Inattentive ADHD in Women
Many women struggle for years before getting a diagnosis of ADHD. When they do, it may be like a lightbulb moment.
The symptoms often change in response to hormonal changes. For instance, women might feel their symptoms worsen during their menstrual cycle, or during pregnancy.
Women also can take on ADHD traits that lead to depression. This can make it harder to be diagnosed and treated for their ADHD.
Causes
Women with inattentional ADHD are often not diagnosed until adulthood when their problems begin to affect their work at school, as well as personal relationships. This is because of gender bias, both in the clinical setting as well as in teachers' and parents' perceptions, who are less likely than men to recognize ADHD symptoms.
Inattentional ADHD can cause women to forget appointments, forget deadlines and lose track of time, making it difficult for them to plan ahead, organize their thoughts or prioritize tasks. They may also find it difficult to maintain focus on conversations and easily be distracted by external stimuli, or internal thoughts and daydreaming. treatment for adhd in women can result in low performance at work or at school, which can lead to low self-esteem.
Many women suffering from inattention ADHD are often misunderstood by family, friends and colleagues. Their frustration with their symptoms can increase the misunderstandings that they experience. This can result in tensions between people. They are often viewed by others as sour or crazy. This can lead to a feeling of being misunderstood.
Women with inattentive ADHD also experience various emotional issues such as anxiety and depression. These problems can be exacerbated due to hormonal fluctuations, for instance when menstrual cycle is in full swing, pregnancy, or perimenopause. In this period estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase, which can exacerbate ADHD.
Another reason for inattentive ADHD is environmental factors, like a chaotic home environment or a work schedule that does not provide enough structure. Women who suffer from inattentive ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying on task and fall behind at work, which can lead to a feeling of insecurity and a sense of failure. They may also have difficulty accepting negative feedback or criticism which can further degrade their confidence and result in them avoiding social interactions.
Additionally, women who have inattention ADHD are more likely to struggle with establishing and maintaining relationships with their partners. They are more likely than other women to be suffering from depression or anxiety and are more sensitive to rejection. This can make them reluctant to risk a romantic relationship. This can cause isolation which can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.
Signs and symptoms
Many women who are not diagnosed with ADHD have low self-esteem as they struggle to deal with the condition. Others may comment that they are 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 or burning. ADHD symptoms can affect relationships, work, and school.
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression. This is because many of the symptoms of these disorders overlap with those of ADHD. Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD might also suffer from mood swings, which can make them appear anxious or depressed. These symptoms can be brought on by major changes in your life, such as marriage, beginning new jobs or having children.
Undiagnosed inattentive ADHD in adults is also prevalent, and could be mistaken for bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. These symptoms include trouble concentrating, feelings of despair or sadness and difficulty handling stress and criticism. Combined with poor time management, these issues can create difficulties at school or at work and can cause issues with family and friends.
Inattentional ADHD can cause issues with coping skills for girls and women, such as procrastination or a tendency of underestimating how long a task will take (timeblindness). They can have trouble keeping track of their schedules and appointments, are prone to lose or misplace items, and are prone to jump between tasks. They also may have issues with impulse control, such as interrupting others or making decisions impulsively.
It is essential for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD to recognize the signs and symptoms and seek treatment. They can seek treatment through their primary care provider or mental health specialist. They can also seek to improve their coping skills through organizing techniques like creating lists or planning in advance. They can also engage in exercises, which release neurotransmitters that improve attention and focus. It is also recommended to divide up household and caregiving responsibilities with their partner or other support networks, so that they aren't overloaded by chores or errands.
Treatment
Treatments for ADHD symptoms usually include treatment and medication. Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines can help to reduce the symptoms of inattention of ADHD. There are also non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine. The behavioral therapy method is a great method to address the emotional and organizational aspects of ADHD. Therapists may employ cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps people to change negative thoughts and behavior, while others offer individual therapy for self-esteem and emotional regulation. Support groups can help people with ADHD connect with other people who have the condition and share tips for managing symptoms.
For some women, a diagnosis of inattention ADHD can be difficult to accept. Some women might believe that their problems stem from a lack of discipline or a lack of parenting. This could impact their self-esteem. They might also feel embarrassed and ashamed because they are unable to maintain their school schedule or work.
Symptoms of ADHD can heighten when hormonal changes occur, such as those caused by pregnancy, menstrual cycle, or menopausal. This makes it more difficult to deal with emotional symptoms, like irritability and mood swings. These symptoms can also lead to issues in relationships due to how they are perceived by other people.
Women who are not attentive ADHD often have difficulty maintaining a steady home life which can cause difficulties at school or at work. They might, for example forget important appointments or pay their bills late. They may have trouble organizing their school or work materials, and they may have difficulty completing assignments. They may have difficulty understanding social boundaries and interrupting others while they talk. These problems can cause conflicts in relationships and impact a woman's overall perception of self-worth.
Many women who suffer from inattention ADHD have a difficult time deciding whether to ask for help. They may think that their difficulties are not enough serious to warrant attention or that they shouldn't be in a position to "pull themselves up by their bootstraps." They may also be scared of the stigma associated with getting a diagnosis of ADHD which can make it more difficult to seek treatment. Untreated ADHD in women can cause depression or suicidal thoughts. They may also engage in unhealthy coping strategies, like drinking or using substances. This can cause health problems and other issues like self-harming that is not suicidal (NSSI) such as burning or cutting.
Self-Esteem
Women with ADHD are often plagued by feelings of inadequacy and chronic stress. This can make it difficult to identify and explain the symptoms, and seek treatment. Women often mask symptoms or resort to compensatory strategies, especially as they get older, to conceal the signs. Masking can cause issues at work or at school and can affect relationships.
In addition, research shows that women with ADHD are more likely than men to experience symptoms related to rejection sensitivity and to have trouble finding jobs. These experiences can lead to negative self-talk which leads to an insecurity and difficulty in social relationships.
It is crucial that women suffering from ADHD receive the correct diagnosis and treatment. It's also vital to have a therapist or therapy professional who is knowledgeable of the unique challenges girls and women face with the disorder.
As women and girls grow up, they may be confronted with cultural and societal expectations that place the majority of the household and parenting responsibilities on them, and which differ from the expectations placed on fathers. These pressures can increase anxiety and depression and can lead to chaotic, unorganized living spaces, incomplete projects, and a refusal to seek help or admit they are struggling.
It's also common for females suffering from ADHD to experience symptoms related to puberty and adolescence and to struggle with premenstrual dysphoria. The monthly fluctuations in hormone levels can cause these symptoms to become more severe and could be mistaken for other issues such as anxiety or mood fluctuations.
Women suffering from ADHD typically experience insufficient awareness of their condition, and they're less likely to receive treatment than men. They are more likely to experience negative outcomes as they age, such as problems with relationships, unemployment and abuse of substances. They're also more likely to be misdiagnosed than males, and to go undiagnosed for the rest of their lives. This gap can be reduced by educating the public and advocating for health professionals, teachers and parents to recognize the symptoms of ADHD for women and girls.