADHD have unique experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It is sometimes difficult to identify symptoms in themselves, and can be more difficult to get the assistance they require. They are more likely to mask ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive later diagnoses and less likely to receive treatment in the same way as men.
The challenges of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes that are associated with perimenopause and menopause. Progesterone and estrogen levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are frequently associated with ADHD. In addition, the changes in blood flow that occur with aging can cause some cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. It's therefore important that health care providers distinguish between a normal part of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments for people suffering from ADHD which include lifestyle changes and medications. A good sleep hygiene routine like creating a routine before bedtime, avoiding screen-time and eating regular meals can improve sleep. Exercise is also important, and many people with ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps to relax. It is important to talk with your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.
inattentive add in women suffering from ADHD are benefited by joining an ADHD support group. These groups can provide a safe space to discuss the difficulties that arise in relationships, work and other areas when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD may benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses 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 healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you've had a hard time, and it can give you a plan for improving your life. Some people prefer working with an expert coach who can help them discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their life.
Self-help
There is a wide selection of professional treatment options for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies include self-discipline strategies, lifestyle modifications, and therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques, work and home life modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these techniques it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and meet your requirements.
The negative impact on family relationships and friends is a major problem for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disregard and mistrust from spouses, partners, and colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, absence of appointments, and impulsive choices can also test the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication can help.
Some people who have ADHD also struggle with depression and anxiety which can cause ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, some women might suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which could take the form of scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI can be very dangerous and is often an indication of untreated ADHD, so it is important to speak with your healthcare provider regarding any concerns you might have.
Women suffering from ADHD can also experience feelings of shame or self-pity when they are misunderstood by others. This can cause lack of motivation, procrastination, and low self-esteem. A support system that is aware of the struggles you face and helps you learn to deal with them can make a significant impact on your life.
The different levels of estrogen that occur during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopause can impact your ADHD symptoms. Women who suffer from worsening symptoms during these periods and require more medication to treat their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and help regulate your body's production levels of estrogen. A ADHD coach can assist you in developing a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel more in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk of having certain disorders, including ADHD. Several different studies have reported that genetic connections exist between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents' age at death and demographics, such as the number of children in a family, the age of the child who was born first, and sex at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic cause with these disorders. They also suggest that there are common neurobiological processes connecting the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to identify and treat them. This can consist of putting all their effort into their work, avoiding their problems from family members or altering their behavior to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, while others aren't, and could result in a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally mothers and women are frequently expected to care for their children due to societal and family expectations. The combination of higher expectations, low self-esteem and the difficulties of living with ADHD can be the perfect recipe for depression and anxiety. It is not uncommon for these feelings to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, like mood swings and feelings of inadequacy.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal periods as estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact the diminution in estrogen can cause dopamine and seletonin levels to drop and make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally understand the reason for their issues, and can now seek support and treatment. In certain instances, the diagnosis allows people to accept the misfortunes that they have experienced in their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be challenging to discern biological differences between males and females from socially constructed gender distinctions. This article is applicable to all women and those assigned female at birth regardless of their declared gender identity.