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Inattentive ADHD in Women Many women had to struggle for years before being diagnosed with ADHD. It could be a lightbulb moment when they are diagnosed. The symptoms can change with hormonal changes. adhd symptoms for women may notice that their symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy. Women also can take on ADHD characteristics that can lead to depression. This makes it more difficult to recognize and treat ADHD. Causes Women with inattentional ADHD are usually not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their problems begin to affect their work, school, and personal relationships. This is due in part to gender biases in both clinical settings and in the perceptions of teachers and parents, who are less likely to recognize ADHD symptoms in girls than boys, even if the symptoms are obvious (Ohan and Visser, 2009). Attention-deficit ADHD causes women to forget appointments, forget deadlines and lose track of time, making it difficult to plan ahead or organize their thoughts. They also struggle to prioritize tasks. They may also have difficulties keeping their attention during conversations and be easily distracted by external stimuli, inner thoughts or daydreaming. These issues can lead to poor work or school performance which can cause low self-esteem and anger. Many women who suffer from inattention ADHD are often misunderstood by friends, family and coworkers. Their frustration with their symptoms can increase the misunderstandings that they face. This can result in tensions in relationships. They are often dismissed by others as moody or uninformed. This can lead to a feeling of being untrusted. Women with inattentive ADHD are also afflicted by a range of emotional problems, including depression and anxiety. These issues can be made worse by fluctuations in hormone levels like during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or during perimenopausal. At these times, hormone levels of estrogen decrease and progesterone rises and can cause an increase in ADHD symptoms. Another cause of inattention ADHD is environmental factors, like a chaotic home environment or a work schedule which lacks structure. Women with inattentive ADHD frequently have difficulty staying on task at work and can fall behind quickly, which leads to a sense of inadequacy and low self-esteem. They may also find it difficult to accept criticism or negative feedback. This can further erode confidence and lead to people avoiding social interactions. In addition, women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to have difficulty establishing and maintaining romantic relationships. They are more likely to have depression or anxiety that is co-existing and are more prone to rejection, which may make them more reluctant to take a risk with a romantic relationship. This can lead to isolation, which can also contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety. Signs and symptoms Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD often suffer from low self esteem due to their struggle to cope. Others may comment that they are careless or forgetful. They could develop unhealthy coping methods that include excessive drinking or drugs. They may also resort non-suicidal forms of self-injury such as cutting, burning, or scratching. ADHD symptoms can affect relationships, work, and school. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be misdiagnosed with 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 depressed or anxious. These symptoms can also be caused by major life events, such as getting married, beginning a new job or becoming a mother. Adults who have inattention ADHD are also often misdiagnosed, and may be mistaken for bipolar or borderline personality disorder. These symptoms include difficulty in concentrating and feelings of sadness or hopelessness, as well as difficulties dealing with criticism and stress. These symptoms, when coupled with poor time-management, can result in issues at work or school as well as with family members and friends. Inattentional ADHD can lead to problems with coping skills for girls and women, which can include procrastination or underestimating how long a task will take (timeblindness). They may have trouble keeping the track of their schedules and appointments and lose or misplace items quickly, and easily jump from one task to the next. They may also have issues with impulse control. This could 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 treatment from their primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional. Additionally they can improve their coping abilities by employing methods of organization, like making lists or planning ahead. Exercise releases neurotransmitters which improve concentration and attention. It is also recommended to divide the household and caregiving duties with their partner or other support network, so they don't get stressed by chores or running other errands. Treatment Treatments for ADHD symptoms typically include treatment and medication. Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines may help reduce the inattention symptoms of ADHD. There are also nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine. Behavioral therapy can help with the emotional and organizational aspects of ADHD. Some therapists offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in which they help people modify negative thoughts or behaviors. Other therapists offer one-onone therapy which focuses on self-esteem and emotional regulation. Support groups are an excellent way for those who suffer from ADHD to connect with others who have the same disorder and learn about ways to manage symptoms. A diagnosis of inattentive ADHD may be difficult for some women to accept. They may think that their issues stem from an absence of discipline or poor parenting, and this can affect their self-esteem. They may be embarrassed and ashamed by their inability keep up with school or work. Symptoms of ADHD can be heightened when hormonal changes occur like those brought on by pregnancy, menstrual cycle, or menopause. This can make it more difficult to cope with emotional manifestations, such as mood swings or irritability. These symptoms can also lead to difficulties in relationships because of the way they are perceived by others. Women with inattention ADHD struggle to keep an orderly family life. This can cause problems at school or at work. For instance, they might, forget important appointments or pay their bills late. They may have trouble organizing their work or school materials, and they may be unable to finish assignments. They might be unable to comprehend social boundaries and interrupting other people when they are talking. These issues can lead to conflicts in relationships and can impact a woman's overall perception of self-worth. Many women who suffer from inattention ADHD are hesitant to seek assistance. They may think that their issues aren't serious enough to require attention or that they should be capable of “pull themselves up by their bootstraps.” They may also be afraid of the stigma that comes from being diagnosed with ADHD and this can make them less likely to seek treatment. If left untreated, ADHD in women can result in depression or suicidal thoughts. They may also engage in unhealthy coping strategies, like alcohol or substance abuse. This can lead to health issues and other issues such as self-harming and non-suicidal (NSSI), including cutting or burning. Self-Esteem Women suffering from ADHD are often plagued by feelings of inadequacy and constant stress. This can make it harder to recognize and articulate the symptoms, and get treatment. It is also common for women to hide their symptoms or develop strategies to conceal them from others, especially as they get older. Masking can lead to difficulties at school or work, and can result in relationships being damaged. Research has shown that women with ADHD have a higher risk of experiencing rejection sensitivity and having difficulty finding an employment. These experiences can lead to negative thoughts that lead to a lack of confidence and difficulties with interpersonal relationships. It is essential that women suffering from ADHD receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. It's important that they are able to access an therapist or a therapist who is aware of the difficulties that girls and women face with ADHD. As girls and women mature, they may face social and cultural expectations that place the majority of household and parenting responsibilities on them. These expectations are different from those that men are expected to meet. These pressures can cause anxiety and depression, and result in disorganized, chaotic home environments, unfinished projects and a reluctance to seek help or admit they are struggling. Premenstrual dysphoria and symptoms of adolescence are also common in females suffering from ADHD. These symptoms can be exacerbated by the monthly fluctuations in hormones, and may be mistaken for anxiety or mood shifts. Women with ADHD are less likely than men to be aware of their condition and seek treatment. Because of this, they are more likely to experience a variety of negative consequences as adults which include unemployment, relationship problems and use of drugs. They are also more likely than males to be misdiagnosed and go undiagnosed for the remainder of their lives. This gap can be lowered by increasing education and arguing for health professionals as well as teachers and parents to be aware of the signs of ADHD for women and girls.