Treatment Plan for Inattentive Type ADHD in Women

Women who are diagnosed with inattentive type ADHD often struggle to find a treatment plan that caters to their lifestyle and needs. In this blog, we will deep dive into the treatment options that are available and how finding the right mental health professional can help them reclaim their lost focus.

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Understanding ADHD in adults

ADHD in adults is often misunderstood and overlooked, leading to individuals grappling with symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and disorganization. These symptoms can cause significant distress affects productivity and overall well-being. 

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Common ADHD symptoms in adults include:

• Difficulty concentrating and maintaining focus.
• Impulsive behaviour and poor impulse control.
• Restlessness and an inability to sit still.
• Forgetfulness and disorganisation.

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Studies reveal that ADHD in women often goes underdiagnosed and untreated as compared to men. The underrecognition of the condition is also because of the different symptom profiles where women tend to be more inattentive and less hyperactive/impulsive as compared to men. This makes it even more important to understand the nuances of how ADHD presents itself in women.

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Understanding Inattentive ADHD

The key to spotting ADHD in women is learning how this condition typically presents itself. Though ADHD can look different from one individual to another, women with the same subtype of ADHD tend to share similar challenges and struggles.

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Symptoms of inattentive ADHD in women include:

• Being forgetful in day-to-day life (e.g., forgetting to buy groceries)
• Struggling to follow through instructions and complete projects
• Missing important details and making careless mistakes
• Avoiding activities that require sustained attention
• Getting distracted by unrelated stimuli or thoughts
• Having trouble focusing for long periods

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Women may also tend to put in extra hours/efforts to compensate for the lost time but that can make the condition worse. The inability to focus can also affect their self-confidence where they may feel they are “not doing enough”.

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Treatment For Inattentive-Type ADHD

The holistic treatment plan for the inattentive type of ADHD includes a combination of treatments that address the basic symptoms of ADHD as well as any accompanying problems or comorbid disorders. It is vital to remember that treatment should be tailored to the individual and may necessitate alterations over time. Here is a basic treatment regimen for women with inattentive-type ADHD:

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1. Diagnosis and Assessment: Consult with a healthcare expert who specialises in ADHD to ensure an accurate diagnosis. To confirm the diagnosis, they will examine your symptoms, medical history, and maybe utilise standardised rating scales. 

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2. Psychoeducation: Learn about ADHD to have a better understanding of your condition. Understanding ADHD symptoms and problems might help you and your loved ones deal more successfully.

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3. Lifestyle Changes: 

• Establish an organised daily routine: Make a timetable with specific hours for work, housework, meals, exercise, and leisure.
• Sleep hygiene: Make proper sleep hygiene practises a priority to enhance your sleep quality and ensure you are well-rested.

• Diet and nutrition: A healthy diet might help you control your symptoms. Consider seeking tailored nutritional advice from a qualified dietician.
• Regular physical activity: Regular physical activity helps enhance attention, mood, and general well-being.

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4. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT): CBT can assist people with ADHD in developing coping skills, improving executive function and managing impulsivity. It may also be used to address particular concerns such as time management, organisation and emotional control.

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5. Medication: Some women with inattentive-type ADHD may benefit from medication, such as, stimulants (such as methylphenidate or amphetamine-based medicines) or non-stimulants (such as atomoxetine, guanfacine, or clonidine). Please note that decisions on medications should be made in consultation with a healthcare expert, taking into account possible advantages and negative effects.

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6. Behavioural Interventions: Behavioural treatment, particularly ADHD-specific therapy or counselling, can aid in the development of coping mechanisms for daily obstacles. It can also help in determining and resolving particular issues, such as organisation, time management, and impulse control.

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7. Support and Self-Help Groups: Joining support groups or seeking peer help from people having similar issues can give useful insights and emotional support. Self-help books and resources can also provide useful tips and ideas.

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8. Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques: Learning stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation or yoga can help reduce anxiety and enhance general mental health.

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9. Accommodations: Workplace or academic adjustments, such as longer deadlines or a calmer work environment can be requested if necessary.

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10. Regular Follow-Up: Maintain regular check-ins with your healthcare provider to assess progress, change therapy as required, and address any emergent difficulties.

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Working together with healthcare specialists like psychiatrists, psychologists or therapists to personalise the treatment plan to your unique requirements is critical. Remember that ADHD management is a continuous process and solutions may need to be tweaked over time to get the greatest results.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, formulating an effective treatment plan for inattentive-type ADHD in women demands a personalised yet comprehensive approach. From the crucial steps of accurate diagnosis and psychoeducation, to implementing lifestyle adjustments, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, medication considerations and ongoing support, the strategy must cater to the unique needs of each individual.

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For specialised care and guidance tailored to your specific requirements, consider reaching out to Rocket Health. Committed to personalised healthcare, our services can empower women on their journey towards managing inattentive-type ADHD. Take the proactive step towards a more balanced and fulfilling life by contacting Rocket Health today.

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References

Skogli, E. W., Teicher, M. H., Andersen, P. N., Hovik, K. T., & Øie, M. (2013). ADHD in girls and boys—Gender differences in co-existing symptoms and executive function measures. BMC Psychiatry, 13, 298. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-13-298

Quinn, P. O., & Madhoo, M. (2014). A review of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in women and girls: Uncovering this hidden diagnosis. Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders. PCC, 16(3). https://doi.org/10.4088/PCC.13r01596. Epub October 13, 2014. PubMed: 25317366, PubMed Central: PMC4195638

Solberg, B. S., Zayats, T., Posserud, M. B., Halmøy, A., Engeland, A., Haavik, J., & Klungsøyr, K. (2019). Patterns of psychiatric comorbidity and genetic correlations provide new insights into differences between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. Biological Psychiatry, 86(8), 587–598. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.04.021

De la Peña, I. C., Pan, M. C., Thai, C. G., & Alisso, T. (2020). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder predominantly inattentive subtype/presentation: Research progress and translational studies. Brain Sciences, 10(5), 292. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10050292

Sedgwick, J. A., Merwood, A., & Asherson, P. (2019). The positive aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A qualitative investigation of successful adults with ADHD. Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, 11(3), 241–253. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12402-018-0277-6