Inattentive ADHD in Women
Many women suffer for years prior to receiving a diagnosis of ADHD. It can be a real lightbulb moment when they are diagnosed.
Symptoms often fluctuate with hormonal changes. Women might be aware that their symptoms are worse when they are experiencing menstrual cycle or during pregnancy.
Women also have the ability to accept their ADHD traits, which leads to depression. This can make it harder to recognize and treat ADHD.
Causes
Women with inattentive ADHD are typically not diagnosed until they reach adulthood, when their issues begin to affect their work, school, and personal relationships. This is due in part 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 if the symptoms are evident (Ohan and Visser 2009).
Attention-deficit ADHD can cause women to forget important dates, forget deadlines, and lose track of the time. They also have trouble managing their thoughts, or planning ahead. They may also have difficulties staying focused during conversations, and be easily distracted by external stimuli, inner thoughts or daydreaming. These symptoms can lead to low performance at work or at school, which can lead to a low self-esteem.
Many women with inattentive ADHD are often misunderstood by their friends, family and coworkers. Their discontent with their condition heightens the misunderstandings they experience and can cause difficult relationships. They are often seen as being irrational and moody which can increase their feelings of being misunderstood.
Women who have inattention ADHD are also afflicted by various emotional issues, including depression and anxiety. These problems can be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, like when menstrual cycle is in full swing or pregnancy, or perimenopausal. During these times, the estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Another cause of inattention ADHD is environmental factors, like a chaotic house or work environment which lacks structure. Women who suffer from inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying on task and get behind in their work, which can lead to feelings of being unworthy and low confidence. They may also find it difficult to accept negative feedback or criticism. This can further erode confidence and lead to people avoiding social interaction.
Lastly, women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to struggle with establishing and maintaining relationships with their partners. They are more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety that is co-existing and can be especially sensitive to rejection, which could cause them to be more reluctant to risk a relationship. This can lead them to feel isolated, which can contribute to anxiety and depression.
Signs and symptoms
Most women with undiagnosed ADHD have low self-esteem as they struggle to cope with the condition. They might be discouraged by criticism from people who say they are reckless, forgetful, or aloof. They could adopt unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive drinking or drugs. They might also resort to non-suicidal methods of self-injury like cutting, burning, or scratching. The symptoms of ADHD can interfere with relationships at work, school, and other activities.
Girls and women with ADHD are often mistakenly diagnosed more often as suffering from depression or anxiety disorders. This is because a lot of symptoms of these disorders overlap with those of ADHD. Additionally, women who have undiagnosed ADHD are prone to mood swings that make them appear anxious or depressed. These symptoms can be brought on by major changes in life such as marriage, starting an entirely new job or having children.
Undiagnosed inattention ADHD in adults is common, and can be mistaken as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. These symptoms include difficulty in concentrating or concentrating, as well as feelings like sadness or hopelessness and issues managing stress and criticism. These symptoms, when paired with poor time-management, can lead to problems at school or work and with family members and friends.
Inattentive ADHD in women and girls can cause trouble with managing skills, like procrastination, and a tendency to underestimate how long tasks will take (time blindness). They may struggle to keep the track of their schedules and appointments, misplace or lose belongings easily, and jump from one task to the next. They might also be struggling with impulse control. This could include making decisions impulsively or interrupting others.
It is essential for women suffering from undiagnosed ADHD to recognize their symptoms and get help. They can seek help through their primary care provider or a mental health specialist. They can also try to improve their coping skills by employing organizational methods like making lists or planning ahead. They can also engage in physical exercise, which releases neurotransmitters that increase focus and attention. It's also recommended for them to share household and caregiving chores with their partner or a different support system so that they aren't overwhelmed.
Treatment
Treatments for ADHD symptoms usually include medication and therapy. Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines may help to reduce the symptoms of inattention of ADHD. There are also nonstimulant medications like 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 as well as offer one-on-one therapy for self-esteem and emotional control. Support groups are an excellent way for people with ADHD to connect with others with the same diagnosis and learn about how to manage their symptoms.
A diagnosis of inattentive ADHD can be difficult for some women to accept. Some women may think that their problems result from a lack of discipline or a lack of parenting. This could impact their self-esteem. In addition, they may be frustrated at their inability to keep up with their work or school, and this can cause feelings of shame and embarrassment.
The symptoms of ADHD can heighten during hormonal changes like those brought on by menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. This can make it more difficult to manage emotional symptoms, such as mood swings and irritability. These symptoms can cause relationship problems due to the way they are perceived by other people, especially male colleagues or partners.
Women with inattention ADHD struggle to ensure an orderly family life. This can lead to difficulties at school or at work. For instance, they could not remember important appointments or pay bills late. They may have issues organizing their schoolwork or materials, and they may have difficulty completing assignments. They might be unable to comprehend social boundaries and interrupting other people while talking. These issues can create conflict in relationships and impact a woman's overall perception of self-worth.
Many women with inattentive ADHD have difficulty asking for help. They might think that their issues aren't serious enough to require 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 when they are diagnosed with ADHD which can make it harder for them to seek treatment. Women with untreated ADHD can become depressed or suicidal. They may also turn to unhealthy coping strategies, such as alcohol or substance abuse which can lead to health issues and other issues, including self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) that includes cutting or burning.
Self-Esteem
Women with ADHD are often affected by feelings of inadequateness and constant stress. This can make it more difficult to recognize and articulate symptoms and seek treatment. It's also normal for women to hide their symptoms or develop strategies to disguise their symptoms from others, particularly as they age. Masking can cause issues at work or school and may affect relationships.
In addition, research shows that women with ADHD are more likely than men to experience symptoms related to rejection sensitivity, and have difficulty finding jobs. These experiences can reinforce negative thoughts that can lead to a lack in confidence and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
This is why it is crucial for women suffering from ADHD to be able to access the right diagnosis and treatment. It's crucial that they have access to an therapist or a therapist who is aware of the difficulties both women and girls have to face when dealing with ADHD.
As women and girls mature, they may face the expectations of society and culture that place the majority of household and parenting obligations on them. These expectations are different from those imposed on men. These pressures can lead to depression and anxiety and lead to chaotic, messy home environments, unfinished projects and a reluctance to seek assistance or admit that they have a problem.
Premenstrual dysphoria and other symptoms of adolescence are also common in females suffering from ADHD. adhd in older women can be made worse by the fluctuations in hormones, and may be mistaken for anxiety or mood swings.
Women who suffer from ADHD are less likely than males to be aware of their condition and seek treatment. They are more likely to suffer negative outcomes as they age including problems with relationships, unemployment and addiction issues. They are also more likely than males to be misdiagnosed and remain undiagnosed for the remainder of their lives. This gap can be eliminated by enhancing awareness and advocacy efforts to assist health professionals, teachers and parents recognize the symptoms of ADHD in women and girls.