Inattentive ADHD in Women
Many women have struggled for a long time before being diagnosed with ADHD. It could be a lightbulb moment for them when they are diagnosed.
The symptoms can change with hormonal changes. Women might notice that their symptoms get worse during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy.
Women also have the ability to be prone to internalizing ADHD traits which leads to depression. This can make it harder to identify and treat ADHD.
Causes
Women with inattentive ADHD are often not diagnosed until adulthood, at which point their problems begin to affect their work at school, as well as personal relationships. treatment for adhd in women is due in part to gender biases in clinical settings as well as in the perceptions of parents and teachers, who are less likely to recognize ADHD symptoms in girls than boys even when those symptoms are obvious (Ohan and Visser 2009).
Inattentional ADHD can cause women to forget important dates, forget deadlines, and lose track of time. They also have trouble prioritizing their tasks, organizing their thoughts, or planning ahead. They might be unable to maintain focus on conversations and may become distracted by external stimuli or their own internal thoughts and daydreaming. These symptoms can result in poor school or work performance, which leads to feelings of self-esteem loss and frustration.
Family members, friends and coworkers are often misinformed about women with inattentive ADHD. Their discontent with their condition heightens the misunderstandings they experience and can cause strained relationships. They are often dismissed by others as sour or irrational. This can lead to a feeling of being misunderstood.
Women who are not attentive ADHD can also suffer from anxiety and depression. These issues can be made worse due to hormonal fluctuations, for instance during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or perimenopausal. At these times, estrogen levels drop and progesterone rises and can cause an increase in ADHD symptoms.
Another cause of inattentive ADHD is the influence of environmental factors, like a chaotic house environment or work life that lacks structure. Women with inattentive ADHD frequently have difficulty staying on track at work and get behind in their work. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt and a sense of failure. They may also be unable to accept negative feedback or criticism. This can further undermine confidence and lead to people avoiding social interactions.
Women with inattention ADHD have a greater tendency to struggle with developing and maintaining romantic relationships. They are more likely than others to suffer from depression or anxiety and they can be more vulnerable to rejection. This may cause them to be less willing to take on a romantic relationship. This can lead them to feel lonely, which can contribute to anxiety and depression.
Symptoms
Most women with undiagnosed ADHD have low self-esteem when they try to cope with the condition. Others may comment that they're careless or forgetful. They may adopt unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive drinking or drug use. They may also resort to non-suicidal self-injury, including cutting, burning, or scratching. ADHD symptoms can impact relationships, work and school.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD tend to be frequently misdiagnosed as having depressive or anxiety disorders. This is because the signs of depression and anxiety are typically similar to those of ADHD. Women with undiagnosed ADHD might also suffer from mood swings, which can make them appear depressed or anxious. These symptoms can be caused by major changes in your life like marriage, starting new jobs or having children.
Adults who have inattention ADHD are also commonly misdiagnosed, and may be mistaken as bipolar or borderline personality disorder. These symptoms include difficulty in concentrating, feelings such as sadness or despair and difficulties handling stress and criticism. These symptoms, when combined with poor time management, could cause issues at work or school as well as with family members and friends.
Inattentive ADHD in women and girls can lead to problems with the ability to cope, including procrastination and a tendency to underestimate how long tasks will take (time blindness). They may have difficulty keeping the track of their schedules and appointments and may lose or misplace their belongings easily, and jump from one task to the next. They might also be struggling with the ability to control their impulses. This could mean making impulsive decisions or interrupting others.
It is essential for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD to understand the signs and symptoms and seek treatment. They can seek help through their primary care physician or a mental health specialist. They can also attempt to improve their ability to cope through organizing techniques, such as making lists or preparing in advance. They can also engage in exercises, which release neurotransmitters that improve focus and attention. It's also recommended for them to share household and caregiver chores with their partner or another support network so that they do not feel overwhelmed.
Treatment
A combination of treatments is usually required to treat ADHD symptoms, which can include medication and therapy. Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate and amphetamines can reduce ADHD symptoms of inattention. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also available. Behavioral therapy is a great way to help with the organizational and emotional aspects of ADHD. Some therapists use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches people to change negative thoughts and behavior, while others offer one-on-one therapy to improve self-esteem and emotional regulation. Support groups are an excellent way for people who suffer from ADHD to connect with other people with the same diagnosis and learn about how to manage their symptoms.
For some women, a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD can be difficult to accept. Some women may believe that their problems are caused by a lack discipline or poor parenting. This can affect their self-esteem. In addition, they could be frustrated with their inability to keep up with work or school, which can cause feelings of shame and embarrassment.
Symptoms of ADHD are more severe when hormonal changes occur that are caused by menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. This can make it harder to deal with emotional manifestations, such as anger or mood swings. These symptoms can also contribute to relationship difficulties because of the way they are perceived by others, particularly male partners or colleagues.
Women with inattention ADHD often have difficulty maintaining a steady home life which can cause difficulties at school or at work. For instance, they might forget important appointments or pay their bills late. They might have difficulty organizing their work or school materials, and may have difficulty completing assignments. They might have trouble understanding social boundaries or interrupting people when they are talking. These issues can result in conflict in relationships and can affect women's self-esteem.
Many women suffering from inattention ADHD are unable to seek assistance. They may believe that their problems aren't serious enough to require attention or that they should be capable of "pull themselves up by their bootstraps." They might also be afraid of the stigma that comes with getting a diagnosis of ADHD, which can make it harder for them to seek treatment. Women who are not treated for ADHD may develop depression or suicidal. They can also resort to unhealthy coping behaviors like alcohol or substance abuse, which can lead to health problems and other issues, including self-injury that is not suicidal (NSSI) that includes cutting or burning.
Self-Esteem
Women with ADHD are often plagued by feelings of inadequacy and constant stress. This can make it difficult to recognize and articulate the symptoms, and get treatment. It is also common for women to hide their symptoms or devise compensatory strategies to hide them from others, particularly as they get older. Masking can lead to difficulties at work or school, and can cause relationships to suffer.
Research has shown that women with ADHD are at a higher risk of experiencing rejection sensitivity and finding it difficult to get an employment. These experiences can reinforce negative self-talk which leads to anxiety and difficulty in social relationships.
It is essential that women with ADHD receive a correct diagnosis and treatment. It's essential that they have access to the right therapist or clinician who is familiar with the challenges that women and girls have to face when dealing with ADHD.
As women and girls mature and become more independent, they are likely to be confronted with societal and cultural expectations which place the majority of parenting and household responsibilities on them. These expectations differ from those that men are expected to meet. These pressures can increase anxiety and depression and can lead to chaotic, messy homes, unfinished projects and a reluctance to seek help or admit that they are struggling.
Premenstrual dysphoria and symptoms of the adolescent years are also common among females with ADHD. The fluctuations in hormone levels can cause these symptoms to become more severe and can be mistaken for other issues such as anxiety or mood swings.
Women with ADHD are less likely than males to be aware of their condition and receive treatment. This means that they have a higher rate of negative outcomes as they age, including unemployment, relationship problems and addiction. They are also more likely than men to be misdiagnosed, and remain undiagnosed for the duration of their lives. This gap can be reduced by educating the public and advocating for health professionals as well as teachers and parents to recognize the signs of ADHD in women and girls.