ADHD in adhd traits in women and untreated ADHD is a frequent issue among women* in their midlife years. Hormonal changes can make the issue worse. They often feel misunderstood by their struggles and overwhelmed.
The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopause can amplify emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning problems associated with adhd. Exercise, eating a healthy diet, and seeking out an therapist who is familiar with adhd can ease your symptoms.
Symptoms
Women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that women are more likely to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily noticed by other people) They often develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.
Being aloof in conversations is a common symptom for women with ADD/ADHD. This can make it hard for them to interact with other people and can increase their impulsivity or inattention. Unhealthy coping behaviors like shopping, TV watching (especially reality shows) and eating too much are also common among women suffering from ADHD or ADD. Another sign of ADHD is difficulty remembering names. This can be aggravated in a number of ways as well as by health issues, aging and menopause.
Women with ADD/ADHD are also at an increased risk of developing depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to various other medical conditions and mental health issues, including tics, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. It is important to treat these disorders in order to control and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
It can be difficult for women suffering from ADD/ADHD to get good quality sleep than other adults. This can result in exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Poor or insufficient sleep can also make it more difficult to stay focused at work, in the classroom, or in household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people confuse "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However the sex of a person is a matter of biology and gender is a social construct based on the person's own internal view of themselves as male, female or non-binary. Gender is different from a person’s sexual orientation or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.
If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are many strategies that can help you improve your sleep and reduce stress. Getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises and creating a healthy sleep routine can help you get better sleep and improve your ability to focus.
Treatment
Women with ADHD have their own unique challenges when seeking treatment for their condition. It is sometimes difficult to recognize symptoms in themselves, and can be more difficult for them to receive the help they need. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive later diagnosis and less likely to receive treatment in the same way as men.
The difficulties of ADHD can be made more difficult by hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. The fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can cause an increase in the executive functioning and emotional problems that often come with ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that occur with aging may also cause cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. This is why it's important for health professionals to be aware of the differences between a normal part of aging and genuine ADHD symptoms.
There are many treatments available to people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medication. A good night's sleep by establishing a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before going to going to bed and eating regularly can help improve sleep quality. Exercise is also important and many people who suffer from ADHD discover that meditation or yoga can help them relax. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment 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 issues that arise in work, relationships and other areas of life when you suffer from ADHD. Women who have ADHD might also benefit from individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching strategies to deal with their ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to help you accept your thoughts and emotions, while replacing negative thinking patterns with more positive ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing moment for women. It will help you understand the reason you've had a hard time and give you a plan to help you improve your life. Some people also choose to work with coaches who can help them learn behavior strategies and help them set goals for their lives.
Self-help
While there are a wide variety of professional treatments for ADHD, you can also improve your condition by implementing strategies to manage it. These strategies include self-discipline methods and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD also implement stress management strategies, work and home life accommodations, and nutritional changes into their daily routines. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any of these methods to ensure they are suitable for you and will meet your individual 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 and family members. The misinterpretation and criticism of spouses, partners and coworkers are common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness absence of appointments, and impulsive choices 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.
Certain people with ADHD are also afflicted by anxiety and depression which can cause ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury, which may take the form of burning, cutting or scratching. NSSI is a dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare professional.
Women with ADHD may also develop feelings of shame or self-pity when they are viewed as unlikable by others. This can cause low self-esteem, procrastination and a lack of motivation. A support system that is aware of the struggles you face and teaches you how to cope can make a big impact on your life.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause can have an effect on your ADHD symptoms. Some women experience worsening symptoms during these periods and require additional medication to control their symptoms. Consult your physician about hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and control your body's production of estrogen. An ADHD coach can also assist you in developing a customized strategy to achieve your goals and feel in control of your day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The the chromosomal makeup of an individual determines the risk of developing certain disorders, including ADHD. Many studies have shown that genetic correlations exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary heart disease, parents who died and demographics, such as the number of children in a family, the age of the first child born and the gender of the child at birth. These results suggest that ADHD shares a genetic basis with these diseases and that there are also common neurobiological mechanisms that link the two conditions.
Women who suffer from ADHD might develop strategies for coping to hide their symptoms, which can make it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. Masking may mean investing all their energy into their work, avoiding their issues from their family and friends, or changing behaviors to meet social expectations. Some of these strategies can be healthy, but some aren't. They can lead to feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition, societal and family expectations can put the burden of taking care of women and mothers. The combination of increased expectations, low self-esteem, and the difficulties of living with ADHD can create a recipe for anxiety and depression. These feelings can trigger or intensify symptoms associated with ADHD such as mood fluctuations, feelings of inadequate and anxiety.
Some women find that their symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during menopausal perimenopausal periods, when estrogen decreases. 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 report their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb moment." They are often at peace knowing that they have a reason to explain their issues and are able to seek help and treatment. In some cases the diagnosis can allow them to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've endured in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is more than biology, and it can be difficult to separate the biological gender differences between males and females from gender stereotypes that are socially constructed. This article applies to women and those who were deemed female at birth, regardless of their gender identity.