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Inattentive ADHD in Women Many women struggle for years before receiving a diagnosis of ADHD. It could be a moment of lightbulb when they receive a diagnosis. Symptoms can fluctuate due to hormonal changes. Women may notice that their symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy. Women also can take on ADHD traits that lead to depression. This makes it more difficult to diagnose and treat their ADHD. Causes Women with inattentive ADHD are often not diagnosed until adulthood, at which point their problems begin to affect work, school, and personal relationships. This is due in part to gender biases in both clinical settings and the perceptions of parents and teachers who are less likely to recognize ADHD symptoms for girls than boys, even when the symptoms are clear (Ohan and Visser, 2009). Inattentive ADHD causes women to forget appointments, forget deadlines and lose track of time, making it hard to plan ahead, organize their thoughts or prioritize tasks. They may also find it difficult to maintain focus on conversations and may get distracted by external stimuli or internal thoughts and daydreaming. These issues can result in poor performance at work or at school, leading to a low self-esteem. Family members, friends and colleagues often misunderstand women with inattention ADHD. Their anger over their symptoms can lead to confusion and mistrust, and this can cause strained relationships. They are often seen as being irrational and moody which can further aggravate the feeling that they are misunderstood. Women with inattention ADHD may also be suffering from depression and anxiety. These issues can be made worse due to hormonal fluctuations, for instance when menstrual cycle is in full swing or pregnancy, or perimenopausal. During this time estrogen levels decrease, and progesterone levels rise which can cause an increase in ADHD. Environmental factors can also cause inattentive ADHD, such as a chaotic environment at home or a work life without a clear structure. Women with inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying on track and can become distracted at work, leading to feelings of failure and low confidence. They might also have a harder time accepting negative feedback or criticism, which can further erode their confidence and cause them to avoid social interactions. Women who are inattentive ADHD have a higher tendency to struggle in developing and maintaining romantic relationships. They are more likely than others to be suffering from anxiety or depression, and they can be more susceptible to rejection. This can make them reluctant to risk a romantic relationship. This can lead to isolation, which can also contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. Symptoms Many women who are not diagnosed with ADHD have low self-esteem when they try to deal with the condition. They might be discouraged by comments from others that they are careless or forgetful. They might develop unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive drinking or drug use. They might also resort to self-injury that is not suicide-related, such as cutting, burning, or scratching. ADHD symptoms can affect relationships, work, and school. Women and girls with ADHD are often frequently misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depressive disorders. This is because the symptoms of anxiety and depression are frequently similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Women with undiagnosed ADHD might also experience mood swings, making them appear depressed or anxious. These symptoms can be triggered by major changes in life like marriage, starting new jobs, or becoming parents. Undiagnosed inattentive ADHD in adults is also frequent, and is often mistaken as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. These symptoms include trouble staying focused as well as feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and difficulties coping with criticism and stress. Combined with poor time management, these issues can create problems at work or school and cause problems with family and friends. Inattentional ADHD in girls and women can cause trouble with the ability to cope, including procrastination, and a tendency to underestimate the time tasks will take (time blindness). They can have trouble keeping track of their schedules and appointments, can easily lose or misplace belongings and are prone to flitting from one task to another. They can also have problems with impulse control, such as interrupting others or making impulsive choices. Women with undiagnosed ADHD should understand their symptoms and seek assistance. They can seek treatment from their primary care physician or mental health specialist. They can also attempt to improve their coping abilities by employing organizational methods like making lists or planning in advance. adhd women uk can also engage in exercise, which releases neurotransmitters that improve attention and focus. It is also a good idea to divide the caregiving and household responsibilities with their spouse or another support networks, so that they are not overloaded by chores or other errands. Treatment A combination of treatments is often needed to manage ADHD symptoms, including medication and therapy. Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines may aid in reducing the symptoms of inattention of ADHD. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also available. Behavioral therapy is a great way to help with the organizational and emotional aspects of ADHD. Some therapists use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps people to change negative thoughts and behavior and others provide individual therapy for self-esteem and emotional regulation. Support groups are an excellent way for those with ADHD to connect with others with the same diagnosis and learn about ways to manage symptoms. For some women, a diagnosis of inattention ADHD can be difficult to accept. Some women might believe that their issues stem from a lack of discipline or a lack of parenting. This could impact their self-esteem. They may be embarrassed and ashamed due to their inability to maintain their school schedule or work. Symptoms of ADHD are more severe when hormonal changes occur like those brought on by menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopausal. This can make it more difficult to deal with emotional symptoms like mood swings and irritability. These symptoms can also lead to issues in relationships due to how they are perceived by other people. Women who are not attentive ADHD frequently struggle to maintain a stable home life, which can cause problems at work or school. For instance, they could forget 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 social boundaries and interrupting others while they talk. These issues can cause conflicts in relationships, and impact a woman's self-esteem. Many women suffering from inattention ADHD have difficulty asking for help. They may think that their problems aren't serious enough to require attention or that they should be in a position to “pull themselves up by their bootstraps.” They may also be afraid of the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD which could make it harder for them to seek treatment. If left untreated, ADHD in women can result in depression or suicidal thoughts. They may also turn to unhealthy coping behaviors, such as alcohol or substance abuse which can cause health problems and other issues, such as self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) that includes burning or cutting. Self-Esteem Women suffering from ADHD often struggle with feelings of inadequacy or constant stress. This makes it harder to recognize and communicate symptoms and seek treatment. Women often cover up symptoms or resort to compensatory strategies, particularly as they get older, to conceal the signs. Masking can lead to difficulties at school or at work and may result in relationships being damaged. In addition, research shows that women suffering from ADHD are more likely than males to experience symptoms relating to rejection sensitivity and to have trouble finding jobs. These experiences can lead to negative self-talk which leads to anxiety and difficulty in social relationships. It is important that women with ADHD receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. It's also crucial that they work with a doctor or therapist who understands the unique challenges that females and girls confront with the disorder. As girls and women become teenagers, they might encounter societal and cultural expectations that place the majority of parenting and household duties on them, and differ from the expectations placed on fathers. These pressures can lead to anxiety and depression and can lead to disorganized, chaotic living spaces, incomplete projects and a reluctance to ask for assistance or admit that they are struggling. It's also normal for females suffering from ADHD to experience symptoms related to puberty and adolescence and also suffer from premenstrual dysphoria. These symptoms can be caused by the fluctuation in hormones and can be misinterpreted as anxiety or mood fluctuations. 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 receive treatment than men. They are more likely to experience negative outcomes in adulthood which include relationships, unemployment and abuse of substances. They are also more likely than men to be misdiagnosed and remain undiagnosed for the rest of their lives. This gap can be lowered by educating the public and advocating for health professionals as well as parents and teachers to recognize the symptoms of ADHD among girls and women.