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Inattentive ADHD in Women Many women have to struggle for years before being diagnosed with ADHD. It could be a lightbulb moment for them when they receive a diagnosis. The symptoms may change due to hormonal changes. Women may notice that their symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy. Women can also internalize ADHD traits which leads to depression. This makes it more difficult to diagnose and treat their ADHD. Causes Women who suffer from inattentional ADHD are typically not diagnosed until adulthood, when their issues start to affect work or school as well as personal relationships. This is due in part to gender bias in both clinical settings as well as in the perceptions of teachers and parents who are less likely to recognize ADHD symptoms for girls than boys, even if the symptoms are obvious (Ohan and Visser 2009). Inattentional ADHD can cause women to forget important dates, miss deadlines, and lose track of the time. They also have difficulty prioritizing their tasks, organizing their thoughts, or making plans for the future. They may also have difficulty to maintain focus on conversations and can easily get distracted by external stimuli or their own internal thoughts and daydreaming. These issues can result in poor performance at work or in school, which can lead to a low self-esteem. Friends, family members and coworkers are often misinformed about women with inattentive ADHD. Their frustration with their symptoms heightens the misunderstandings they experience and can lead to strained relationships. They are often seen as being irrational and moody which can further aggravate their feeling of being misunderstood. Women with inattention ADHD can also suffer from anxiety and depression. These issues can be made worse by hormonal fluctuations, like during menstruation and pregnancy, as well as perimenopausal. During these times, the estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise which can aggravate ADHD symptoms. Another cause of inattention ADHD is environmental factors such as a chaotic home environment or a work schedule that does not provide enough structure. Women who suffer from inattentive ADHD are often unable to stay focused at work and can fall behind quickly, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. adhd in adult women symptoms may also have difficulty accepting negative feedback or criticism which can further undermine their confidence and cause them to avoid social interactions. Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to have difficulty establishing and maintaining romantic relations. They are more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety that is co-existing and are more prone to rejection, which could make them less willing to risk a relationship. This can cause them to feel alone which can cause anxiety and depression. Signs and symptoms Often, women with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from low self-esteem as they struggle to cope with the condition. People may tell them that they're careless or forgetful. They may develop unhealthy coping methods that include excessive drinking or use of drugs. They may also resort to 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 are more likely to be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression. This is due to the fact that many of the symptoms of these disorders overlap with those of ADHD. Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD might also experience mood swings, making them appear anxious or depressed. These symptoms can be caused by major life changes such as marriage, starting a new career or having children. Undiagnosed inattentive ADHD in adults is also frequent, and is often mistaken as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. These symptoms include difficulty concentrating or concentrating, as well as feelings like sadness or despair and difficulties managing stress and criticism. These symptoms, when combined with poor time management, could lead to problems at school or work and with family members and friends. Inattentive ADHD can cause issues with coping abilities in girls and women, which can include procrastination, or underestimating the time an activity will take (timeblindness). They may have trouble keeping an eye on their schedules and appointments, misplace or lose belongings easily, and flit from one task to the next. They might also be struggling with impulse control. This could mean making impulsive choices or interrupting others. Women with undiagnosed ADHD should be aware of their symptoms and seek help. They can seek help from their primary care physician or a mental health professional. They can also attempt to improve their coping abilities through organizing techniques like making lists or planning ahead. They can also take part in physical exercise, which releases neurotransmitters that boost focus and attention. It is also recommended to divide up household and caregiving responsibilities with their spouse or another support networks, so that they are not overwhelmed by chores or run-of-the-mill chores. Treatment A combination of treatments is usually required to treat ADHD symptoms, which can include therapy and medication. Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate and amphetamines can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms of inattention. Nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) are also available. Behavioral therapy can help with the emotional and organizational aspects of ADHD. Certain therapists employ cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which helps people to modify negative thoughts and behaviors as well as offer one-on-one therapy to improve self-esteem and emotional control. Support groups are an excellent way for people with ADHD to connect with others with the same diagnosis and to learn how to manage their symptoms. A diagnosis of inattention ADHD can be a challenge for some women to accept. They may believe that their troubles are due to a lack of discipline or bad parenting, and this may affect their self-esteem. They may be embarrassed and ashamed because they are unable to keep up with school or work. ADHD symptoms can be exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. This makes it more difficult to manage emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings. These symptoms can also cause relationship problems because of how they are perceived by others, especially male partners or colleagues. Women with inattention ADHD struggle to maintain a stable home life. This can lead to difficulties at school or at work. For instance, they may miss important appointments or pay bills late. They might have issues organizing their work or school materials and may struggle to complete their tasks. They may have difficulty in recognizing social boundaries or interrupting people when they are talking. These issues can cause conflicts in relationships, and impact a woman's sense of self-worth. Many women who suffer from inattention ADHD aren't able to ask for assistance. They may believe that their issues aren't serious enough to require attention, or that they should be able to “pull themselves up by their bootstraps.” They may also be afraid of the stigma that comes when they are diagnosed with ADHD which can make it more difficult to seek treatment. Women who have untreated ADHD can become depressed or suicidal. They may also engage in unhealthy coping strategies, like drinking or using substances. This can cause health problems and other issues like self-harming and non-suicidal (NSSI), including burning or cutting. Self-Esteem Women with ADHD frequently have to deal with feelings of inadequateness or chronic stress. This can make it more difficult to identify and explain the symptoms and seek treatment. Women often mask symptoms or use compensatory strategies, especially as they age, to cover the signs. Masking can cause difficulties at school or work, and can cause relationships to suffer. Furthermore, research suggests that women with ADHD are more likely than men to experience symptoms related to rejection sensitivity and also to be unable to find jobs. adhd in adult women symptoms can reinforce negative thoughts, which can lead to a lack in confidence and issues with interpersonal relationships. This is why it's crucial for women suffering from ADHD to have access to appropriate diagnosis and treatment. It's also crucial to have a therapist or therapy professional who is knowledgeable of the unique challenges girls and women face with the disorder. As girls and women become teenagers, they might encounter societal and cultural expectations that place the majority of household and parenting duties on them, and which differ from those imposed on fathers. These pressures can lead to depression and anxiety, and can result in a messy and chaotic home environment with unfinished projects, as well as the reluctance of girls and women to reach out for help. It is also common for females with ADHD to experience symptoms related to adolescence and puberty, and to struggle with premenstrual dysphoria. The monthly fluctuations in hormone levels can cause these symptoms to become more severe and could be mistaken for other issues such as anxiety or mood shifts. Women suffering from ADHD are often unable to communicate their condition because of an absence of awareness of their condition, and they're less likely to seek treatment than men. They are more likely to suffer negative outcomes as they age including unemployment, relationship issues and addiction issues. They are also more likely than males to be misdiagnosed and remain undiagnosed for the remainder of their lives. This gap could be eliminated by educating the public and advocating for health professionals, parents and teachers to recognize the signs of ADHD in women and girls.