15 Things You're Not Sure Of About Inattentive ADHD In Women

Inattentive ADHD in Women Many women suffer for years prior to getting a diagnosis of ADHD. It could be a lightbulb moment when they receive a diagnosis. The symptoms often change in response to hormonal changes. For instance, women could feel their symptoms worsen during their menstrual cycle, or during pregnancy. Women may also take on their ADHD traits, which leads to depression. This makes it more difficult to diagnose and treat their ADHD. Causes Women with inattentive ADHD typically are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood, at which point their problems begin to impact with school, work and personal relationships. This is because of gender bias in both the clinical setting and in parents' and teachers perceptions. Girls are less likely than men to recognize ADHD symptoms. Inattentional ADHD can cause women to forget important dates, miss deadlines and lose track of the time. They also have difficulty prioritizing tasks, organizing their thoughts or making plans for the future. They may also have difficulty keeping their attention during conversations and are easily distracted by external stimuli, inner thoughts or daydreaming. These issues can result in low performance at work or in school, which could lead to low self-esteem. Family members, friends and coworkers often misunderstand women with inattentive ADHD. Their frustration with their symptoms can lead to more misunderstandings they encounter. This can result in tensions in relationships. They are often dismissed as irrational and moody, which can increase the feeling that they are misunderstood. Women with inattentive ADHD may also be suffering from depression and anxiety. These issues can be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations like during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or perimenopause. During this time, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise, which can exacerbate ADHD. External factors can also contribute to inattentive ADHD like a chaotic environment at home or a work life that is not structured. Women with inattentive ADHD frequently have difficulty staying on task at work and get behind in their work. This can lead to feelings of failure and low self-esteem. They may also be unable to accept negative feedback or criticism. This can further diminish confidence and cause people to avoid social interaction. Women with inattentive ADHD have a greater tendency to have difficulty creating and maintaining romantic relationships. They are more likely to suffer from coexisting anxiety or depression and may be particularly sensitive to rejection, which may make them less willing to risk a relationship. This can lead to isolation which can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. Symptoms Often, women with undiagnosed ADHD have low self-esteem as they struggle to deal with the disorder. They may become discouraged by comments from others that they are careless or aloof, forgetful, or insecure. They could develop unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive alcohol or drugs. They may also resort non-suicidal ways of self-injury, such as cutting, burning, or scratching. The symptoms of ADHD can cause problems with relationships, work, and school. Girls and women with ADHD are often more likely to be misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety. This is because the symptoms of depression and anxiety are typically similar to those of ADHD. Additionally women with undiagnosed ADHD can experience mood swings that cause them to appear depressed or anxious. These symptoms can be triggered by major life changes, such as marriage, beginning a new career, or becoming parents. Undiagnosed inattention ADHD in adults is prevalent, and could be mistaken as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. The symptoms include trouble concentrating, feelings such as sadness or despair and difficulties handling stress and criticism. These symptoms, when paired with poor time-management, can lead to difficulties at work or in school, as well as with family members and friends. Inattentional ADHD for girls and women can cause trouble with coping skills, such as procrastination and the tendency to underestimate the time tasks will take (time blindness). They may have trouble keeping an eye on their schedules and appointments, misplace or lose belongings easily, and jump from one task to the next. They can also have problems with impulse control, like interrupting others or making impulsive choices. It is essential for women suffering from undiagnosed ADHD to be aware of the signs and symptoms and seek treatment. They can seek treatment from their primary care physician or a mental health specialist. In addition they can improve their coping abilities by employing organizational strategies, such as making lists or planning ahead. They can also engage in exercises, which release neurotransmitters that boost concentration and attention. It's also a good idea for them to share household and caregiving chores with their partner or another support network to ensure they aren't overwhelmed. Treatment A combination of treatments is typically required to control ADHD symptoms, which includes medication and therapy. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines can help to reduce the symptoms of inattention of ADHD. There are also nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine. Behavioral therapy can aid in the emotional and organizational aspects of ADHD. Therapists may employ cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps people to change negative thoughts and behavior and others provide individual therapy for self-esteem and emotional regulation. Support groups can help those with ADHD connect with others with the same condition and share ideas about managing symptoms. A diagnosis of inattentive ADHD could be a challenge for some women to accept. They might believe that their troubles stem from an absence of discipline or poor parenting, and this can affect their self-esteem. In addition, they could be frustrated with their inability to keep up with their work or school, which can cause feelings of shame and embarrassment. Symptoms of ADHD are more severe during hormonal changes, such as those caused by menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. This can make it difficult to cope with emotional manifestations such as mood swings or irritability. These symptoms can cause problems in relationships because of how they are perceived by others, particularly male colleagues or partners. Women with inattention ADHD often have difficulty maintaining a stable home life, which can cause difficulties at school or at work. For instance, they may miss important appointments or pay bills late. adhd in adults women might have difficulty organizing their school or work materials, and may struggle to complete assignments. They might have trouble understanding social boundaries and interrupting other people while talking. These issues can create conflicts in relationships and affect a woman'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 problems are not serious enough to warrant attention, or they believe that “pulling themselves up by the bootstraps” is possible. They may also be afraid of the stigma that comes with being diagnosed with ADHD which could make it more difficult to seek treatment. Untreated ADHD in women can lead to depression or suicidal thoughts. They may also turn to unhealthy coping behaviors like alcohol or substance abuse, which can lead to health issues and other issues, like self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) that includes cutting or burning. Self-Esteem Women suffering from ADHD often struggle with feelings of inadequateness or chronic stress. This makes it harder to recognize and articulate symptoms and seek treatment. Women often mask symptoms or use compensatory strategies, especially as they age, to cover the signs. Masking can lead to difficulties at work or school and may result in relationships being damaged. In addition, research shows that women with ADHD are more likely than males to experience symptoms relating to rejection sensitivity, and also to be unable to find jobs. These experiences can cause negative self-talk which leads to anxiety and difficulty with interpersonal relationships. It is important that women with ADHD receive the correct diagnosis and treatment. It's also vital that they work with a doctor or therapist who is familiar with the unique challenges females and girls confront with the disorder. As women and girls mature, they may face social and cultural expectations that place the majority of household and parenting obligations on them. These expectations differ from those imposed on men. These pressures can increase depression and anxiety and can lead to disorganized, chaotic living spaces, incomplete projects, and a refusal to ask for help or admit they have a problem. Premenstrual dysphoria and symptoms of the adolescent years are also common among females with ADHD. These symptoms can be made worse by the fluctuations in hormones, and could be misinterpreted as anxiety or mood fluctuations. Women who suffer from ADHD are less likely than men to be aware of their condition and receive treatment. Because of this, they have a higher rate of negative outcomes as adults such as relationship issues, unemployment, and substance use. They are also more likely to be misdiagnosed than males, and to go undiagnosed throughout their lives. This gap can be eliminated by enhancing awareness and advocacy efforts to help health professionals as well as teachers and parents to recognize the signs of ADHD for women and girls.