Inattentive ADHD in Women
Many women have to struggle for years before getting a diagnosis of ADHD. It could be a moment of lightbulb when they receive a diagnosis.
The symptoms can change due to hormonal changes. For example, women may be able to notice that their symptoms become more severe during their menstrual cycle, or during pregnancy.
Women may also internalize their ADHD traits, which leads to depression. This can make it harder to get diagnosed and treat their ADHD.
Causes
Women with inattentional ADHD are usually not diagnosed until adulthood, at which point their problems begin to affect their work or school as well as personal relationships. This is due in part to gender bias in both clinical settings and in the perceptions of parents and teachers, who are less likely to recognize ADHD symptoms for girls than boys, even when those symptoms are clear (Ohan and Visser, 2009).
Inattentional ADHD can cause women to forget appointments, forget deadlines and lose the track of time, making it hard for them to plan ahead or organize their thoughts. They also struggle to prioritize tasks. They might also have difficulty to focus on conversations and can easily get distracted by external stimuli or their own internal thoughts and daydreaming. These symptoms can lead to poor performance at work or at school, leading to a low self-esteem.
Many women with inattentive ADHD are often misunderstood and mistreated by their friends, family and coworkers. Their frustration with their symptoms can lead to confusion and mistrust which can lead to difficult relationships. They are often viewed by others as moody or irrational. This can lead to a feeling of being misunderstood.
Women with inattention ADHD may also be suffering from anxiety and depression. These issues can be made worse by fluctuations in hormone levels like during menstrual cycle, pregnancy or perimenopause. In this period estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise, which can exacerbate ADHD.
External factors can also contribute to inattentive ADHD, such as an unorganized home or in a workplace with little structure. Women who suffer from inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying on track and can become distracted at work, resulting in a feeling of failure and low confidence. They might also have difficulty accepting criticism or negative feedback which can further degrade their confidence and make them avoid social interactions.
Additionally, women who have inattention ADHD are more likely to struggle with establishing and maintaining relationships with their partners. They are more likely than others to be suffering from depression or anxiety, and they can be more vulnerable to rejection. This can make them reluctant to risk a romantic relationship. This can cause isolation and can contribute to depression and anxiety.
Symptoms
Most women with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from low self-esteem as they struggle to deal with the disorder. I Am Psychiatry might be depressed by comments from other people that they are careless or forgetful. They may develop unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive alcohol or drug use. They may also resort non-suicidal ways of self-injury, such as cutting, burning, or scratching. ADHD symptoms can impact relationships, work, and school.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD tend to be misdiagnosed more often as suffering from depression or anxiety disorders. This is because the symptoms of depression and anxiety are typically similar to those of ADHD. Women with undiagnosed ADHD might also experience mood swings, making them appear depressed or anxious. These symptoms can also be triggered by major life changes like getting married, starting an entirely new job, or becoming a parent.
Undiagnosed inattentive ADHD in adults is also prevalent, and could be mistaken as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. The symptoms include trouble concentration, feelings of despair or sadness, and difficulties in coping with stress and criticism. In conjunction with poor time management, these symptoms could cause problems at work or school and can cause issues with family and friends.
Attention-deficit ADHD can cause issues with coping skills in girls and women, such as procrastination or underestimating the time the task will take (timeblindness). They may have difficulty keeping the track of their schedules and appointments, misplace or lose belongings easily, and flit from one task to the next. They might also be struggling with the ability to control their impulses. This can include making impulsive choices or interrupting others.
It is important for women suffering from undiagnosed ADHD to be aware of the signs and symptoms and seek treatment. They can seek help from their primary care physician or a mental health specialist. They can also attempt to improve their ability to cope by employing organizational methods, such as making lists or planning ahead. They can also participate in exercises, which release neurotransmitters that increase focus and attention. It is also an excellent idea to split up household and caregiving responsibilities with their spouse or another support networks, so that they aren't overloaded by chores or errands.
Treatment
A combination of treatments is typically needed to manage ADHD symptoms, which can include medication and therapy. Stimulant medications like amphetamines and methylphenidate can reduce ADHD symptoms of inattention. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also available. Behavioral therapy can help with the emotional and organizational aspects of ADHD. Some therapists offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that is where they help people change negative thoughts or behavior. Some offer one-on-one therapy which focuses on self-esteem and emotional regulation. Support groups can help people with ADHD connect with other people with the same condition and share ideas about managing symptoms.
A diagnosis of inattention ADHD could be difficult for some women to accept. Some women may believe that their problems result from a lack of discipline or a lack of parenting. This could impact their self-esteem. In addition, they may feel frustrated by their inability to keep up with work or school, which can lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment.
Symptoms of ADHD are more severe when hormonal changes occur that are caused by menstruation, pregnancy, or menopausal. This can make it harder to deal with emotional symptoms like mood swings and irritability. These symptoms can cause relationship problems due to the way they are perceived by others, especially male colleagues or partners.
Women with inattentive ADHD often have difficulty maintaining a steady home life which can cause difficulties at school or at work. For instance, they might, forget important appointments or pay their bills late. They may have problems organizing their work or school materials, and they may have difficulty completing tasks. They may have difficulty understanding the boundaries of social interaction and may interrupt other people when they are talking. These issues can create conflicts in relationships and affect women's overall sense of self-worth.
Many women who suffer from inattention ADHD are hesitant to seek help. They might think that their issues aren't sufficient 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 associated with being diagnosed with ADHD, which can make it difficult for them to seek treatment. Women who have untreated ADHD can be depressed or suicidal. They can also resort to unhealthy coping methods like alcohol or drug abuse, which can cause health problems and other issues, such as self-injury that is not suicidal (NSSI) that includes cutting or burning.
Self-Esteem
Women with ADHD often struggle with feelings of inadequacy or chronic stress. This can make it more difficult to identify and articulate symptoms and seek treatment. Women often cover up symptoms or employ compensatory strategies, particularly as they age, to cover them. Masking can cause problems at school or at work and may cause relationships to suffer.
Research suggests that women suffering from ADHD are at a higher chance of feeling a sensitivity to rejection and having difficulty finding a job. These experiences can trigger negative thoughts that lead to a lack of confidence and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
This is why it's crucial for women suffering from ADHD to have access to the right diagnosis and treatment. It's also crucial to have a therapist or therapist who is familiar with the unique challenges females and girls confront with the disorder.
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 the household and parenting obligations on them. These expectations are different from those that men are expected to meet. These pressures can lead to depression and anxiety, and result in chaotic, messy home environments, unfinished projects and a lack of willingness to ask for help or admit they have a problem.
Premenstrual dysphoria and symptoms of adolescence are also common in females with ADHD. The fluctuations in hormone levels can make these symptoms more severe and can be misinterpreted as a sign of other issues such as anxiety or mood shifts.
Women with ADHD often experience an absence of awareness of their condition, and they're less likely to seek treatment than males. They are more likely to experience negative outcomes as they age, such as relationships, unemployment and abuse of substances. They're also more likely be misdiagnosed than men and remain undiagnosed throughout their lives. This gap could be eliminated by educating the public and advocating for health professionals as well as teachers and parents to be aware of the symptoms of ADHD for women and girls.
