ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. Many women report feeling unappreciated and overwhelmed by their struggles.
The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopausal change can increase emotional dysregulation, and executive dysfunction that is caused by adhd. Exercise, a healthy diet, and finding a therapist that is knowledgeable about adhd could help alleviate your symptoms.
Symptoms
For women, the diagnosis of ADHD can be more late in life than it does for men. This is due to many factors, such as the fact that women are more likely to present with more inattentive symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily spotted by others) They often develop coping mechanisms that mask these symptoms, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal changes can intensify symptoms.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear absent in conversations. This can make it hard to connect with other people and can increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. People with ADD/ADHD are prone to unhealthy coping behaviors like shopping, watching television (especially reality shows) or overeating. The difficulty in remembering names is another typical sign of ADHD for women. This can be made worse by a myriad of factors particularly those related to health, aging, and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to experience depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at an increased risk of developing other mental health issues, such as eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is crucial to treat these conditions to manage and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have a harder time getting a good night's sleep when compared to other adults. This can cause exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it harder to stay focused on work, school or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people misunderstand the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" in the same way, however 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, male, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference as well as genital anatomy and the chromosomal makeup.
Whether you have ADD/ADHD, or not, there are many tips that can help improve sleep and reduce stress. Getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises and creating a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and improve your ability to concentrate.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD face unique difficulties when seeking treatment. It may be harder to identify symptoms in themselves, and it can be more difficult to access the help they require. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to receive an early diagnosis and receive less effective treatment than men.
The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult due to hormonal changes that take place during perimenopause or menopause. Dips in estrogen and progesterone can increase the executive functioning and emotional problems that often come with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that happen with age can also lead to cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. It's crucial to make sure that health professionals can differentiate between a normal part of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatments for people suffering from ADHD which include lifestyle changes and medication. Making sure you are 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 also essential for those who suffer from ADHD find that meditative or yoga can help to relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about what treatments are best for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD might benefit by joining a group of support. These groups can offer an environment where you can talk about the issues that arise in relationships, work and other areas of life when you suffer from ADHD. Women with ADHD may also benefit by participating in group or individual therapy which focuses on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative patterns of thinking for healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you understand why you've struggled and give you a direction to improve your life. Some people also choose to collaborate with an expert coach who can teach them ways to manage their behavior and help them develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are many professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies may include self-discipline and lifestyle changes, therapy, or counseling. Many people who suffer from ADHD also implement stress management strategies, work and home life adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. It is important to speak with a medical professional prior to commencing any of these techniques to ensure that they are suitable for you and will meet all of your needs.
One of the main challenges for women suffering from undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships and family members. The misinterpretation and criticism of partners, spouses and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms like absence, forgetfulness and impulsive decisions can also be frustrating to even the most understanding family members. adhd symptoms in women adults that focus on the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other techniques can help.
Certain people suffering from ADHD also suffer from depression and anxiety. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Some women may also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which could take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching. NSSI can be very risky and is often an symptom of untreated ADHD, so it is crucial to talk with your healthcare professional regarding any concerns you might have.
Women suffering from ADHD may also develop feelings of shame or self-pity when they are misunderstood by others. This can cause lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. A support system that understands these struggles and helps you learn to deal with them can make a huge impact on your life.
ADHD symptoms are influenced by different levels of estrogen in menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopausal. Certain women experience symptoms get worse during these times and require additional medication to manage these symptoms. Discuss with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and regulate your body's production levels of estrogen. Finally you can consult an ADHD coach can help you build tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel more in control of your day-to-day responsibilities.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk for certain disorders, including ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents who died at a certain age, and demographics such as the number of children, the age of the first child, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these conditions and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This makes it difficult to identify and treat them. This could involve putting all their energy into their careers, hiding their issues from family members or altering their behavior to conform to social norms. Some of these methods are healthy, however others are not and can cause a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally women and mothers are often expected to take care of their children because of societal and family expectations. The combination of increased expectations, low self-esteem and the challenges of living with ADHD can be the perfect recipe for anxiety and depression. It is not unusual for these feelings to trigger or even exacerbate ADHD symptoms, including mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.
Certain women experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause as estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes serotonin and dopamine levels to drop, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They are often content that they have a reason to explain their issues and are able to seek treatment and support. In certain instances, the diagnosis allows them to be able to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've endured in their lives as a result 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 women from socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to women and those who were deemed female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.