Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Does ADHD Look Like?Inattentive ADHDSymptomsImpactTreatment

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Table of Contents

What Does ADHD Look Like?

Inattentive ADHD

Symptoms

Impact

Treatment

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Conversations around ADHD used to mostly center on young boys who were portrayed as loud and boisterous in the classroom. Lately, you may have noticed more and more women you know getting diagnosed as adults.There’s been a big shift in our understanding of this type of neurodivergence, including recognizing that ADHD tends to show up a bit differently in girls and women. Women are more likely to experience inattention rather than hyperactivity.

At a GlanceInattentive ADHD is more common in women than men.In women, inattentive ADHD often goes undiagnosed because some of its traits are confused with signs of stress or anxiety.Girls who have inattentive ADHD maymasktheir traits, which makes it harder to notice problems with staying on task, paying attention, or losing track of things. Understanding the type of ADHD you have can help you better recognize both your strengths and the areas where you might need a little extra support.

At a Glance

Inattentive ADHD is more common in women than men.In women, inattentive ADHD often goes undiagnosed because some of its traits are confused with signs of stress or anxiety.Girls who have inattentive ADHD maymasktheir traits, which makes it harder to notice problems with staying on task, paying attention, or losing track of things. Understanding the type of ADHD you have can help you better recognize both your strengths and the areas where you might need a little extra support.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a type ofneurodivergencethat affects people of all ages.That means that people with ADHD tend to process, behave, and learn differently than what is considered ‘typical.’

You’re probably already familiar with some of the main features of ADHD, including increased energy and hyper-focus. Many people with ADHD are naturally curious and creative.

ADHD can also present challenges, such as difficulties with focus, impulsiveness, and/or hyperactivity. People with ADHD may have unique requirements to help them thrive in social, academic, and work settings.

There arethree types of ADHD:

Understanding ADHD Inattentive Type

What Is Inattentive ADHD?

Inattentive ADHD is a form of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). People with inattentive ADHD may need to find unique ways to sustain their attention, as they struggle to focus on certain tasks. They may also experience impulsive behavior and/or hyperactivity.

Though it is often thought that ADHD is most impactful during childhood, inattentive ADHD traits still occur in adulthood and can be even more distressing without the rightaccommodations.

Inattentive ADHD may manifest differently in women than it does in men. Without adaptive coping mechanisms, women with inattentive ADHD may have difficulty with work, school, or personal relationships. They may also struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Having inattentive ADHD means that your mind works uniquely. In general, people with ADHD have a unique perspective of the world around them. With the right strategies, those with inattentive ADHD can find more ease and efficiency with the daily tasks they may struggle with.

In some cases, inattentive ADHD can also co-occur with other mental health conditions, such as autism,anxiety disorders, depression, andsubstance abuse.

Traits of Inattentive ADHD

The traits of inattentive ADHD can vary from person to person. Common ones include the following:

While the traits of inattentive ADHD are the same for men and women, they may be more difficult to identify in women. This is because some of the traits of inattentive ADHD can be similar to those of other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. That can seem like being distracted or daydreamy, but it can also look like being stressed, disorganized, and unmotivated.

In addition, women with inattentive ADHD may be more likely to internalize their traits,which can make them less obvious to others.

How Does Inattentive ADHD Impact Daily Life?

There are both benefits and challenges that inattentive ADHD presents. Some of the benefits of inattentive ADHD (as well as other types of ADHD) include:

There are also challenges that people with inattentive ADHD may face. These challenges may be made more difficult because schools, jobs, and social norms often don’t account for people who are neurodivergent. It can feel frustrating to constantly have to advocate for yourself if you have inattentive ADHD.

Women with inattentive ADHD may also struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.

Below is a list of the potential challenges:

If you are feeling anxious or depressed, try speaking to a mental health professional who can help you address uncomfortable feelings and reframe negative thoughts.

Inattentive ADHD Treatment

There is no one approach to treating inattentive ADHD. The best course of treatment will vary from person to person. Some people with inattentive ADHD may benefit from medication, while others may benefit from therapy or a combination of both.

There are many different options you might want to consider if you have ADHD, such as:

Medication

Medicationcan be used to treat some of the challenging traits of inattentive ADHD. Commonly prescribed medications include stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines (Adderall). Non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera), may also be effective.

Therapy

Therapy can be used to help people with inattentive ADHD manage some of the traits that may be disruptive to their daily life. While there are a multitude of therapy options helpful for ADHD, the relationship you have with your therapist/professional plays a significant role in therapeutic change versus the model of therapy itself.

Coaching

ADHD coachingis another support option that is helpful for managing ADHD. Getting involved and being around other ADHD folks (and just neurodivergent folks in general) is critical. Having a sense of community is incredibly important when the world isn’t designed for your brain.

Self-Help

There are also manyself-help resourcesavailable for people with inattentive ADHD.Books, websites,YouTube channels, and support groups can provide information and support. In addition, many apps are available that can help with task management, organization, and time management.

Natural Remedies for ADHD

Takeaways

Researchers aren’t sure exactly why women and girls tend to experience inattentive ADHD at a higher rate. It may be due to biological factors, but socialization and gendered social expectations may also play a part.

Living With ADHD: Strategies for Well-Being

9 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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