Inattentive ADHD in Women
Many women struggle for years before being diagnosed with ADHD. It can be a real moment of lightbulb when they receive a diagnosis.
Symptoms can fluctuate due to hormonal changes. Women might be aware that their symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy.
Women also have the ability to take on their ADHD traits, which leads to depression. This can make it difficult to diagnose and treat their ADHD.
Causes
Women who suffer from inattentional ADHD are often not diagnosed until they reach adulthood, when their issues start to affect work at school, as well as personal relationships. This is partly due to gender bias 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 those symptoms are clear (Ohan and Visser, 2009).
Inattentive ADHD can cause women to forget important dates, forget deadlines, and lose track of time. adhd symptoms in women have difficulty prioritizing tasks, organizing their thoughts or making plans for the future. They might be unable to focus on conversations and can easily be distracted by external stimuli, or internal thoughts and daydreaming. These symptoms can lead to poor work or school performance and can lead to low self-esteem and frustration.
Many women with inattentive ADHD are often misunderstood by their family, friends and coworkers. Their anger over their symptoms can increase the misperceptions they experience. This can result in tensions in relationships. They are often dismissed by others as sour or crazy. This can lead to a feeling of being untrusted.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are also susceptible to depression and anxiety. These issues can be exacerbated by fluctuations in hormone levels that occur during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or perimenopause. In this period, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise which can cause an increase in ADHD.
Another reason for inattention ADHD is the influence of environmental factors, such as a chaotic home environment or work life that lacks structure. Women who suffer from inattentive ADHD frequently have difficulty staying on task at work and may be unable to keep up with their work, which results in a feeling of inadequacy and low self-esteem. They may also be unable to accept criticism or negative feedback. This can further erode confidence and lead to people avoiding social interactions.
Lastly, women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to struggle with in establishing and maintaining romantic relationships. They are more likely to have depression or anxiety that is co-existing and can be especially sensitive to rejection, which may cause them to be more reluctant to take a risk with a romantic relationship. This can lead them to feel isolated and can lead to anxiety and depression.
Symptoms
Most women with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from low self-esteem as they struggle to deal with the condition. They can be discouraged by comments from others that they are careless or forgetful. They might develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that include excessive alcohol or drugs. They might also resort to self-injury that is not suicide-related, such as cutting, burning, or scratching. The symptoms of ADHD can cause problems with relationships at work, school, and other activities.
Women and girls with ADHD are often mistakenly diagnosed more often as having anxiety or depressive disorders. This is due to the fact that many of the symptoms of these disorders are similar with the symptoms of ADHD. In addition women with undiagnosed ADHD can experience mood swings that make them appear depressed or anxious. These symptoms can also be triggered by major life events such as getting married, starting a new job, or becoming a parent.
Inattentional inattention that is not diagnosed ADHD in adults is also common, and can be mistaken as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. These symptoms include trouble staying focused and a feeling of despair or sadness, and difficulty handling stress and criticism. When combined with poor time management, these symptoms can cause problems at school or at work, and lead to difficulties with family and friends.
Inattentional ADHD in women and girls can cause trouble with managing skills, like procrastination, and a tendency to underestimate the time tasks will take (time blindness). They can have trouble keeping track of their schedules and appointments, are prone to lose or misplace belongings and are susceptible to jumping from one task to another. They might also be struggling with controlling their impulses. This can include making impulsive choices or interrupting others.
Women with undiagnosed ADHD should be aware of the signs and symptoms and seek treatment. They can seek treatment through their primary care provider or mental health specialist. Additionally they can improve their coping skills by making use of strategies for organizing, such as making lists or making plans. Exercise releases neurotransmitters, which enhance concentration and attention. It is also an excellent idea to split the caregiving and household responsibilities with their spouse or another family members, so they don't get stressed by chores or running other errands.
Treatment
A combination of treatments is often required to treat ADHD symptoms, including medication and therapy. Stimulant medications like amphetamines and methylphenidate can reduce ADHD symptoms of inattention. Nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) are also available. Behavioral therapy can help with the organizational and emotional aspects of ADHD. Certain therapists employ cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which teaches people to change negative thoughts and behaviors, while others offer one-on-one therapy to improve self-esteem and emotional control. Support groups are an excellent way for people who suffer from ADHD to connect with other people who have the same disorder and learn about how to manage their symptoms.
For some women, a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD is difficult to accept. Some women may think that their issues are caused by a lack discipline or a poor parenting style. This could impact their self-esteem. They might also feel embarrassed and ashamed by their inability keep up with school or work.
Symptoms of ADHD are more severe during hormonal changes that are caused by menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. This can make it more difficult to cope with emotional manifestations such as mood swings or irritability. These symptoms can cause relationship problems because of how they are perceived by other people.
Women with inattention ADHD struggle to maintain a stable home life. This can lead to difficulties at school or at work. For instance, they might forget important appointments or pay their bills late. They may have issues organizing their schoolwork or materials, and they might struggle to complete assignments. They might be unable to comprehend the boundaries of social interaction and may interrupt other people while talking. These issues can create conflict in relationships and impact a woman's overall perception of self-worth.
Many women suffering from inattention ADHD aren't able to ask for assistance. They may believe that their problems are not sufficient to warrant attention, or they believe that "pulling themselves up by the bootstraps" is possible. They might also be scared of the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD and this can make them less likely to seek treatment. Women with untreated ADHD can be depressed or suicidal. They may also turn to unhealthy coping methods such as drinking alcohol or substance abuse which can result in health problems and other issues, such as self-injury that is not suicidal (NSSI), which includes cutting or burning.
Self-Esteem
Women with ADHD frequently have to deal with feelings of inadequacy or chronic stress. This can make it more difficult to recognize and communicate symptoms and seek treatment. Women often cover up symptoms or resort to compensatory strategies, particularly as they get older, to conceal their symptoms. Masking can lead to problems at work or at school and may affect relationships.
Research suggests that women suffering from ADHD are more at risk of experiencing rejection sensitivity and having difficulty finding a job. These experiences can trigger negative thoughts, which can lead to a lack in confidence and difficulties with interpersonal relationships.
It is essential that women suffering from ADHD receive a correct diagnosis and treatment. It's essential that they are able to access the right therapist or clinician who is familiar with the challenges that girls and women face with ADHD.
As girls and women 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 are different from those that men are expected to meet. These pressures can cause depression and anxiety. They can also result in a disorganized and chaotic home environment with unfinished projects, as well as the reluctance of girls and women to ask for help.
It is also common for females suffering from ADHD to experience symptoms that are related to puberty and adolescence and also suffer from premenstrual dysphoria. The fluctuation in hormone levels can make these symptoms worse and could be misinterpreted as other problems like anxiety or mood shifts.
Women suffering from ADHD are less likely than men to be aware of their condition and to seek treatment. As a result, they have a higher rate of negative consequences as adults, including relationships, unemployment and addiction. They are also more likely to be misdiagnosed than men, and to go undiagnosed throughout their lives. This gap could be closed by enhancing awareness and advocacy efforts to assist health professionals, teachers and parents recognize the symptoms of ADHD in girls and women.