Inattentive ADHD in Women<br /><br />Many women had to struggle for years before they were diagnosed with ADHD. It could be a lightbulb moment for them when they are diagnosed.<br /><br />Symptoms can fluctuate due to hormonal changes. Women may notice that their symptoms get worse when they are experiencing menstrual cycle or during pregnancy.<br /><br />Women may also take on their ADHD traits, which can lead to depression. This can make it harder to identify and treat ADHD.<br /><br />Causes<br /><br />Women with inattentional ADHD are typically not diagnosed until they reach adulthood, at which point their problems begin to affect their work, school, and personal relationships. This is because of gender bias in both the clinical setting as well as in teachers' and parents perceptions. Teachers and parents are less likely than males to recognize ADHD symptoms.<br /><br />Inattentional ADHD causes women to forget appointments, miss deadlines and lose track of time, making it hard to plan ahead, organize their thoughts or prioritize tasks. They may also have difficulty staying focused during conversations, and become easily distracted by external stimuli, internal thoughts or daydreaming. These issues can result in low performance at work or at school, leading to a low self-esteem.<br /><br />Many women suffering from inattention ADHD are often misunderstood by their friends, family and coworkers. Their frustration with their symptoms can lead to more misunderstandings they face. This can lead to tensions in relationships. They are often viewed by others as sour or uninformed. This can lead to a feeling of being misunderstood.<br /><br />Women who have inattention ADHD are also afflicted by a range of emotional problems that include anxiety and depression. These issues can be made worse by fluctuations in hormone levels, such as during menstrual cycle and pregnancy or perimenopausal. In this period estrogen levels decrease, and progesterone levels rise, which can cause an increase in ADHD.<br /><br />Another reason for inattention ADHD is environmental factors like a chaotic house environment or work life that lacks structure. Women who suffer from inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying on task and fall behind at work, leading to a feeling of failure and low confidence. They may also have a harder time accepting negative feedback or criticism which can further undermine their confidence and make them avoid social interactions.<br /><br />Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to struggle in creating and maintaining romantic relationships. They are more likely than others to suffer from depression or anxiety and are more vulnerable to rejection. This can cause them to be less willing to risk a romantic connection. This can cause them to feel lonely and can lead to anxiety and depression.<br /><br />Symptoms<br /><br />Most women with undiagnosed ADHD have low self-esteem as they struggle to cope with the condition. They might be depressed by comments from other people that they are careless, forgetful, or aloof. They could develop unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive drinking or use of drugs. They might also resort to self-injury without suicide, like cutting or burning. ADHD symptoms can affect relationships, work and school.<br /><br />Women and girls with ADHD tend to be frequently misdiagnosed as having depressive or anxiety disorders. This is because a lot of symptoms of these disorders overlap with those of ADHD. Women with undiagnosed ADHD might also suffer from mood swings, which can make them appear anxious or depressed. These symptoms can also be triggered by major life changes, such as getting married, starting an entirely new job, or becoming a parent.<br /><br />Undiagnosed inattention ADHD in adults is common, and can be mistaken for bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. These symptoms include difficulty concentrating and feelings of despair or sadness and difficulties managing stress and criticism. These symptoms, when coupled with poor time management, could result in problems at school or work and with family members and friends.<br /><br />Inattentive ADHD can cause issues with coping skills for girls and women, such as procrastination or underestimating the time the task will take (timeblindness). They may struggle to keep track of appointments and schedules, misplace or lose belongings quickly, and easily jump from one task to the next. They may also struggle with controlling their impulses, for example, interrupting others or making decisions impulsively.<br /><br />It is crucial for women suffering from undiagnosed ADHD to understand their symptoms and seek help. They can seek help from their primary healthcare provider or a mental health specialist. In addition, they can try to improve their coping skills by using organizational strategies, such as writing lists or planning ahead. Exercise releases neurotransmitters that improve focus and attention. It's also an excellent idea to share household and caregiver chores with their partner or a different support system so that they don't feel overwhelmed.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />Treatments for ADHD symptoms usually include therapy and medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, like amphetamines and methylphenidate can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms of inattention. There are also nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine. Behavioral therapy is a great way to help with the organizational and emotional aspects of ADHD. Therapists may employ cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps people to modify negative thoughts and behaviors, while others offer one-on-one therapy for self-esteem and emotional control. Support groups can help people with ADHD connect with other people who have the condition and share strategies for managing symptoms.<br /><br />A diagnosis of inattention ADHD can be a challenge for some women to accept. They may think that their issues stem from a lack of discipline or bad parenting, and this can impact their self-esteem. In addition, they could be frustrated with their inability to keep up with work or school, which could lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment.<br /><br />Symptoms of ADHD can be heightened when hormonal changes occur that are caused by menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopausal. This can make it harder to cope with emotional manifestations, such as anger or mood swings. These symptoms can also cause relationship problems because of how they are perceived by others.<br /><br />Women with inattentive ADHD struggle to maintain an orderly family life. This can lead to problems at school or at work. For instance, they could forget important appointments or pay bills late. They may have trouble organizing their schoolwork or materials, and they might have difficulty completing assignments. They might be unable to comprehend social boundaries and interrupting other people while talking. These problems can lead to conflicts in relationships, and impact a woman's sense of self-worth.<br /><br />Many women who suffer from inattention ADHD have difficulty asking for assistance. They might think that their symptoms aren't sufficient to warrant attention or they believe that "pulling themselves up by the bootstraps" is possible. They may also be afraid of the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD, which can make it harder for them to seek treatment. Women with untreated ADHD can become depressed or suicidal. They could also resort to unhealthy strategies for coping, such as alcohol or substance abuse. This can cause health problems and other issues such as self-harming that is not suicidal (NSSI), including cutting or burning.<br /><br />Self-Esteem<br /><br />Women with ADHD are often suffering from feelings of inadequacy and chronic stress. This can make it more difficult to identify and explain the symptoms, and seek treatment. It's also normal for women to hide their symptoms or devise compensatory strategies to hide their symptoms from others, particularly as they get older. Masking can cause problems at school or at work and may result in relationships being damaged.<br /><br />Furthermore, research suggests that women suffering from ADHD are more likely than men to experience symptoms related to sensitivity to rejection, and to have trouble finding jobs. These experiences can trigger negative thoughts that lead to a lack of confidence and difficulties with interpersonal relationships.<br /><br /><br /><br />This is why it's crucial for women suffering from ADHD to have access to appropriate diagnosis and treatment. It's also vital that they have a clinician or therapist who is familiar with the unique challenges that females and girls face with the disorder.<br /><br />As <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-in-women/">add test for women</a> and girls grow older, they could be confronted with cultural and societal expectations that place the bulk of household and parenting duties on them, and which differ from the expectations placed on fathers. These pressures can trigger depression and anxiety, and can result in a disorganized and chaotic home environment, unfinished projects, and the reluctance of women and girls to ask for help.<br /><br />Premenstrual dysphoria and other symptoms of the adolescent years are also common among females suffering from ADHD. The fluctuations in hormone levels can make these symptoms more severe, and they might be misinterpreted as a sign of other issues like anxiety or mood fluctuations.<br /><br />Women who suffer from ADHD often experience a lack of awareness about their condition, and are less likely to seek treatment than males. They are more likely to suffer negative outcomes in adulthood including problems with relationships, unemployment and addiction issues. They are also more likely than males to be misdiagnosed and go undiagnosed for the duration of their lives. This gap can be lowered by increasing education and advocating for health professionals as well as teachers and parents to recognize the symptoms of ADHD among girls and women.<br /><br />