ADD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADD often are misunderstood and dismissed as being emotionally prone. Some people are triggered to distraction or anger by minor inconveniences such as waiting in line or in a queue.
Gender stereotypes can also mask symptoms, making them hard to detect and diagnose. At Amen Clinics, we use brain imaging to determine if a woman suffers from undetected ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by the daily tasks they must complete. They may feel like their lives are in chaotic, or constant chaos. They are also unable to get the help they require from family and friends. They also have a tougher dealing with stress and criticism and are more susceptible to depression and anxiety. Women with ADHD are also more likely to engage in risky sexual actions like casual or promiscuous sexual relations. These experiences can lead sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies, as well as low self-esteem and feelings of shame.
Some psychologists are working on conducting research on ADHD in 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 suffer from comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. These co-occurring disorders can mask or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, affecting the ability of a woman to function at school, work and home.
Rucklidge says that many of the same biases that affect both genders make it difficult to identify ADHD in girls and women. Rating scales are skewed towards male behavior, and a female might not have the most effective strategies for coping at school or at work. Women with impulsive ADHD are often viewed as aggressive or irrational, and can hide their symptoms to be accepted into.
In addition, many of the same behavioral symptoms can be observed in all three types of ADHD. Women can experience inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or mixed symptoms. They could be unruly or fidgety. They may also be in a hurry, disruptive or forgetful, unorganized, talkative and impatient, unable and unwilling to wait for their turn, and susceptible to mood swings.
Inattentiveness
Although the hyperactive or impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more well-known, the inattention of ADHD can be just as destructive for adults and children alike. The struggle to stay organized, manage time efficiently and track the daily chores can be overwhelming. For instance children may miss important deadlines at school, or a worker can forget about important meetings. Inattention ADHD can also cause problems with relationships when others are annoyed by a friend or colleague who frequently gets lost in thoughts.
It's easy to overlook or dismiss the non-hyperactive symptoms of ADHD because they aren't as visible as 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 even think about their daydreams in class. Adults with inattentive ADHD can also be missed because their symptoms might not be as apparent as their peers' hyperactivity or impulsivity.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include difficulty staying focused, getting easily distracted, lacking listening skills, and losing items frequently. Inattentive ADHD can be exacerbated or made worse by anxiety, stress, and other disorders like depression, poor sleep, nutrition, medication side-effects (especially stimulant medications) as well as poor eating habits and nutritional deficiencies.
adult adhd symtoms -deficit ADHD is more prevalent among females and girls than other ADD presentations, but this type of ADD is often not diagnosed and undertreated. This is due to a variety of factors including the specific symptoms as well as the higher prevalence of anxiety and affective disorders in females, and rating scales that favor male behavior. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can significantly influence how inattention ADHD symptoms appear.
Impulsiveness
People who have trouble controlling their impulses frequently experience a sense of tension or excitement prior to acting on their urges. They also have a hard time resisting the urges, even if they know that the behaviour is detrimental or dangerous. They often feel remorse or guilt afterwards, too.
It's normal for children to act impulsively however they get rid of it as they mature and learn more about the consequences of their actions. It's also a symptom of certain conditions that include ADHD and antisocial personality disorder and pyromania (the desire to burn things).
The tendency to be impulsive could be a sign of a mental illness such as bipolar disorder or stroke, brain tumors, or diabetes. Certain substances, like alcohol, can break down your inhibitions and cause you to behave recklessly.
An inability to control your impulses can affect your relationships, career and daily life. If you suffer from ADHD, for example your impulsive behavior could interfere with your routine and impact your ability to manage your finances or work. Interrupting other people while they're talking, blurting out answers to questions, and having difficulty waiting in line are all signs. Impulsive behaviors in adults can include spending excessive amounts of money, shopping on a whim or watching excessive television.
It's crucial to understand the distinction between compulsive and impulsive behavior. While impulsive behavior is spontaneous, compulsive behaviors are routine and ritualistic. For instance, placing the hand in the fire to see if it's still on is an impulsive action and checking the stove on a regular basis to ensure it's off is a habitual behavior. Studies show that men are more impulsive than women, but researchers don't know exactly why. They suggest that the environment, genetics and hormonal changes in adolescence and adulthood could be the reason for the differences.
Agitation
Agitation is a feeling of agitation and irritability that could be triggered by stress or an illness. It may cause a person to feel anxious, agitated, or nervous, and it can lead to aggression or suicidal behavior. People who are stressed might have trouble sleeping and may have issues in their relationships and at work.
Talk to your doctor if frequently agitated. The doctor may suggest they try therapy or medication. If they experience chest pain or difficulty breathing, it could be a sign of a heartattack.
Sometimes agitation can be an indication of depression. Depression can bring feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness. Some people with depression may also experience agitation that is usually accompanied with anxiety and restlessness. This is called agitated depressive disorder, and experts still aren't sure what makes it different from other kinds.
Other times, agitation is a symptom of a mental health issue such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. These conditions can make it difficult for people to determine what is real and what's not. They may be agitated, wring hands or feel like they can't remain still.
Agitation is also an effect of certain medications, including antipsychotic drugs. If you feel agitated regularly discuss it with your doctor. In certain instances doctors may prescribe the patient a different drug that doesn't cause this effect. In addition to these drugs one can also reduce their agitation through avoidance of stressful situations, eating healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.
Depression
Women who suffer from depression are afflicted with a serious mental health problem that can lead to feelings of despair, sadness and a sense of worthlessness. It can also cause difficulties with eating, sleeping and thinking clearly. It is essential for women to get treatment for depression as early as the first sign of the illness. This can help prevent the symptoms from becoming worse and may even prevent the relapse of depression.
According to research, women are more susceptible to depression than men. This is thought to be due to the numerous roles women play in their lives, like being a mother and wife which can cause burnout or stress. Women are more likely to experience hormonal changes, which can lead to depression. This is especially the case when menopausal and pregnancy.
It is possible that certain women are more at chance of developing depression due to a prior history of depression, or a family background of it. This can also apply to women who have low self-esteem or who have struggled with sexuality or body image issues.
Women suffering from depression may suffer from sleep issues, fatigue and thoughts of suicide or death. Women who are depressed may be prone to feeling guilt or shame. Women are more likely to blame themselves for their moods and this may be made worse by having to take care of their children and loved ones. Antidepressant medications can ease these symptoms. However, it is essential to seek advice from a professional from a medical professional.