This causes many women with untreated ADHD to engage in unhealthy strategies to deal with their symptoms. For example, some may seek out stimulating substances or risky behaviors to cope with their issues.

Others may turn to antidepressant medications, anti-anxiety pills, and other medications to manage their discomfort. Not only are these medications ineffective in treating the underlying ADD, they also come with unwanted side effects.

Ultimately, it can lead to a downward spiral that leaves you feeling unfulfilled and unhappy with yourself and your life.

Related: How Much Is Untreated ADD/ADHD Costing You?

INATTENTIVE ADHD AND THE BRAIN

On her social media post, Clery shared her brain SPECT imaging studies, which showed low activity levels in the front part of her brain, especially when she tried to concentrate.

In people who don’t have ADD, concentration typically activates an area of the brain called the prefrontal cortex, which is involved with:

• Focus
• Time management
• Planning
• Organization
• Critical thinking

In adults with ADHD, however, concentrating reduces activity here, making it difficult to pay attention. This is why simply telling someone with ADD to “try harder” or blaming them for not having enough willpower doesn’t help. Brain imaging shows that the harder they try, the worse it gets.

The prefrontal cortex is also involved in sustaining attention span. It trains your mind to focus on important information while filtering out less significant thoughts and sensations. Attention span is required for short-term memory and learning.

Through its many connections within the brain, the prefrontal cortex keeps you on task and allows you to stay with a project until it is finished. This brain region accomplishes this by sending quieting signals to other parts of the brain.

In the face of a need to focus, the prefrontal cortex decreases the distracting input from other brain areas, inhibiting rivals for our attention. However, when this brain region is underactive, less of a filtering mechanism is available and distractibility becomes common.

Studies show that problems in the prefrontal cortex often lead to decreased attention span, distractibility, impaired short-term memory, decreased mental speed, apathy, and decreased verbal expression. Underactivity or damage in the PFC can also lead to a decreased ability to express thoughts and feelings.

These are things women with ADHD may experience. However, they often chalk it up to being lazy, ditzy, or depressed rather than thinking it might be related to their brain function.

TREATING ADHD IN WOMEN

The brain-imaging work at Amen Clinics shows that even if your prefrontal cortex is underactive and you’ve had undetected ADHD for decades, you can still optimize your brain function and enhance your life.

With the right treatment, you can be more focused, more organized, and more motivated to reach your goals. This has positive implications for every area of your life—career, health and fitness, relationships, and self-esteem.

Many women assume that ADHD medication is the only treatment option. ADHD medications can be very effective for some people with the condition. Giving someone with ADHD stimulant medication can be like giving glasses to someone who has vision problems.

However, in some women, medications for ADHD can make symptoms worse. Every woman is different and requires a personalized treatment plan.

At Amen Clinics, targeted ADHD treatment plans may include diet recommendations, specific forms of exercise, personalized supplement suggestions, neurofeedback, behavioral interventions, psychological strategies, and medications (when necessary).

Related: Natural Ways to Help ADD

The good news is Inattentive ADD in women is usually very responsive to the right treatment. With an accurate diagnosis and the proper treatment program, you can change your brain, stop feeling bad about yourself, and start living the life you want.