Inattentive ADHD in Women

Many women struggle for years before receiving a diagnosis of ADHD. It could be a moment of lightbulb when they receive a diagnosis.

Symptoms can fluctuate due to hormonal changes. Women may be aware that their symptoms are worse when they are experiencing menstrual cycle or during pregnancy.

Women can also take on their ADHD traits, which leads to depression. This makes it more difficult to diagnose and treat their ADHD.

Causes

Women who have inattentive ADHD typically are not diagnosed until adulthood, when their problems start to interfere with work, school and personal relationships. This is partly due to gender biases in both clinical settings and in the perceptions of teachers and parents, who are less likely to recognize ADHD symptoms in girls than boys, even when the symptoms are clear (Ohan and Visser, 2009).

Attention-deficit ADHD can cause women to forget important dates, miss deadlines and lose track of the time. They also have trouble prioritizing their tasks, organizing their thoughts, or making plans for the future. They may also have trouble keeping their attention during conversations and be easily distracted by external stimuli, inner thoughts or daydreaming. These signs and symptoms of adhd in women can lead to low performance at work or in school, which can lead to low self-esteem.

Family members, friends and coworkers are often misinformed about women who have inattention ADHD. Their anger over their symptoms can lead to more misunderstandings they encounter. This can lead to tensions in relationships. They are often viewed as moody and irrational, which can further aggravate their feelings of being misunderstood.

Women who are not attentive ADHD are also susceptible to anxiety and depression. These issues can be made worse by fluctuations in hormone levels that occur during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or during perimenopausal. During these times, the estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase which can aggravate ADHD symptoms.

Another reason for inattention ADHD is environmental factors, like a chaotic house environment or work life that lacks structure. Women who suffer from inattentive adhd symptoms women frequently have difficulty staying on track at work and may get behind in their work. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt and a sense of failure. They may also have difficulty accepting negative feedback or criticism which can further undermine their confidence and result in them avoiding social interactions.

Women with inattention adhd in women adult have a higher tendency to have difficulty creating and maintaining romantic relationships. They are more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety and can be especially sensitive to rejection, which can make them less willing to take a risk with a romantic relationship. This can cause them to feel alone which can cause depression and anxiety.

Symptoms

Often, women with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from low self-esteem while trying to cope with the condition. They can be discouraged by criticism from people that they are careless, forgetful, or aloof. They could adopt unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive drinking or drug use. They might also resort to non-suicidal self-injury, including cutting or burning. Symptoms of ADHD can interfere with relationships, work, and school.

Women and girls with ADHD are often more likely to be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety. This is because the signs of anxiety and depression are typically similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Women with undiagnosed ADHD might also experience mood swings, making them appear anxious or depressed. These symptoms can also be triggered by major ADHD in Women life events such as getting married, starting an entirely new job or becoming a mother.

Undiagnosed inattention ADHD in adults is also frequent, and is often mistaken for bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. The symptoms include trouble concentrating, feelings of despair or sadness, and difficulties coping with criticism and stress. These symptoms, when coupled 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 affect coping skills, such as procrastination and a tendency to underestimate the time tasks will take (time blindness). They may have difficulty keeping track of schedules and appointments, easily lose or misplace belongings and are susceptible to jump from one task to the next. They might also be struggling with impulse control. This can include making impulsive decisions or interrupting others.

It is important for women with undiagnosed ADHD to recognize their symptoms and get help. They can seek treatment through their primary care provider or a mental health professional. They can also attempt to improve their coping skills through organizing techniques, such as making lists or planning ahead. Exercise releases neurotransmitters, which enhance concentration and focus. It's also an excellent idea to share household and caregiving duties with their partner or another support group to ensure they do not feel overwhelmed.

Treatment

A combination of treatments is typically needed to manage ADHD symptoms, which can include medication and therapy. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines can reduce ADHD symptoms of inattention. There are also nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine. Behavioral therapy is a good way to help with the emotional and organizational aspects of ADHD. Therapists may offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in which they help people change negative thoughts or behaviors. Some offer one-on-one therapy that focuses on self-esteem as well as emotional regulation. Support groups can help people with ADHD connect with others with the same condition and share strategies for managing symptoms.

For some women, the 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 could impact their self-esteem. In addition, they could feel frustrated by their inability to keep up with their work or school, which can lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment.

Symptoms of ADHD are more severe when hormonal changes occur, such as those caused by menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. This can make it harder to deal with emotional symptoms like mood swings and irritability. These symptoms can also cause problems in relationships due to how they are perceived by others, particularly male partners or colleagues.

Women with inattention ADHD frequently struggle to maintain a steady home life and this can lead to difficulties at school or at work. They might, for example forget important appointments or pay their bills late. They might have difficulty organizing their schoolwork or materials, and they might be unable to finish assignments. They might be unable to comprehend social boundaries and interrupting other people when they are talking. These issues can lead to conflicts in relationships and affect women's overall sense of self-worth.

Many women who suffer from inattention ADHD have a difficult time deciding whether to seek help. They may believe that their issues aren't sufficient to warrant attention or that "pulling themselves up by the bootstraps" is possible. They may also be scared of the stigma associated when they are diagnosed with ADHD, which can make it harder for them to seek treatment. If left untreated, ADHD in women can cause depression or suicidal thoughts. They might also adopt unhealthy strategies for coping, such as alcohol or substance abuse. This could lead to health problems and other issues like self-harming that is not suicidal (NSSI) such as burning or cutting.

Self-Esteem

Women suffering from ADHD often have to cope with feelings of unworthiness or constant stress. This can make it more difficult to identify and articulate symptoms and seek treatment. It's also normal for women to mask their symptoms or devise strategies to disguise them from others, especially as they get older. Masking can lead to problems at work or school and can affect relationships.

Research has shown that women with ADHD have a higher chance of feeling a sensitivity to rejection and having difficulty finding a job. These experiences can reinforce negative self-talk, which can lead to anxiety and difficulty with interpersonal relationships.

In these circumstances, it's crucial for women suffering from ADHD to be able to access appropriate diagnosis and treatment. It's also essential that they work with a doctor or therapist who is familiar with the unique challenges that females and girls face with the disorder.

As women and girls mature, they may face the expectations of society and culture that place the majority of parenting and household responsibilities on them. These expectations are different from those that men are expected to meet. These pressures can lead to depression and anxiety and lead to chaotic, unorganized home environments, unfinished projects and a reluctance to seek assistance or admit that they are struggling.

It's also common for females with ADHD to experience symptoms related to puberty and adolescence, and also to experience premenstrual dysphoria. These symptoms can be exacerbated by the monthly fluctuations in hormones, and may be mistaken for anxiety or mood shifts.

Women who suffer from ADHD are less likely than men to be aware of their condition and to seek treatment. They are more likely to experience negative outcomes as they age, such as unemployment, relationship issues and addiction issues. They are also more likely to be misdiagnosed than males, and ADHD in women to go undiagnosed throughout their lives. This gap can be eliminated by enhancing education and advocacy efforts to assist health professionals, teachers and parents recognize the symptoms of ADHD in women and girls.