ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. They often feel misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation and executive dysfunction that is associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet and working with an therapist who is familiar with adhd can help alleviate your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than for males. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily noticed by other people), they develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.
Being aloof in conversations is a typical characteristic of women suffering from ADD/ADHD. This makes it difficult for them to connect socially and can lead to problems with impulsivity and inattention. Insane coping strategies like shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV), and overeating are also common among women suffering from ADD/ADHD. Another common symptom of ADHD is having trouble remembering names. This can be exacerbated by a variety of factors such as health issues, aging and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to struggle with depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to a variety of other medical conditions and mental health disorders including tics, eating disorders as well as fibromyalgia and PTSD. To reduce and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it is crucial to treat any underlying conditions.
It can be difficult for women with ADD/ADHD get good quality sleep than other adults. This can cause exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sleep deprivation or lack of quality can make it harder to concentrate on work, school, or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people confuse "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However sexuality is a biological phenomenon and gender is a social construct based on the person's own internal view of their self as female, male or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation, genital anatomies, and the chromosomal makeup.
No matter if you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same tips for improving your sleep and reducing stress can be applied. You can improve your focus and sleep by engaging in regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, as well as making a healthy sleep routine.
adhd in women adults I Am Psychiatry with ADHD face unique difficulties when seeking treatment. It may be harder to identify symptoms in the individual, and it could be more difficult to get the help they require. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and are less likely to be treated with the same efficiency as men.
The challenges of ADHD can be made more difficult because of hormonal changes that happen during perimenopause or menopause. The fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can cause an increase in the executive dysfunction and emotional problems that often come with ADHD. In addition, the changes in blood flow that occur with aging may cause cognitive declines that resemble ADHD symptoms. It's crucial to make sure that health professionals can differentiate between normal signs of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are several treatment options for people with ADHD which include lifestyle changes and medications. Making sure you are practicing good sleep hygiene such as establishing a routine for bedtime, avoiding screen time before bed, and eating a regular diet - can improve sleep quality. Exercise is crucial. Many people suffering from ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps them relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for you.
Some people with ADHD can benefit from joining a group of support. These groups provide a safe place to discuss the difficulties you encounter in your relationships at work, in your relationships, and in other aspects of your life when you're ADHD. Women with ADHD may also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may also include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing your negative patterns of thinking for healthier ones.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you know the reasons you've been struggling and give you a framework to improve your life. Some people opt to work with an expert coach who can assist them to discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their life.
Self-help
There is a wide range of professional treatments for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies may include self-discipline, lifestyle modifications or therapy. Many people with ADHD incorporate stress management techniques as well as work and home accommodations, and nutrition changes into their daily schedules. Before you begin any of these strategies it is essential to speak with a doctor to ensure that they are safe and suit your needs.
One of the main challenges for women with undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD is the negative impact it can have on their relationships and family members. Disagreements and criticisms from partners, spouses and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as inattention, missing 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 communication and conflict resolution can help.
Certain people suffering from ADHD are also afflicted with depression and anxiety. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, some women might develop self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which could manifest as burning, scratching, or cutting. NSSI is a risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
It is also common for women with ADHD to experience feelings of shame, depression, or self-pity after being ignored or disregarded by other people. This can result in low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack of motivation. Having a support system that can recognize these issues and help you overcome them can make all the difference in your quality of life.
The varying levels of estrogen that occur during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and perimenopausal cycles can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Certain women experience symptoms become more severe during these times and require additional medication to manage them. Think about talking to your doctor about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to regulate the body's natural production of estrogen and decrease the symptoms of ADHD. A ADHD coach can also help you develop tailored strategies to meet your goals and feel more in control of your daily tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome and chromosomal characteristics determines their likelihood of developing certain disorders, like ADHD. Numerous studies have proven that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents age at death, and demographics such as the number of children, age of first born, and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these conditions, and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women with ADHD may develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, which could make it difficult to diagnose and treated. Masking may mean investing all their energy into their career, hiding their problems from their family and friends, or changing behaviors to conform to social expectations. Some of these strategies can be healthy, however some are not. They can result in feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition women and mothers are often expected to care for their children due to social and familial expectations. A higher expectation and low self-esteem and the challenges that come with ADHD can cause anxiety and depression. These emotions can trigger or intensify symptoms of ADHD, like mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Certain women experience more severe symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause or menopause when estrogen levels drop. This is likely to be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to drop which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women have described their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have an explanation for their problems, and can now seek support and treatment. In some cases the diagnosis allows the patient to forgive herself for the misfortunes she has experienced in her life due to her ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than just biology and it is often difficult to distinguish the biological differences between males and females from gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article is applicable to all women as well as those born female regardless of their declared gender identity.