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Inattentive ADHD in Women Many women struggle for years before getting a diagnosis of ADHD. It can be a real lightbulb moment when they receive a diagnosis. Symptoms often fluctuate with hormonal changes. For instance, women might feel their symptoms worsen during their menstrual cycle, or during pregnancy. Women may also accept their ADHD traits, which leads to depression. This can make it harder to be diagnosed and treated for their ADHD. Causes Women with inattentive ADHD are usually not diagnosed until they reach adulthood, at which point their problems start to affect work at school, as well as personal relationships. This is due in part to gender biases in clinical settings as well as in the perceptions of teachers and parents, who are less likely to recognize ADHD symptoms in girls than boys, even when those symptoms are evident (Ohan and Visser, 2009). Attention-deficit ADHD can cause women to forget important dates, forget deadlines, and lose track of time. They also have difficulty prioritizing their tasks, organizing their thoughts, or planning ahead. They may also have difficulty to keep their attention on conversations and may be distracted by external stimuli or their own internal thoughts and daydreaming. These symptoms can lead to poor performance at school or at work which can cause low self-esteem and frustration. Friends, family members and coworkers are often misinformed about women with inattentive ADHD. Their anger over their symptoms can increase the misunderstandings that they encounter. This can lead to tensions in relationships. They are often viewed as being irrational and moody which can further aggravate their feelings of being misunderstood. Women with inattention ADHD are also susceptible to depression and anxiety. These issues can be made worse by hormone fluctuations that occur during menstrual cycle, pregnancy or perimenopause. During this time, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase, which can cause an increase in ADHD. The environment can also trigger inattentive ADHD, such as an unorganized home or at work that is not structured. Women with inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying on track and can get behind in their work, leading to feelings of insecurity and a sense of failure. They may also have a harder time accepting negative feedback or criticism which can further degrade their confidence and make them avoid social interactions. Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to struggle with creating and maintaining romantic relationships. They are more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety and are more prone to rejection, which can make them less willing to commit to a relationship. This can lead to isolation, which can also contribute to depression and anxiety. Signs and symptoms Women with undiagnosed ADHD often have low self-esteem due to their struggle to cope. They may become depressed by comments from other people that they are careless, forgetful, or aloof. They could develop unhealthy ways of coping like excessive drinking or use of drugs. They may also resort to non-suicidal forms of self-injury such as cutting, burning or scratching. Symptoms of ADHD can interfere with relationships, work, and school. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD tend to be frequently misdiagnosed as having depressive or anxiety disorders. This is because a lot of symptoms of these disorders are similar with those of ADHD. Furthermore women who are not diagnosed with ADHD are prone to mood swings that make them appear anxious or depressed. These symptoms can also be caused by major life events, such as getting married, beginning in a new job or becoming a parent. Adults with inattentive ADHD are often misdiagnosed and are often mistaken for bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. The symptoms include trouble concentrating, feelings such as sadness or despair and difficulties dealing with criticism and stress. In conjunction with poor time management, these symptoms can create difficulties at school or at work, and lead to difficulties with family and friends. Inattentive ADHD for girls and women 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 track of appointments and schedules and may lose or misplace their belongings easily, and flit from one task to the next. They also may have issues with controlling their impulses, for example, interrupting others or making impulsive choices. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD must be aware of their symptoms and seek help. They can seek help from their primary care provider or a mental health specialist. They can also seek to improve their ability to cope by using organizational techniques like making lists or planning ahead. Exercise releases neurotransmitters that improve focus and attention. It's also a good idea for them to share household and caregiving tasks with their spouse or another support network to ensure they do not feel overwhelmed. Treatment Treatments for ADHD symptoms usually involve medication and therapy. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines can help to reduce the symptoms of inattention of ADHD. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also available. Behavioral therapy can help with the organizational and emotional aspects of ADHD. Certain therapists employ cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which helps people to change negative thoughts and behavior and others provide one-on-one therapy to improve self-esteem and emotional regulation. Support groups are an excellent way for those suffering from ADHD to connect with others with the same diagnosis and to learn how to manage their symptoms. For some women, a diagnosis of inattention ADHD can be difficult to accept. Some women may think that their issues are caused by a lack discipline or poor parenting. This could affect their self-esteem. They may also feel embarrassed and ashamed by their inability keep up with school or work. ADHD symptoms can be exacerbated by hormonal changes such as those that occur during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or menopausal. This makes it more difficult to cope with emotional symptoms, such as mood swings and irritability. These symptoms can also cause relationship problems because of how they are perceived by others. Women who are not attentive ADHD often struggle to maintain an orderly home life, and this can cause difficulties at school or at work. For example, they might miss important appointments or pay bills late. They may have problems organizing their school or work materials and may be unable to complete tasks. They may have difficulty understanding the social boundaries and interrupting others while they are talking. These issues can create conflict in relationships and impact a woman's overall perception of self-worth. Many women with inattentive ADHD are hesitant to seek assistance. They might think that their difficulties are not enough serious to warrant attention, or that they should be capable of “pull themselves up by their bootstraps.” They may also be afraid of the stigma associated when they are diagnosed with ADHD which could make them less likely to seek treatment. If left untreated, ADHD in women can lead to depression or suicidal thoughts. They might also adopt unhealthy coping strategies, such alcohol or drug abuse. This can lead to health issues and other issues, such as self-harming that is not suicidal (NSSI) such as cutting or burning. Self-Esteem Women suffering from ADHD are often affected by feelings of inadequateness and constant stress. This makes it harder to recognize and communicate symptoms and seek treatment. Women often cover up symptoms or employ compensatory strategies, particularly as they age, to hide them. Masking can cause problems at work or school and can result in relationships being damaged. Furthermore, research suggests that women with ADHD are more likely than men to experience symptoms that are related to rejection sensitivity, and to have trouble finding jobs. These experiences can reinforce negative self-talk that leads to a lack of confidence and difficulty with interpersonal relationships. In these circumstances, it's important for women with ADHD to have access to proper diagnosis and treatment. It's also crucial that they work with a doctor or therapist who understands the unique challenges that girls and women face with the disorder. As women and girls mature as they get older, they will be faced with societal and cultural expectations which place the majority of the household and parenting responsibilities on them. adhd symptoms in women adults differ from those placed on men. These pressures can cause depression and anxiety and lead to chaotic, messy living spaces, incomplete projects and a reluctance to ask for help or admit that they are struggling. It's also common for females with ADHD to experience symptoms related to puberty and adolescence and also suffer from premenstrual dysphoria. The fluctuation in hormone levels can cause these symptoms to become more severe and could be mistaken for other issues such as anxiety or mood fluctuations. Women who suffer from ADHD often experience an absence of awareness of their condition, and they're less likely to receive treatment than males. Because of this, they're more at risk of negative outcomes as adults, including relationship issues, unemployment, and use of drugs. They're also more likely to be misdiagnosed than males, and to go undiagnosed throughout their lives. This gap could be closed by enhancing awareness and advocacy efforts to assist health professionals, teachers and parents recognize the signs of ADHD for women and girls.