Inattentive ADHD in Women: Signs, Symptoms, & How to Cope

What Is Inattentive ADHD in Women

Inattentive ADHD in women refers to a specific presentation of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder characterized by difficulties with attention and focus without the prominent hyperactivity and impulsivity seen in other types of ADHD. ADHD is typically categorized into three types: inattentive ADHD, hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, and combined ADHD, which includes both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

Research suggests that inattentive ADHD may be more common in women than in other subtypes. According to one study, the prevalence of inattentive ADHD was higher in women (3.2%) than in men (5.4%).¹ The reasons behind this gender difference are still being investigated, but it is believed that biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors may contribute to the variation in ADHD presentations between genders.

Signs & Symptoms of Inattentive ADHD in Women

While there are no specific symptoms of inattentive ADHD that exclusively appear in women, research suggests that women with this subtype of ADHD may exhibit certain unique signs and symptoms. Women with inattentive ADHD often experience difficulties with organization, time management, and task completion. They may struggle with maintaining attention, be easily overwhelmed by sensory input, and have trouble with sustained focus.³

Additionally, women with inattentive ADHD may frequently exhibit internal symptoms such as maladaptive daydreaming, mental fatigue, and a tendency to get lost in their thoughts. However, it is important to note that ADHD symptoms can vary widely among individuals, and these gender differences are based on general trends rather than definitive indicators.

Here are eight signs and symptoms of inattentive ADHD in women:

1. Difficulty with organization and time management: Women with inattentive ADHD often struggle with organizing tasks and managing their time effectively. They may frequently feel overwhelmed by multiple responsibilities.
2. Chronic forgetfulness: Women with inattentive ADHD may frequently forget appointments, deadlines, and important details. They may struggle with remembering instructions or completing tasks that require multiple steps.
3. Emotional sensitivity and mood swings: Some women with inattentive ADHD may experience heightened emotional sensitivity and have difficulty regulating emotions, leading to frequent mood swings and intense emotional reactions.
4. Internal distractions: Inattentive ADHD in women is often characterized by excessive daydreaming, getting lost in thoughts, and experiencing a high level of internal distractions, which can make it challenging to stay focused on the tasks at hand.
5. Social difficulties: Women with inattentive ADHD may face challenges in social settings, such as difficulty maintaining conversations, being easily distracted during interactions, and struggling to pick up social cues.
6. Impaired executive functioning: Executive functions, such as planning, decision-making, and problem-solving, can be impaired in women with inattentive ADHD, leading to difficulties in managing daily responsibilities and achieving long-term goals.
7. Reduced self-esteem: Due to the challenges associated with inattentive ADHD, women may develop a negative self-perception, feeling that they consistently fall short of their potential, leading to lowered self-esteem.
8. Mental fatigue and cognitive overload: Women with inattentive ADHD may experience mental exhaustion and cognitive overload due to the constant effort required to stay focused and organized, reducing productivity and increasing stress.

Why is ADHD Underdiagnosed in Women?

ADHD is often underdiagnosed in women due to several factors. One key reason is that the diagnostic criteria have historically been based on studies conducted on boys and men with ADHD. The criteria emphasize hyperactive and impulsive behaviors, which are more common in males while overlooking inattentive symptoms that women predominantly exhibit. Additionally, women may be more prone to mask their ADHD symptoms.

Society often expects women to be organized, attentive, and focused, so they may develop coping mechanisms to compensate for their difficulties. These strategies can mask the underlying ADHD symptoms, making it harder to recognize the condition. Moreover, women may internalize their struggles and attribute them to personal failings, leading to delays in seeking help or an inaccurate perception that their symptoms are not severe enough to warrant a diagnosis.⁴

Hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can impact ADHD symptoms in women, leading to increased misdiagnosis of mood disorders or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It is crucial for healthcare professionals to consider the influence of hormonal fluctuations on ADHD symptoms and conduct comprehensive evaluations to differentiate between mood disorders and ADHD in women, ensuring accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment approaches.

The Impact of Women Being Underdiagnosed With ADHD

The underdiagnosis of ADHD in women can significantly impact various aspects of their lives. In the workplace, women with undiagnosed ADHD may struggle to focus, meet deadlines, and organize tasks. In relationships, undiagnosed ADHD can strain communication due to difficulties with attention and emotional regulation. At home, they may struggle with managing household responsibilities and experience heightened feelings of guilt and overwhelm.

For girls with undiagnosed ADHD, the lack of recognition and support can impede their development. They may experience academic difficulties, which can contribute to low self-esteem and feelings of underachievement. Untreated ADHD in girls can also increase anxiety, as they may struggle to meet expectations. Moreover, the toxic stress associated with undiagnosed ADHD can impact girls’ emotional well-being and overall development.

Female Hormones & Inattentive ADHD Symptoms

During different phases of the menstrual cycle, levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, which can influence neurotransmitter activity and affect cognitive functioning. Some women with ADHD may experience worsening symptoms as they age, such as increased inattention, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation, during specific phases of their cycle, particularly the premenstrual phase.

Fluctuations in ADHD symptoms can often be misinterpreted as mood-related disorders or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), as the symptoms overlap. Women may seek treatment for mood symptoms without recognizing the underlying ADHD. This misdiagnosis can delay the appropriate management of ADHD symptoms and result in suboptimal treatment outcomes.

Unique Ways that Inattentive ADHD Impacts Women

Inattentive ADHD may uniquely impact women due to societal gender roles. These expectations often place a higher emphasis on organization, attention to detail, and multitasking, which can worsen the challenges faced by women with inattentive ADHD. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations and the potential role of pregnancy and motherhood can further influence how inattentive ADHD impacts women specifically.

Socialization

Inattentive ADHD in women can have unique effects on socialization due to various factors, including gender roles and societal expectations. Research suggests that women with inattentive ADHD may face challenges in social settings, such as difficulty maintaining conversations, being easily distracted during interactions, and struggling to pick up on social cues. One study found that girls with ADHD were more likely to experience social difficulties than boys.⁵

Hypersensitivity

Inattentive ADHD in women can be associated with hypersensitivity, and women may be more prone to experiencing rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD).⁶ RSD refers to an intense emotional response to perceived rejection or criticism. Research suggests that women with ADHD reported higher RSD levels than men with ADHD.⁶

Coping Mechanisms & Self-Esteem

Women with inattentive ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to compensate for their difficulties, such as striving for perfection or overcompensating in certain areas. However, these strategies can be emotionally exhausting and may contribute to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

Family & Parenting Roles

Inattentive ADHD can impact women’s roles as mothers and caregivers. The challenges with organization, time management, and attention can create additional stress and strain in managing household responsibilities and meeting the needs of children and family members.

Treatment for Inattentive ADHD in Women

When approaching treatment for women with inattentive ADHD, a comprehensive approach that combines therapeutic and medication treatments is often recommended. Therapy can help individuals develop coping strategies, improve executive functioning skills, and address emotional challenges related to ADHD. Medication, such as stimulants or non-stimulants, may be prescribed by a psychiatrist to target the neurochemical imbalances associated with ADHD and reduce symptoms.

Treatment Options for women with inattentive ADHD include:

• Individual therapy with a female clinician: Working with a female clinician who understands the unique challenges faced by women with ADHD can provide a sense of validation and support. The clinician’s firsthand understanding of gender-related experiences can help address specific issues that may arise in women, such as self-esteem, societal expectations, and hormonal influences.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT for ADHD helps women develop effective coping strategies, improve time management and organizational skills, and address emotional challenges associated with ADHD, leading to improved overall functioning and well-being.
• Group therapy: Participating in group therapy specifically for women with ADHD provides a sense of validation, community, and shared experiences. It offers a supportive environment for discussing challenges, sharing strategies, and building social connections.
• Family psychoeducation: Education about ADHD helps women and their families understand their condition, recognize their strengths, and develop strategies to manage symptoms effectively. It empowers them to advocate for their needs and navigate daily life more successfully.
• Medication: ADHD medication prescribed by a psychiatrist can help reduce ADHD symptoms, such as inattention and impulsivity, providing women with increased focus, improved concentration, and enhanced cognitive functioning.
• Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices can help women with inattentive ADHD cultivate present-moment awareness, reduce stress, enhance self-regulation, and improve attention and focus.
• Lifestyle modifications: Implementing healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet, can have a positive impact on ADHD symptoms, overall well-being, and mental health for women.
• Assistive technology and accommodations: Utilizing assistive technologies (e.g., task management apps, reminder systems) and accommodations (e.g., flexible work arrangements, preferential seating) can help women with inattentive ADHD compensate for challenges and enhance productivity in various settings.
• Coaching: Coaching focuses on specific executive functioning skills, providing guidance, accountability, and support to help women with ADHD achieve their goals, enhance self-esteem, and navigate daily challenges.

How to Seek Professional Help

When seeking a neurodiverse-affirming therapist, it’s important to find a mental health professional who understands and is knowledgeable about ADHD, particularly in women. Online therapist directories or online therapy platforms can be a good starting point for finding therapists who specialize in ADHD treatment. Look for professionals who explicitly mention experience with ADHD, neurodiversity, or neurodevelopmental disorders in their profiles. Additionally, consider seeking recommendations from local ADHD support groups or advocacy organizations.

In My Experience

In my experience as a therapist and a woman diagnosed with ADHD, it is often difficult to find out that you have been struggling with something that can be treated but has gone unnoticed. Often, working with women with ADHD starts with understanding how they have learned to adapt to their inattentiveness and re-writing the narrative around their behaviors to represent their struggles fairly. Specifically, I refuse to use the word lazy with my clients, as I don’t believe that is a fair representation of their struggles. Finding the proper treatment and understanding how your brain works will open up a world of opportunity for yourself and your family.