Its History Of Inattentive ADHD In Women
adhd in women adult in Women Many women have to struggle for years before receiving a diagnosis of ADHD. When they do, it may be like an epiphany. Symptoms often fluctuate with hormonal changes. For instance, women might feel their symptoms worsen during their menstrual cycle, or during pregnancy. Women also can be prone to internalizing ADHD traits that lead to depression. This can make it harder to diagnose and treat ADHD. Causes Women who have inattentive ADHD often do not get diagnosed until they reach adulthood, at which point their problems begin to impact with school, work and personal relationships. This is partly due to gender biases in both 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 clear (Ohan and Visser, 2009). Inattentive ADHD can cause women to forget appointments, miss deadlines and lose the track of time, making it difficult for them to plan ahead, organize their thoughts or prioritize tasks. They may be unable to keep their attention on conversations and may become distracted by external stimuli, or internal thoughts and daydreaming. These symptoms can lead to poor performance at work or at school, leading to a low self-esteem. Many women with inattentive ADHD are often misunderstood and mistreated by their friends, family and coworkers. Their frustration with their symptoms can lead to more misunderstandings they face. This can lead to tensions between people. They are often dismissed as moody and irrational, which can further increase their feelings of being misunderstood. Women who have inattention ADHD also experience various emotional issues such as anxiety and depression. These issues can be made worse due to hormonal fluctuations, for instance when menstrual cycle is in full swing or pregnancy, or perimenopausal. In these instances, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone rises and can cause an increase in ADHD symptoms. Another reason for inattentive ADHD is environmental factors, such as a chaotic home or work environment that does not provide enough structure. Women who suffer from inattentive ADHD are prone to having difficulty keeping on track and may fall behind at work, resulting in a feeling of insecurity and a sense of failure. They may also find it difficult to accept criticism or negative feedback. This can further undermine confidence and cause people to avoid social interactions. Women with inattentive ADHD have a greater tendency to struggle in establishing and maintaining romantic relations. They are more likely than other women to suffer from depression or anxiety, and they can be more susceptible to rejection. This may cause them to be less willing to risk a romantic relationship. This can lead them to feel isolated, which can contribute to anxiety and depression. Symptoms Often, women with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from low self-esteem while trying to manage the condition. They might be depressed by comments from other people that they are negligent or aloof, forgetful, or insecure. They could develop unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive alcohol or drugs. They may also resort to non-suicidal methods of self-injury like cutting, burning, or scratching. Symptoms of ADHD can interfere with relationships at work, school, and other activities. Girls and women with ADHD tend to be frequently misdiagnosed as having depressive or anxiety disorders. This is because many of the symptoms of these disorders overlap with those of ADHD. Furthermore women with undiagnosed ADHD can experience mood swings that cause them to appear depressed or anxious. These symptoms can also be caused by major life changes such as getting married, starting in a new job, or becoming a parent. Inattentional inattention that is not diagnosed ADHD in adults is also frequent, and is often mistaken for bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. These symptoms include difficulty concentrating, feelings such as despair or sadness and difficulties handling stress and criticism. When combined with poor time management, these issues can cause problems at school or at work and can cause issues with family and friends. Inattentive ADHD can cause issues with coping skills in women and girls, including procrastination, or underestimating the time the task will take (timeblindness). They may have difficulty keeping track of appointments and schedules and lose or misplace items easily, and jump from one task to the next. They might also be struggling with the ability to control their impulses. This can include making impulsive choices or interrupting others. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD should be aware of the signs and symptoms and seek treatment. They can seek help through their primary care physician or a mental health specialist. Additionally they can improve their coping skills using strategies for organizing, such as writing lists or making plans. They can also participate in exercise, which releases neurotransmitters that increase focus and attention. It is also a good idea to divide the caregiving and household responsibilities with their partner or other family members, so they don't get overloaded by chores or run-of-the-mill chores. Treatment Treatments for ADHD symptoms usually include medication and therapy. Drugs that stimulate the brain, like amphetamines and methylphenidate can help reduce the ADHD symptoms of inattention. There are also nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine. Behavioral therapy can aid in 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 one-on-one therapy for self-esteem and emotional control. Support groups are an excellent way for those who suffer from ADHD to connect with other people with the same diagnosis and learn about how to manage their symptoms. For some women, the diagnosis of inattention ADHD is difficult to accept. They might believe that their problems result from an absence of discipline or poor parenting, and this can impact their self-esteem. Additionally, they might feel frustrated by their inability to keep up with work or school, and this can lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment. ADHD symptoms can be made worse by hormonal changes like those that occur during menstruation or pregnancy, or menopausal. This can make it harder to deal with emotional manifestations like mood swings or irritability. These symptoms can also cause issues in relationships due to how they are perceived by other people. Women with inattentive ADHD struggle to maintain a stable home life. This can lead to difficulties at work or school. For example, they might miss important appointments or pay bills late. They may have problems organizing their work or school supplies and might have difficulty completing tasks. They may have difficulty understanding the boundaries of social interaction and may interrupt others while they talk. These issues can create conflict in relationships and affect women's overall sense of self-worth. Many women with inattentive ADHD have a difficult time deciding whether to ask for help. They might think that their symptoms aren't sufficient to warrant attention or that “pulling themselves up by the bootstraps” is possible. They might also be afraid of the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD, which can make it difficult for them to seek treatment. Women who have untreated ADHD can be depressed or suicidal. They may also turn to unhealthy coping strategies such as drinking alcohol or drug abuse, which can result in health issues and other issues, including self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which can involve burning or cutting. Self-Esteem Women with ADHD are often suffering from feelings of inadequacy and constant stress. This can make it more difficult to recognize and articulate symptoms and seek treatment. Women often hide symptoms or employ compensatory strategies, especially as they age, to hide the signs. Masking can cause problems at work or school, and it can also affect relationships. Research shows that women with ADHD are more at likelihood of experiencing sensitivity to rejection and finding it difficult to get an employment. These experiences can reinforce negative self-talk that leads to an insecurity and difficulty with interpersonal relationships. It is important that women with ADHD receive a correct diagnosis and treatment. It's essential that they can access an therapist or a therapist who is knowledgeable about the issues both women and girls face with ADHD. As girls and women grow older and become more independent, they are likely to be confronted with the expectations of society and culture that place the majority of the household and parenting responsibilities on them. These expectations are different from those that men are expected to meet. These pressures can lead to depression and anxiety and can lead to disorganized, chaotic home environments, unfinished projects, and a refusal to seek assistance or admit that they have a problem. The symptoms of premenstrual dysphoria as well as adolescence are also common in females with ADHD. The fluctuations in hormone levels can make these symptoms worse and could be misinterpreted as other problems like anxiety or mood fluctuations. Women suffering from ADHD are less likely than men to be aware of their condition and seek treatment. As a result, they are more likely to experience a variety of negative consequences as adults which include unemployment, relationship problems and substance use. They are also more likely than men to be misdiagnosed, and remain undiagnosed for the remainder of their lives. This gap could be eliminated by increasing education and advocating for health professionals, parents and teachers to recognize the symptoms of ADHD for women and girls.