20 Reasons Why Inattentive ADHD In Women Will Not Be Forgotten

Inattentive ADHD in Women

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.

The symptoms often change in response to hormonal changes. Women might be aware that their symptoms are worse during their menstrual cycles or during pregnancy.

Women may also accept their ADHD characteristics, which can lead to depression. This makes it more difficult to identify and treat ADHD.

Causes

Women who suffer from inattention ADHD tend to not be diagnosed until they reach adulthood, at which point their problems begin to impact with work, school and personal relationships. This is due in part to gender biases in clinical settings and in the perceptions of parents and teachers, who are less likely to recognize ADHD symptoms in girls than boys, even when the symptoms are obvious (Ohan and Visser 2009).

Attention-deficit ADHD can cause women to forget appointments, forget deadlines and lose the track of time, making it difficult for them to plan ahead or organize their thoughts. They also struggle to prioritize tasks. They may also have trouble staying focused during conversations, and become easily distracted by external stimuli, internal thoughts or daydreaming. These issues can lead to poor school or work performance, which leads to low self-esteem and frustration.

Many women who suffer from inattention ADHD are often misunderstood and mistreated by their family, friends and colleagues. Their anger over their symptoms can lead to confusion and mistrust and can cause strained relationships. They are often viewed as being irrational and moody which can increase their feelings of being misunderstood.

Women with inattentive ADHD also experience various emotional issues that include anxiety and depression. These problems can be exacerbated due to hormonal fluctuations, for instance during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or perimenopausal. In this period estrogen levels decrease, and progesterone levels rise which can exacerbate ADHD.

Another reason for inattentive ADHD is environmental factors, like a chaotic home environment or a work schedule which lacks structure. Women with inattentive ADHD are often unable to stay focused at work and may fall behind quickly, which leads to a sense of inadequacy and low self-esteem. They may also have difficulty accepting criticism or negative feedback which can further degrade their confidence and result in them avoiding social interactions.

Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to struggle in establishing and maintaining romantic relations. They are more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety and can be especially sensitive to rejection, which can cause them to be more reluctant to risk a relationship. This can lead to isolation and can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.

Signs and symptoms

Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD often suffer from low self-esteem due to their struggles to cope. People may tell them that they are reckless or forgetful. They might develop unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as excessive alcohol or drug use. They may also resort non-suicidal methods of self-injury like cutting, burning or scratching. Symptoms of ADHD can affect relationships, work, and school.

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed more often as suffering from depression or anxiety disorders. This is because many of the symptoms of these disorders overlap with those of ADHD. Additionally, women who have undiagnosed ADHD can experience mood swings that cause them to appear depressed or anxious. These symptoms can also be brought on by major life changes, such as getting married, beginning a new job or becoming a mother.

Adults with inattentive ADHD are also commonly misdiagnosed, and may be mistaken for borderline personality disorder or bipolar disorder. These symptoms include difficulty concentrating, feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and difficulties coping with stress and criticism. These symptoms, when coupled with poor time-management, can lead to problems at school or work, as well as with family members and friends.

Inattentive ADHD for girls and women can lead to problems with coping skills, such as procrastination and the tendency to underestimate the time tasks will take (time blindness). They may have difficulty keeping track of their schedules and appointments, are prone to lose or misplace their belongings and are susceptible to jumping from one task to another. They can also have problems with impulse control, such as interrupting others or making decisions impulsively.

It is essential 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 professional. They can also try to improve their coping abilities by using organizational techniques like creating lists or planning ahead. Exercise releases neurotransmitters, which enhance concentration and attention. It's also a good idea for them to share household and caregiver chores with their partner or a different support system to ensure they do not feel overwhelmed.

Treatment

Treatments for ADHD symptoms usually involve medication and therapy. Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines can help to reduce the symptoms of inattention of ADHD. There are also nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine. The behavioral therapy method is a great option to treat the emotional and organizational aspects of ADHD. Certain therapists employ cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which helps people to modify negative thoughts and behaviors and others provide individual therapy for self-esteem and emotional regulation. Support groups can help people with ADHD connect with other people with the same condition and share strategies for managing symptoms.

For some women, the diagnosis of inattentive ADHD is difficult to accept. Some women may believe that their problems result from a lack of discipline or a lack of parenting. This could affect their self-esteem. Additionally, they might be frustrated with their inability to keep up with work or school, which can cause feelings of shame and embarrassment.

ADHD symptoms can be exacerbated by hormonal changes such as those that occur during menstruation or pregnancy, or menopausal. This can make it harder to cope with emotional symptoms, such as irritability and mood swings. These symptoms can also contribute to relationship difficulties because of how they are perceived by others, particularly male colleagues or partners.

Women with inattention ADHD struggle to maintain a stable home life. This can cause problems at school or at work. For instance, they may miss important appointments or pay bills late. They may have trouble organizing their school or work materials, and they might struggle to complete assignments. They may have difficulty in recognizing social boundaries or interrupting others while they're talking. These issues can cause conflicts in relationships, and affect a woman’s sense of self-worth.

Many women suffering from inattention ADHD are hesitant to seek help. They may believe that their symptoms aren't severe enough to warrant attention or 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 can make it difficult for them to seek treatment. Women who have untreated ADHD may develop depression or suicidal. They may also engage in unhealthy coping strategies, like alcohol or substance abuse. This can cause health problems and other issues such as self-harming that is not suicidal (NSSI), including burning or cutting.

Self-Esteem

Women suffering from ADHD frequently have to deal with feelings of unworthiness or chronic stress. This makes it harder to identify and articulate symptoms and seek treatment. It's also normal for women to mask their symptoms or develop compensatory strategies to hide their symptoms from others, particularly as they age. Masking can cause problems at school or work and may result in relationships being damaged.

Research suggests that women suffering from ADHD have a higher risk of experiencing rejection sensitivity and having difficulty finding an employment. These experiences can reinforce negative self-talk which leads to a lack of confidence and difficulty with interpersonal relationships.

It is important that women with ADHD receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. It's important that they have access to an therapist or a therapist who is aware of the difficulties that girls and women have to face when dealing with ADHD.

As  signs of add in adult women  and girls grow older, they could be confronted with cultural and societal expectations that place the bulk of the household and parenting responsibilities on them, and that differ from the expectations placed on fathers. These pressures can cause depression and anxiety and lead to disorganized, chaotic home environments, unfinished projects and a lack of willingness to seek assistance or admit that they have a problem.

It's also common for females with ADHD to experience symptoms related to adolescence and puberty, and also suffer from premenstrual dysphoria. The monthly fluctuations in hormone levels can cause these symptoms to become more severe and could be misinterpreted as other problems like anxiety or mood shifts.

Women who suffer from ADHD typically experience an absence of awareness of their condition, and are less likely to seek treatment than males. This means that they have a higher rate of negative outcomes as they age which include relationships, unemployment and addiction. They are also more likely than men to be misdiagnosed and go undiagnosed for the duration of their lives. This gap can be eliminated by enhancing education and advocacy efforts to assist health professionals and teachers as well as parents recognize the symptoms of ADHD in women and girls.