ADD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADD frequently are misunderstood or dismissed as being emotionally prone. Some people are driven to distraction or rage by minor inconveniences like waiting in line or placed on hold.
Gender stereotypes can also mask symptoms making it difficult to detect and diagnose. Amen Clinics uses brain imaging to determine if a woman has undiagnosed ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the everyday tasks they are required to complete. They might feel that their lives are a constant mess, or chaos. They also find it hard to receive the support they require from family and friends. They are also more vulnerable to anxiety and depression since they have a hard time dealing with stress and criticism. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors such as casual or promiscuous sexual activity. These experiences can lead sexually transmitted illnesses, unplanned pregnancy, low self-esteem, and feelings shame.
Some psychologists are developing research on ADHD among adult women. Julia Rucklidge is a PhD student at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. She is leading this effort. She and her colleagues focus on females suffering from comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. These co-occurring conditions can mask or increase ADHD symptoms, which can affect the ability of a woman to function at work, school, and at home.
Rucklidge discusses how many of the same biases that affect boys and men also make it difficult to recognize ADHD in women and girls. Rating scales are biased towards male behavior, and a female might not have the most efficient strategies to cope at school or at work. Women who have impulsive ADHD are often seen as irrational or aggressive, and may hide their symptoms in order to be accepted into.
Additionally to that, a lot of the same behavioral symptoms are found in all three types of ADHD. Women can experience inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or mixed symptoms. They can be fidgety, constantly on the move, disruptive, forgetful and disorganized, talkative, impatient and unable to wait their turn, and prone to mood swings.
Inattentiveness
Inattentive ADHD can be equally detrimental for adults and children. The struggle to stay organized, manage time effectively and stay on top of daily tasks can feel overwhelming. signs and symptoms of adhd in adults may be late to school for important deadlines or a worker could miss important meetings. Inattention ADHD may also cause issues with relationships as others are annoyed when a partner or coworker is often lost in thought.
The non-hyperactive manifestation of ADHD is less visible than the typical symptoms, and which makes it easy for people to overlook or dismiss these issues. Children who have inattentive ADHD are often mistaken for lazy or uncooperative kids because they don't heed the instructions of their teachers or parents or do not think about their thoughts during class. Adults with inattentive ADHD are often overlooked, since their symptoms might be less apparent than their peers' hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms may include difficulties staying focused, being easily distracted, lacking listening skills, and misplacing belongings often. Attention deficit ADHD can be exacerbated or made worse by anxiety, stress and other disorders like depression, poor sleep, nutrition, medication side-effects (especially stimulant medications), poor diet, and nutritional deficiencies.
Inattentional ADHD is more prevalent among women and girls than other ADD presentation, yet it is often misdiagnosed and untreated. This is due to a number of factors, including the specific symptoms presented with higher rates of anxiety and affective disorder in females, and rating scales that favor male behavior. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can significantly influence how inattention ADHD symptoms manifest.
Impulsiveness
People who struggle to control their impulses experience a feeling of tension or excitement prior to acting in response to their impulses. They also have a tough to resist the urges even if they know that the actions are harmful or problematic. They may feel regret or guilt afterward, too.
Children are often impulsive when they are learning about the consequences of their decisions. It is also a symptom of certain disorders like ADHD and antisocial personality disorder and pyromania.
The tendency to be impulsive could be a sign of mental illness such as bipolar disorder or stroke, brain tumor, or diabetes. Certain substances, such as alcohol, can reduce your inhibitions and cause you to act in a impulsive manner.
A lack of impulse control can impact your relationships, work and everyday life. For instance, if you are suffering from ADHD an impulsive behavior could disrupt your day-to-day routine and affect your ability to manage your finances or work. Interrupting other people while they are talking, blurting answers to questions, or having trouble waiting in line are all signs. Adults who are impulsive can include spending excessively on purchases, shopping on a whim or watching excessive television.
It is important to distinguish between compulsive and impulsive behavior. While impulsive behavior is spontaneous, compulsive behavior is routine and ritualistic. As an example, putting the hand in the fire to check if it's on is an impulsive action, while checking the stove frequently to ensure that it is off is a regular habit. Studies have shown that men are more impulsive than women, however researchers aren't able to pinpoint the reason. They speculate that environmental factors, genetics and hormonal changes that occur during adolescence and adulthood could be a factor in the differences.
Agitation
Agitation is a feeling of agitation and irritability which can be caused by stress or an illness. It can cause someone to feel anxious, excited, or tense, and can lead to aggressive or suicidal behaviours. People who are agitated might have trouble sleeping and have problems with their relationships and at work.
If a person feels agitated often, they should speak to their doctor. The doctor may want them to try medication or therapy. If they experience chest pain or trouble breathing, it could be a sign of a heart attack.
Sometimes agitation is a symptom of depression. Depression can trigger feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness. Some people who suffer from depression may experience agitation. This is usually associated with anxiety and agitation. This is known as agitated depressive disorder, and doctors aren't certain of how it differs from other types.
Sometimes, agitation may be an indication of a mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. These conditions can make it hard for people to determine what is real and what's not. People with these conditions may feel like they are unable to sit still, and they might be agitated or wringing their hands.
Certain medications, like antipsychotics, can cause agitation. People who are taking these drugs should consult their physician when they experience frequent agitation. Doctors can prescribe a medication that doesn't have this effect. Aside from these medicines people can also try to reduce their agitation by abstaining from situations that cause stress and eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.
Depression
Women who suffer from depression are afflicted with an extremely serious mental health issue that can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness and despair. It can also cause problems with eating, sleeping and thinking clearly. Women should seek treatment for depression immediately they notice symptoms. This can prevent symptoms from worsening and even an relapse.
According to research, women are more susceptible to depression than men. It is often thought that this is due to the number of roles women fill in life, such as being a wife and mother that can cause stress or lead to burnout. Women are also more likely to experience hormonal changes that can lead to depression, such as when they are pregnant or after menopausal.
It is possible that women are more at chance of developing depression due to an earlier history of depression, or a family background of it. This can also be the case for women who have low self-esteem or who have struggled with issues with sexuality or body image.
Some of the specific signs that are present in women suffering from depression include a lack of energy sleeplessness, insomnia and thoughts of dying or suicide. Additionally women who suffer from depression can also feel a sense of guilt or shame. This is because women are more prone to blame themselves for their moods, which can be exacerbated by the fact that they bear a greater responsibility to care for their children and other family members. Antidepressant medication can ease these symptoms. However, it is important to seek professional advice from a specialist.