ADD Symptoms in Women
Women suffering from ADD often get misunderstood or dismissed as being emotionally prone. For some, minor nuisances such as waiting in lines or waiting on hold drive them into rage or distraction.
Stereotypes about gender can also mask symptoms, making it difficult to detect and diagnose. At Amen Clinics, we use brain imaging to determine whether a woman has undetected ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by the tasks they must complete. They might feel that their lives are in constant mess, or chaos. They are also unable to receive the support they require from family members and friends. They are also more prone to depression and anxiety because they have difficulty managing stress and criticism. Women who suffer from ADHD can also be more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, such as promiscuous or casual sexual activity. These experiences can lead to sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancies, and low self-esteem and feelings of shame.
Some psychologists are working on conducting research on ADHD among adult women. Julia Rucklidge, a PhD student at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is leading one such effort. She and her coworkers are focusing on women who have comorbid conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These co-occurring disorders can cause or worsen ADHD symptoms, which can affect women's ability to function at work, school, and home.
Rucklidge discusses how many of the same biases that affect both men and boys make it difficult to diagnose ADHD in girls and women. Rating scales are biased towards male behavior, and a girl's strategies for coping may not be as effective in the classroom or workplace. Women who have an impulsive ADHD symptoms are often viewed as being irrational or agressive, and they can be more likely to conceal their symptoms to fit in better.
All three types of ADHD share many behavioral symptoms. Women can experience inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or mixed symptoms. They may be fidgety disorganized or constantly moving and unorganized, talkative, impatient and unable to wait their turn, and prone to mood swings.
Inattentiveness
Inattentive ADHD is equally debilitating to adults and children. The struggle to stay organized, manage time efficiently and track daily tasks can feel overwhelming. Children may be late to school for important deadlines, or a worker may miss important meetings. Inattentive ADHD can also lead to relationship problems as other people get annoyed when a friend or coworker is often lost in thought.
It's easy to dismiss or ignore the non-hyperactive symptoms of ADHD because they are less visible than the typical symptoms. Children who have inattentive ADHD are often mistaken for lazy or uncooperative children because they don't heed the instructions of their parents or teachers or do not think about their thoughts during classes. Adults with inattentive ADHD can also be overlooked because their symptoms may not be as apparent as their peers' hyperactivity or impulsivity.
The signs of inattention ADHD may include difficulty staying focused, being easily pulled off task and unable to pay attention to details and listening skills that are not as good, and frequent misplacement of belongings. Attention deficit ADHD symptoms can also be worsened by stress, anxiety as well as diet and nutrition mineral deficiencies as well as medication-related side effects (particularly certain stimulant medications) poor sleep and depression, as well as other medical ailments.
Attention-deficit ADHD is more prevalent in women and girls than other ADD presentations, but this subtype is often under-diagnosed and not treated. This is due to a variety of factors, including the particular symptoms presented with higher rates of anxiety and affective disorders in females, and rating scales that favor male behavior. Inattentive ADHD symptoms can also be affected by hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycle.
Impulsiveness
People who struggle to control their impulses usually experience a sense of excitement or tension before engaging in their desires. They also struggle to resist urges, even if they know that the behaviour is harmful or untrue. In the end, they usually feel guilt or regret.
Children often act impulsively when they are learning about the consequences of their actions. It is also a symptom of some conditions like ADHD as well as antisocial personalities disorder, and pyromania.
Impulsivity can be a sign that you have a mental health condition, like bipolar disorder, stroke or brain tumor or a chronic medical issue, such as diabetes or heart disease. Certain substances, like alcohol, can also cause inhibitions to be broken and cause you to behave impulsively.
A lack of control over your impulses can affect your relationships, work, and everyday life. For signs and symptoms of adhd in adults , if you suffer from ADHD an impulsive behavior could affect your daily routine and affect your ability to work or manage money. Symptoms include interrupting others when they're talking, uttering answers to questions, and finding it difficult to wait your turn when standing in line. In adults, impulsive behaviors can include shopping on a impulse and spending too much money or watching too much television.
It is crucial to differentiate between compulsive and impulsive behavior. While impulsive behaviors are spontaneous, compulsive behavior is repetitive and ritualistic. For instance, placing your hand in the fire to check if it's burning is an impulsive behavior while constantly checking to make sure the stove is not on is a compulsive behavior. Researchers don't know why men are more impulsive. They believe that genetics, environment and hormonal changes that occur during the adolescent and adulthood years could be the reason for the differences.
Agitation
Stress or a medical condition can trigger a feeling restlessness and anger. It can cause someone to feel anxious, excited, or tense, and can lead to aggression or suicidal behaviors. People who are agitated may have difficulty sleeping and may have issues in their relationships or at work.
Consult your doctor if you are agitated often. The doctor may suggest they try therapy or medication. If they experience chest pain or trouble breathing, it could be a sign of a heartattack.
Sometimes agitation is a symptom of depression. Depression can cause feelings of despair, sadness, and feeling of helplessness. People who are depressed might suffer from agitation. This is often accompanied by anxiety and restlessness. This is called an agitated depression. Experts are still learning about the ways in which this type of depression is different from other types of depression.
Sometimes, agitation may be an indication of mental illness such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. These conditions can make it difficult for people to determine what is real and what is not. People with these conditions may feel as if they can't stay still, and may be agitated or wringing their hands.
Some medications, such as antipsychotics, can cause anxiety. If you experience agitation on a regular basis, talk to your doctor. Doctors can prescribe a treatment that does not have this effect. In addition to these medications, a person can try to decrease their anxiety by staying clear of situations that cause stress and eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep.
Here are a few of the methods to lower your risk:
Women who suffer from depression can experience feelings of sadness and hopelessness. It can also cause difficulties with eating, sleeping and thinking clearly. Women should seek treatment for depression when they begin to notice symptoms. This can prevent the symptoms from becoming worse and may even lead to an relapse.
According to research studies, women are more susceptible to depression than men. It is believed that this is due to the multitude of roles women fill in their lives, such as being a wife and mother, which can create stress or lead to burnout. Women are more likely to experience hormonal changes which can cause depression. This is especially the case when menopausal and pregnancy.
It is also possible that certain women are more at risk for depression due to a previous history of the condition or the family history of it. This can also apply to women who are self-conscious, or have struggled with sexuality or body image issues.
A few of the symptoms that are common in depression in women include fatigue, lack of motivation, difficulty sleeping and thoughts of dying or suicide. Additionally women who suffer from depression may also experience feelings of guilt or shame. Women tend to blame themselves for their moods and this may be exacerbated because they have to take care of their children and loved ones. Antidepressant medications can ease these symptoms. However, it's essential to seek advice from a professional from a doctor.