Inattentive ADHD in Women
Many women struggle for years before getting a diagnosis of ADHD. When they do, it may be like an epiphany.
The symptoms can change with hormonal changes. Women might notice that their symptoms worsen when they are experiencing menstrual cycle or during pregnancy.
Women can also internalize ADHD characteristics that can lead to depression. This can make it difficult to get diagnosed and treat their ADHD.
Causes
Women who have inattentive ADHD tend to not be diagnosed until the age of adulthood, when their issues begin to affect them with school, work and personal relationships. This is partly due to gender bias in both clinical settings and the perceptions of parents and teachers who are less likely to recognize ADHD symptoms in girls than boys, even when those symptoms are clear (Ohan and Visser, 2009).
Inattentional ADHD can cause women to forget appointments, miss deadlines and lose track of time, which makes it hard for them to plan ahead, organize their thoughts or prioritize tasks. They may also have difficulties keeping their attention during conversations and be easily distracted by external stimuli, internal thoughts or daydreaming. These issues can lead to poor work or school performance, which leads to low self-esteem and frustration.
Many women who suffer from inattention ADHD are often misunderstood and mistreated by their friends, family and coworkers. Their anger over their symptoms can lead to more misunderstandings they face. This can lead to strained relations. They are often dismissed as irrational and moody, which can further aggravate their feelings of being misunderstood.
Women with inattention ADHD are also susceptible to anxiety and depression. These issues can be exacerbated by fluctuations in hormone levels that occur during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or perimenopause. During these times, the hormone levels of estrogen decrease and progesterone rises, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
The environment can also trigger inattentive ADHD, such as an unorganized home or at work without a clear structure. Women who suffer from inattentive ADHD often have trouble staying on task at work and fall behind quickly, which leads to a sense of failure and low self-esteem. They might also find it difficult to accept negative feedback or criticism. This can further diminish confidence and lead to people avoiding social interactions.
Lastly, women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to have difficulty establishing and maintaining relationships with their partners. They are more likely to have coexisting anxiety or depression and can be especially sensitive to rejection, which can make them more reluctant to risk a relationship. This can lead to isolation which can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Signs and symptoms
Often, women with undiagnosed ADHD have low self-esteem while trying to cope with the disorder. They might be discouraged by comments from others who say they are reckless or aloof, forgetful, or insecure. They could develop unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as excessive alcohol or drugs. They might also resort to non-suicidal ways of self-injury, such as cutting, burning, or scratching. Symptoms of ADHD can interfere with relationships at work, school, and other activities.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety. This is because many of the symptoms of these disorders are similar with the symptoms of ADHD. Women with undiagnosed ADHD may also have mood swings that make them appear depressed or anxious. These symptoms can be brought on by major changes in your life such as getting married, starting new jobs, or becoming parents.
Undiagnosed inattentive ADHD in adults is also frequent, and is often mistaken for bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. These symptoms include difficulty in concentrating, feelings such as sadness or hopelessness and difficulties dealing with criticism and stress. These symptoms, when combined with poor time management, can cause issues at work or school and with family members and friends.
Inattentional ADHD for girls and women can lead to problems with coping skills, such as procrastination and a tendency to underestimate how long tasks will take (time blindness). They may struggle to keep track of appointments and schedules, misplace or lose belongings easily, and flit from one task to the next. They may also have issues with impulse control. This could mean making impulsive decisions or interrupting others.
It is crucial for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD to recognize their symptoms and seek help. They can seek treatment through their primary care provider or mental health specialist. Additionally they can improve their coping skills by making use of organizational strategies, such as making lists or preparing ahead. They can also take part in physical exercise, which releases neurotransmitters that improve concentration and attention. It's also an excellent idea to share household and caregiving 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 includes medication and therapy. Drugs that stimulate the brain, like amphetamines and methylphenidate can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms of inattention. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also available. Behavioral therapy can help with the organizational and emotional aspects of ADHD. Some therapists offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in which they instruct people on how to modify negative thoughts or behaviors. Others provide one-on-one therapy that focuses on self-esteem as well as emotional regulation. Support groups can help people with ADHD connect with other people who have the condition and share strategies for managing symptoms.
For some women, a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD is difficult to accept. Some women may think that their problems are caused by a lack discipline or a poor parenting style. This can affect their self-esteem. They may also feel embarrassed and ashamed because they are unable to maintain their school schedule or work.
Symptoms of ADHD can heighten during hormonal changes that are caused by pregnancy, menstrual cycle, or menopausal. This can make it difficult to manage emotional manifestations, such as anger or mood swings. These symptoms can also cause issues in relationships due to how they are perceived by others.
Women with inattentive ADHD struggle to ensure an orderly family life. This can cause difficulties at school or at work. For instance, they may forget important appointments or pay bills late. They might have difficulty organizing their schoolwork or materials, and they may be unable to finish assignments. They may have difficulty understanding social boundaries or interrupting other people while they are talking. These problems can lead to conflict in relationships and affect a woman’s self-esteem.
Many women with inattentive ADHD are unable to seek assistance. They may believe that their symptoms aren't sufficient to warrant attention or they believe that "pulling themselves up by the bootstraps" is possible. They might also be afraid of the stigma that comes 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 can also resort to unhealthy coping behaviors like alcohol or substance abuse which can result in health problems and other issues, like self-injury that is not suicidal (NSSI) which can involve burning or cutting.
Self-Esteem
Women with ADHD frequently have to deal with feelings of unworthiness or constant stress. This can make it harder to identify and articulate symptoms and seek treatment. It's also common for women to hide their symptoms or devise strategies to disguise their symptoms from others, particularly as they get older. Masking can cause problems at work or at school, and it can also affect relationships.
Additionally, research has shown that women suffering from ADHD are more likely than men to experience symptoms that are related to sensitivity to rejection, and also to be unable to find jobs. These experiences can cause negative self-talk, which can lead to a lack of confidence and difficulty in social relationships.
In adhd symptoms in women adults , it's crucial for women suffering from ADHD to have access to appropriate diagnosis and treatment. It's also essential that they work with a doctor or therapist who is familiar with the unique challenges females and girls confront with the disorder.
As girls and women grow up, they may encounter societal and cultural expectations that place the majority of parenting and household duties on them, and differ from the expectations placed on fathers. These pressures can lead to anxiety and depression and lead to chaotic, messy homes, unfinished projects, and a refusal to seek assistance or admit that they are struggling.
It is also common for females with ADHD to experience symptoms that are related to puberty and adolescence, and to struggle with premenstrual dysphoria. These symptoms can be caused by the monthly fluctuations in hormones, and may be mistaken for anxiety or mood fluctuations.
Women who suffer from ADHD are less likely than men to be aware of their condition and to seek treatment. Because of this, they're more at risk of negative outcomes as they age such as relationships, unemployment and addiction. They are also more likely to be misdiagnosed compared to men and remain undiagnosed for the rest of their lives. This gap could be eliminated by increasing education and advocating for health professionals, teachers and parents to recognize the signs of ADHD for women and girls.