ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue among women* in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the situation worse. Many women report feeling unappreciated and overwhelmed by their struggles.
The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation as well as executive functioning issues that are caused by adhd. Exercise, eating a balanced diet, and seeking out an adhd-specific therapist can improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. This is due to a variety of factors, including that women tend present with more apathy than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by other people), they create coping mechanisms to hide these symptoms, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopausal.
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. Women with ADD/ADHD are also prone to unhealthy coping behaviors such as shopping or watching television (especially reality shows) or eating too much. Another common sign of ADHD is the difficulty in remembering names. This can be caused in a variety of ways as well as by health issues, aging and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing depression than men. Women who suffer from ADD/ADHD also have an increased risk of developing other mental health conditions, including tics, eating disorder, fibromyalgia and PTSD. To lessen and manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD it is crucial to treat any underlying condition.
It can also be more difficult for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to get good quality sleep than other adults. This can lead to exhaustion, which can worsen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Lack of sleep or a lack of quality sleep can make it harder to focus on work, school or household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people mistake "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However attention deficit in women of a person is a matter of biology and gender is a social construct based on the person's own internal view of their gender as male, female or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person’s sexual orientation, genital anatomies, and the chromosomal makeup.
Regardless of whether you have ADD/ADHD or not, many of the same strategies for improving your sleep and reducing stress apply. Regular exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises, and establishing a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and improve your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD have their own unique challenges when seeking treatment for their condition. It is sometimes difficult to spot symptoms within themselves, and can be more difficult to get the assistance they require. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms. They are therefore more likely to receive a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than men.
The challenges of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes that take place in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Drops in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues are often associated with ADHD. Additionally, the changes in blood flow associated with aging may cause cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. It's therefore important that health professionals distinguish between a normal part of aging and ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatment options for people with ADHD, including lifestyle changes and medication. Good sleep hygiene, such as establishing a routine before bedtime, avoiding screen-time and eating regular meals can help improve sleep. Exercise is essential. Many people suffering from ADHD find that meditation or yoga helps to relax. It is essential to speak to your doctor about which treatments are right for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD are benefited by joining an ADHD support group. These groups provide the opportunity to talk in a safe environment about the difficulties you encounter in your relationships as well as at work and in other areas of your life when you are ADHD. Women with ADHD might benefit from either individual or group therapy which focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to assist you in accepting your thoughts and feelings while replacing negative thoughts with healthier ones.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you've struggled, and it can give you a framework to help you improve your life. Some people prefer working with a professional coach who will help them discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their lives.
Self-help
You can improve your condition by managing it. There are a myriad of professional treatment options for ADHD. These strategies could include self-discipline and lifestyle changes, therapy, or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD implement stress management strategies, home and work 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 will meet your requirements.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major problem for women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. Disregard and mistrust from spouses or colleagues are common. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, late appointments, and impulsive choices can also strain the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize conflict resolution and communication, and other techniques can help.
Some people with ADHD are also afflicted by depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, some women might suffer from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which may manifest as scratching, burning, or cutting. NSSI is a very dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Women with ADHD might also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can result in a lack of motivation, procrastination and low self-esteem. A support system that is aware of the struggles you face and teaches you to cope can make a huge impact on your life.
ADHD symptoms can be affected by the varying levels estrogen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopausal. Certain women experience more severe symptoms during these periods and need more medication to control their symptoms. Think about talking to your doctor about a hormone replacement therapy to control the body's natural production of estrogen and lessen the symptoms of ADHD. A ADHD coach can also help you develop tailored strategies to meet your goals and feel confident in control of the day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The genetic DNA makeup of a person's genome - their chromosomal traits - determines the risk of developing certain disorders, such as ADHD. Multiple studies have shown that there are genetic links between ADHD and medical conditions such as lung cancer or coronary artery disease. parents age at death, and demographics such as the number of children, the age of the first child and gender at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD has a shared genetic cause with these disorders. They also suggest that there are common neurobiological processes linking the two conditions.
signs and symptoms of adhd in women with ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult to identify and treat them. This masking may involve putting all their energy into their work, avoiding their issues from family members or altering their behavior to conform to social norms. Some of these strategies can be healthy, however some are not. They can result in feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
Additionally women and mothers are often expected to care for their children due to social and familial expectations. Increased expectations and low self-esteem and the challenges associated with ADHD can cause depression and anxiety. It is not uncommon for these emotions to trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, including mood fluctuations and feelings of inadequateness.
Some women notice that their symptoms become worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles as estrogen levels decrease. This is probably due to the fact that the diminution in estrogen causes seletonin and dopamine levels to drop which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as being a "lightbulb moment." They are often relieved that they finally have a reason to explain their difficulties and can seek help and treatment. In some cases the diagnosis can allow people to accept the misfortunes that they have endured in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be difficult to separate gender differences between women and men from socially constructed gender differences. This article is applicable to women and people who were designated gender female at birth regardless of their gender identity.