ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue among women* in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They are often misunderstood by their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation, and executive dysfunction that is associated with adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and finding a therapist who is familiar with adhd can improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This is due to a number of factors, including that women are more likely to exhibit more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily observed by other people), they develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
People with ADD/ADHD are often distant during conversations. This can make it difficult for them to socialize and can cause problems with impulsivity and inattention. Insane coping strategies, such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality TV), and overeating are also common among women with ADD/ADHD. Another common sign of ADHD is the difficulty in remembering names. This can be caused in a number of ways such as health issues, aging and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing depression than men. Women with ADD/ADHD are also at greater chance of developing other mental health conditions, including tics, eating disorder as well as fibromyalgia, PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is crucial to treat any underlying issues.
Women with ADD/ADHD suffer from difficulty getting a good night's sleep when as compared to other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which can aggravate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Lack of sleep or a lack of quality sleep can make it difficult to concentrate on work, school, or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people mistakenly use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, but sex refers to biology, while gender is a social concept that is 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 orientation, genital anatomies, and chromosomal make-up.
Regardless of whether you have ADHD or ADD, a lot of the same strategies for improving sleep and reducing stress apply. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, performing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and developing a healthy routine for sleeping.
Treatment
Women with ADHD have different experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It may be harder to recognize symptoms in themselves, and it can be more difficult for them to receive the help they need. They are also more likely to conceal their ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to receive a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than men.
The challenges of ADHD may be exacerbated by hormonal changes that happen in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop can cause an increase in the emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. In addition, the changes in blood flow that occur with aging can trigger a cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. As a result, it's important for health care providers to be aware of the differences between a natural part of aging and real ADHD symptoms.
There are several treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD that include changes in lifestyle and medications. Practicing good sleep hygiene by establishing a bedtime routine and avoiding time spent on screens prior to going to bed and eating regularly will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is crucial. Many people suffering from ADHD find that meditation or yoga can help them relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.
Some people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from joining a group for support. These groups provide an environment where you can talk about the challenges that arise in work, relationships and other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women with ADHD might also benefit from individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy may also include cognitive behavior therapy, which can help you accept your thoughts and feelings while changing negative patterns of thinking to healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with adhd in women checklist can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you know the reasons you've struggled and provide an opportunity to improve your life. Some people also opt to collaborate with a coach who can teach them behavior strategies and help them establish goals for their lives.
Self-help
There is a wide selection of professional treatment options for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies include self-discipline methods, lifestyle modifications, and therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques as well as home and work modifications to their diet, and accommodations into their daily routines. Before you begin any of these strategies, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and will meet your 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 as well as family members. Disregard and mistrust from spouses as well as coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, missing appointments, and making impulsive decisions can also test the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution can be helpful.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. In addition, some women suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which can take the form of scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI is a potentially risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare professional.
It is also common for women with ADHD to experience feelings of shame, depression, or self-pity after being disregarded or criticized by others. This can lead to low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack of motivation. A support system that is aware of the struggles you face and helps you learn to deal with them can make a significant difference in your life.
The varying levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal cycles can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these periods and require additional medication to treat their symptoms. Consider talking with your healthcare professional about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to help manage your body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. An ADHD coach can assist you in developing a customized strategy to reach your goals and feel in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk for certain disorders including ADHD. Many studies have shown that genetic links 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 household, the age of the first child born, and sex at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic condition that has a connection with these conditions and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms linking the two conditions.
Women who suffer from ADHD might develop strategies for coping to disguise their symptoms, which could make it harder to be diagnosed and treated. This masking may consist of putting all their effort into their jobs, avoiding their problems from loved ones 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.
In addition, societal expectations and family expectations often place the burden of taking care of mothers and women. 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 emotions to trigger or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, including mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness.
Certain women experience more severe symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal periods 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 have described their ADHD diagnoses as a "lightbulb" moment. They are relieved to finally have a reason for their struggles and are now able to seek help and treatment. In some cases, the diagnosis allows them to be able to forgive themselves for the misfortunes that they have suffered through the course of their lives because 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 applies to females and people who were designated female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.