ADHD in Older Women
Many women* in middle age struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD that is exacerbated by hormonal changes. They are often misunderstood in their struggles and feel overwhelmed.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopausal cycles can intensify the emotional dysregulation and increase executive functioning difficulties caused by adhd. Exercise and a healthy diet and finding a therapist that is familiar with adhd may help alleviate your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD can be more late in life than for males. This is due to a number of factors, such as the fact that women tend present with more inattention than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily noticed by other people), they create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD tend to appear absent in conversations. This can make it hard for them to interact with other people and can increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. Unhealthy coping behaviors, such as shopping, TV watching (especially reality TV), and overeating, are also common in women with ADHD or ADD. The difficulty in remembering names is another typical sign of ADHD in women. It can be made worse by a myriad of factors particularly those that have to do with health, aging, and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also at higher risks of depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from a myriad of other medical conditions and mental health disorders like tics, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. It is important to treat these conditions in order to control and alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to have difficulty getting enough sleep, especially compared to other adults. This can cause exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Lack of sleep or a lack of quality sleep can make it difficult to concentrate on school, work or household chores.
Verywell Health points out that many people mistakenly use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" in the same way, however sex refers to biology, while gender is a social concept that is assigned at birth based on the person's internal sense of self as male female, nonbinary, or male. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual orientation as well as genital anatomy and chromosomal makeup.
Regardless of whether you have ADHD or ADD, many of the same tips for improving your sleep and reducing stress are applicable to. Engaging in regular exercise, doing 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 who suffer from ADHD have unique experiences when it comes to seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for those suffering from ADHD to recognize their symptoms and to get the help that they need. They are also more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. In the end, they are more likely to receive later diagnosis and less likely to receive treatment with the same efficiency as men.
The challenges of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause. Progesterone and estrogen levels can lead to an increase in emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues that are often associated with ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow associated with aging may cause cognitive decline that mimics ADHD symptoms. As a result, it's important for health professionals to be aware of the distinction between a natural part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments for people suffering from ADHD which include lifestyle changes and medication. Good sleep hygiene includes setting a routine prior to the bedtime, not using screens during the night, and eating regular meals can improve sleep. Exercise is important. Many people suffering from ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps them relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about what treatments are appropriate for you.
Some people with ADHD benefit from joining a support group. These groups can offer a safe space to discuss the difficulties that arise in work, relationships and other areas of life when you have ADHD. Women who have ADHD could also benefit from individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can assist you in accepting your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thought patterns with healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It can help you understand why you've had a hard time and give you a plan to help you improve your life. Some people also choose to collaborate with a coach who can guide them through ways to manage their behavior and help them set 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 with ADHD also implement stress management strategies such as work and home accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. It is important to speak with a doctor prior to starting any of these methods to ensure that they are safe for you and address all of your needs.
The negative impact on relationships and family members is a major challenge for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of partners, spouses and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as absence, forgetfulness and impulsive decisions can cause frustration to the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication can be helpful.
adult adhd symptoms women with ADHD also suffer from anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that may take the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI can be extremely dangerous and is often an indication of untreated ADHD It is crucial to talk with your healthcare provider regarding any concerns you might have.
It is also typical for women suffering from ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame or self-pity following being disregarded or criticized by other people. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. Supporting a person who can comprehend these challenges and teach you how to manage these issues can make all the difference in the quality of your life.
The varying levels of estrogen 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 more medication to manage their symptoms. Consult your physician about hormone replacement therapy. This could help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and control the body's production of estrogen. A ADHD coach can also help you develop tailored strategies to reach your goals and feel confident in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The chromosomal makeup of a person determines the risk of having certain disorders including ADHD. Numerous studies have proven that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions such as 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 findings suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these diseases, and that there are common neurobiological processes that connect the two conditions.
Women who have ADHD may develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms, which could make it more difficult to diagnose and treated. This can involve putting all their energy into their jobs, avoiding their issues from family members or changing their behavior to conform to social norms. Some of these strategies are healthy, but others are not and can lead to a sense of exhaustion and overwhelm.
In addition, social and family expectations often put the burden of caretaking on women and mothers. The combination of increased expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can be the perfect recipe for anxiety and depression. It is not unusual for these feelings to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, such as mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause or menopause when estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decline in estrogen causes dopamine and serotonin levels to fall and can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb" moment. They feel relieved to finally have a reason for their struggles and are now able to seek support and treatment. In some cases the diagnosis enables them to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've suffered through the course of their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be difficult to discern biological differences between women and men from socially constructed gender distinctions. This article applies to females and people who were assigned female at birth regardless of their gender identity.