Inattentive ADHD in Women
Many women suffer for years prior to getting a diagnosis of ADHD. When they do, it may be like a lightbulb moment.
Symptoms often fluctuate with hormonal changes. For instance, women could notice their symptoms get worse during their menstrual cycle, or during pregnancy.
Women also have the ability to take on their ADHD characteristics, which can lead to depression. This makes it more difficult to diagnose and treat their ADHD.
Causes
Women who suffer from inattentional ADHD are typically not diagnosed until adulthood, at which point their problems start to affect work or school as well as personal relationships. This is because of gender bias, both in the clinical setting as well as in the parents' and teachers' perceptions, who are less likely than males to recognize ADHD symptoms.
Inattentional ADHD can cause women to forget appointments, miss deadlines and lose the track of time, making it difficult for them to plan ahead, organize their thoughts or prioritize tasks. They might also have difficulty to keep their attention on conversations and can easily be distracted by external stimuli, or internal thoughts and daydreaming. These symptoms can lead to low performance at work or at school, which could lead to a low self-esteem.
Many women suffering from inattention ADHD are often misunderstood by their friends, family and coworkers. Their anger over their symptoms heightens the misunderstandings they experience which can cause strained relationships. They are often viewed by others as moody or uninformed. This can lead to a feeling of being untrusted.
add women who have inattention ADHD also suffer from various emotional issues, including depression and anxiety. These issues can be made worse by hormonal fluctuations, such as when menstrual cycle is in full swing or pregnancy, or perimenopausal. In this period, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase, which can cause an increase in ADHD.
External factors can also contribute to inattentive ADHD like an unorganized home or at work with little structure. Women with inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying on track and can become distracted at work, which can lead to a feeling of being unworthy and low confidence. They might also have a harder time accepting negative feedback or criticism, which can further erode their confidence and cause them to avoid social interactions.
Additionally, women who have inattention ADHD are more likely to struggle with in establishing and maintaining romantic relationships. They are more likely to have depression or anxiety and are more prone to rejection, which may cause them to be more reluctant to commit to a relationship. This can lead to a feeling of isolation and can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Symptoms
Many women who are not diagnosed with ADHD have low self-esteem when they try to cope with the condition. Others may comment that they are reckless or forgetful. They could develop unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as excessive alcohol or drug use. They might also turn to non-suicidal self-injury, including cutting or burning. The symptoms of ADHD can cause problems with relationships, work, and school.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often more likely to be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression. This is because the symptoms of depression and anxiety are typically similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, women who have undiagnosed ADHD can experience mood swings that make them appear anxious or depressed. These symptoms can also be caused by major life changes such as getting married, starting in a new job or becoming a mother.
Undiagnosed inattentive ADHD in adults is prevalent, and could be mistaken as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. These symptoms include difficulty staying focused, feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and difficulties coping with criticism and stress. When combined with poor time management, these issues could cause problems at school or at work, and lead to difficulties with family and friends.
Attention-deficit ADHD can cause issues with coping skills in girls and women, which can include procrastination or underestimating the time the task will take (timeblindness). They can have trouble keeping track of schedules and appointments, can easily lose or misplace items, and are prone to flitting between tasks. They also may have issues with impulse control, like interrupting others or making impulsive decisions.
Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD must be aware of their symptoms and seek help. They can seek help through their primary care physician or mental health specialist. In addition, they can try to improve their coping abilities by making use of organizational strategies, such as writing lists or planning ahead. add and adhd in women can also engage in physical exercise, which releases neurotransmitters that improve attention and focus. It's also an excellent idea to share household and caregiver chores with their partner or a different support system to ensure they don't feel overwhelmed.
Treatment
A combination of treatments is often needed to manage ADHD symptoms, including medication and therapy. Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines can help reduce the inattention symptoms of ADHD. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also available. Behavioral therapy can aid in the emotional and organizational aspects of ADHD. Therapists may offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that is where they instruct people on how to change negative thoughts or behaviors. Others provide one-on-one therapy that focuses on self-esteem as well as emotional regulation. Support groups can help those with ADHD connect with other people with the same condition and share ideas about managing symptoms.
A diagnosis of inattention ADHD can be difficult for some women to accept. Some women may think that their problems are caused by a lack discipline or a poor parenting style. This could affect their self-esteem. Additionally, they might be frustrated at their inability to keep up with their work or school, which can cause feelings of shame and embarrassment.
Symptoms of ADHD can be heightened during hormonal changes, such as those caused by menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. This makes it more difficult to cope with emotional symptoms, such as mood swings and irritability. These symptoms can cause issues in relationships due to how they are perceived by others.
Women who are not attentive ADHD frequently struggle to maintain an orderly home life, which can cause issues at school or at work. For instance, they could miss important appointments or pay bills late. They may have trouble organizing their work or school supplies, and they may be unable to complete tasks. They might have trouble understanding social boundaries or interrupting other people while they're talking. These issues can result in conflict in relationships and can affect women's sense of self-worth.
Many women with inattentive ADHD have difficulty asking for help. They may believe that their difficulties are not enough serious to warrant attention or that they shouldn't be capable of "pull themselves up by their bootstraps." They might also be afraid of the stigma that comes from being diagnosed with ADHD which could 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 alcohol or drug abuse, which can lead to health issues and other issues, such as nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), which includes burning or cutting.
Self-Esteem
Women suffering from ADHD are often suffering from feelings of inadequacy and chronic stress. This can make it difficult to recognize and articulate the symptoms, and get treatment. It is also common for women to mask their symptoms or develop strategies to conceal their symptoms from others, particularly as they age. Masking can cause difficulties at school or work, and can cause relationships to suffer.
Research suggests that women suffering from ADHD have a higher likelihood of experiencing sensitivity to rejection and finding it difficult to get a job. These experiences can reinforce negative thoughts that can lead to a lack of confidence and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
For these reasons, it is crucial for women suffering from ADHD to be able to access appropriate diagnosis and treatment. It's also crucial that they have a clinician or therapist who is familiar with the unique challenges females and girls face with the disorder.
As women and girls mature and become more independent, they are likely to be confronted with the expectations of society and culture that place the majority of household and parenting responsibility on them. These expectations are different from those placed on men. These pressures can lead to depression and anxiety and lead to chaotic, messy living spaces, incomplete projects and a reluctance to ask for help or admit they are struggling.
Premenstrual dysphoria and other symptoms of adolescents are also common in females with ADHD. These symptoms can be made worse by the monthly fluctuations in hormones, and could be mistaken for anxiety or mood shifts.
Women who suffer from ADHD are less likely than men to be aware of their condition and receive treatment. This means that they are more likely to experience a variety of negative outcomes as they age, including relationship issues, unemployment, and addiction. They are also more likely to be misdiagnosed than males and remain undiagnosed for the rest of their lives. This gap could be eliminated by increasing education and arguing for health professionals, teachers and parents to be aware of the symptoms of ADHD among girls and women.