ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in middle age suffer from undiagnosed and untreated ADHD caused by hormonal changes. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause amplify the emotional dysregulation, and can cause greater executive functioning problems that are caused by adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and finding a therapist that is knowledgeable about adhd could aid in reducing symptoms.
Symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This is due to many factors, including the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which is more easily observed by other people) They often develop coping mechanisms that mask these symptoms and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause can amplify symptoms.
Women with ADD/ADHD often appear disoriented during conversations. This makes it difficult to make connections with others and can cause problems with inattention and impulsivity. adhd in women uk with ADHD are also prone to unhealthy coping behaviors like shopping and watching television (especially reality shows) or eating too much. The difficulty in remembering names is a common indication of ADHD for women. This can be made worse by a myriad of factors, especially those connected to health, aging, or menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at a higher chance of developing other mental health conditions, including eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia and PTSD. It is essential to treat these disorders in order to manage and reduce symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It can also be more difficult for women with ADD/ADHD have a good night's sleep than other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it harder to concentrate on work, school, or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people mistakenly use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, however the term "sex" refers to biology while gender is a social construct assigned at birth based on a person's internal perception of themselves as male female, male, or nonbinary. Gender is different from a person's sexual preference as well as genital anatomies and chromosomal make-up.
If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are many ways to improve your sleep and decrease stress. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, doing meditation or deep breathing exercises and making a healthy sleep routine.
Treatment
Women with ADHD face particular issues when seeking treatment. It is sometimes difficult to recognize symptoms in themselves, and can be more difficult to get the help they need. They are also more likely to conceal their ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to get a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than men.
The challenges of ADHD may be exacerbated because of hormonal changes that happen in menopausal and perimenopausal women. The fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can cause an increase in the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. Additionally, the changes in blood flow associated with aging can trigger a cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. Therefore, it's crucial for health care providers to be aware of the distinction between a normal part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options available for people who suffer from ADHD. These include lifestyle changes as well as medication. Good sleep hygiene like establishing a routine before the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regular meals can improve sleep. Exercise is also essential for those with ADHD find that meditative or yoga helps to relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about which treatments are best for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD are benefited by joining an ADHD support group. These groups can provide an environment where you can talk about the difficulties that arise in work, relationships and other areas of life when you have ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD may also benefit by participating in group or individual therapy that is focused 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 your negative thoughts for healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It can help you understand why you've struggled and give you a plan to help you improve your life. Some people also choose to work with a coach who can teach them ways to manage their behavior and help them develop goals for their lives.
Self-help
There's a broad selection of professional treatment options for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies can include self-discipline techniques and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD also implement stress management strategies as well as home and work adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. It is crucial to consult with a medical professional prior to starting any of these methods to ensure they are safe for you and meet your individual needs.
The negative impact on family relationships and friends is a major issue for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticism from spouses, partners, and coworkers are not uncommon. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, missed appointments, and impulsive decision-making can also be a source of frustration for the most tolerant family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication can help.
Certain people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from depression and anxiety. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which may take the form of cutting, burning or scratching. NSSI is extremely dangerous and is often an indication of untreated ADHD and it is important to speak with your doctor regarding any concerns you may have.
It is also common for women suffering from ADHD to develop feelings of depression, shame or self-pity when they are disregarded or criticized by other people. This can lead to low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack of motivation. Supporting a person who can understand these struggles and help you manage them can make a huge difference to your quality of life.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal periods can affect your ADHD symptoms. Some women find that their symptoms become more severe during these times and require more medication to manage these symptoms. Think about talking to your healthcare professional about an alternative therapy for hormones to manage your body's natural production estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. A ADHD coach can also help you develop tailored strategies to meet your goals and feel in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk of developing certain disorders including ADHD. Numerous studies have proven that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer or coronary artery disease. parents' ages at death, and demographics such as the number of children, age of the first child, and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a common genetic cause with these conditions, and also indicate that there are common neurobiological factors that link the two conditions.
Women who have ADHD might develop strategies for coping to hide their symptoms, which may make it harder to diagnose and treated. This can include putting all their energy into their work, avoiding their problems from loved ones, or changing their behaviors to meet societal expectations. Some of these strategies are healthy, while others aren't and could cause a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.
In addition, social and family expectations often put the burden of caring for mothers and women. Expectations that are higher and low self-esteem and the difficulties that come with ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety. These emotions can trigger or exacerbate symptoms associated with ADHD such as mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women notice that their symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles, when estrogen decreases. This could be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin 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 rational explanation for their difficulties and can seek treatment and support. In certain cases, the diagnosis allows them to be able to forgive themselves for the misfortunes that they have experienced in their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than just biology and it is often difficult to distinguish the biological gender differences between males and females from socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to women and those who were deemed gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.