ADD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADD often are misunderstood and dismissed as overly emotional. For some, small inconveniences like standing in lines or waiting on hold drive them into rage or disorientation.
Gender stereotypes may be a reason for symptoms to be hidden which makes it difficult to recognize and diagnose. At Amen Clinics, we use brain imaging to determine if a woman suffers from undiagnosed ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the tasks they must complete. They may feel that their lives are a chaotic, or constant chaos. They may also have difficulty to receive the support they need from family and friends. They are also more prone to anxiety and depression since they have a hard time managing stress and criticism. Women with ADHD are also more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors such as sexually explicit or casual sexual activity. These behaviors can result in sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancy and low self-esteem as well as feelings of shame.
A few psychologists are currently working on 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 coworkers focus on females suffering from comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. These co-occurring disorders can cause or worsen ADHD symptoms, affecting women's ability to function at school, work and home.
Rucklidge discusses how many of the same biases which affect both men and boys make it difficult to recognize ADHD in girls and women. Rating scales are skewed towards male behavior and a girl might have less effective coping strategies at school or at work. Women who exhibit hyperactive ADHD symptoms are often viewed as being irrational or agressive, and they can be more likely to conceal their symptoms in order to be accepted by.
All three types of ADHD have a variety of behavioral symptoms. Women can experience inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or mixed symptoms. They might be agitated, fidgety or on the go or distracted or forgetful, unorganized and impatient inability and unwilling to wait for their turn, and prone mood swings.
Inattentiveness
Inattentive ADHD can be equally detrimental for adults and children. The struggle to organize, manage time effectively and track daily tasks can feel overwhelming. For instance children may miss important deadlines at school or workers may forget about important meetings. Inattention ADHD can also lead to relationship problems as other people become frustrated when a partner or coworker is often distracted by thoughts.
The non-hyperactive presentation of ADHD is less visible than the stereotypical symptoms, so it's easy for people to overlook or dismiss these challenges. Children who have inattentive ADHD often are mistaken for being lazy or indifferent because they fail to follow instructions from parents or teachers, or daydream in classes. Adults with inattentive ADHD are often overlooked since their symptoms might be less obvious than their peers' hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Attention deficit ADHD symptoms can include difficulty staying focused, becoming easily distracted, lacking listening skills, as well as misplacing items often. Attention deficit ADHD symptoms may also be worsened by stress, anxiety or depression, diet and nutrition mineral deficiencies and medication adverse effects (particularly certain stimulant medications) poor sleep, depression, or other medical ailments.
Inattentive ADHD is more prevalent among girls and women than other ADD manifestations, yet this subtype is often under-diagnosed and not treated. This is due to a number of factors, including the particular symptoms that are present, higher rates of anxiety and affective disorder in females, and rating scales that favor male behavior. Inattention ADHD symptoms are also influenced by hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycle.
Impulsiveness
People who struggle to control their impulses feel a sense of tension or excitement before they decide to act on their urges. They also struggle to resist urges, even if they are aware that their act is harmful or dangerous. In the end, they usually feel regret or guilt.
It's normal for young children to behave impulsively however they get rid of it as they grow older and learn more about the consequences of their actions. It's also a sign of certain diseases like ADHD, antisocial personality disorder and pyromania (the urge to light fires).
It could be a sign that you suffer from mental health issues such as bipolar disorder, stroke or brain tumor or a chronic medical problem such as diabetes or heart disease. Certain substances, such as alcohol, can also break down your inhibitions and cause you to act in a impulsive manner.
A lack of impulse control can affect your relationships, work and your daily life. If you suffer from ADHD for instance, impulsive behavior can affect your daily routine and impair your ability to manage money or work. Some of the symptoms include interrupting other people when they're talking, uttering answers to questions, and having trouble waiting your turn when standing in line. Adults who are in a state of impulsive behavior include spending excessive amounts of money in a hurry, shopping on a whim or watching too much television.
It's crucial to understand the distinction between impulsive and compulsive behavior. While impulsive behavior is spontaneous, compulsive behaviors are routine and ritualistic. For example, putting your hand into the fire to see if it's burning is an impulsive act, while repeatedly checking to make sure the stove is not on is a compulsive behavior. Researchers don't know why males are more aggressive. They suggest that environmental factors, genetics and hormonal changes during the adolescent and adulthood years could be a factor in the differences.
Agitation
Stress or a medical condition can trigger a feeling of agitation and irritation. It can make someone feel anxious, stressed or nervous. It can also trigger suicidal or aggressive behavior. People who are stressed may have difficulty sleeping and experience problems in their relationships and at work.
Consult your doctor if you feel agitated often. The doctor may suggest that they try medication or therapy. If they feel chest pain or trouble breathing, this could be an indication of a heartattack.
Sometimes, agitation can be a sign of depression. Depression can trigger feelings of helplessness, sadness and hopelessness. People who are depressed might suffer from agitation. This is usually accompanied by anxiety and restlessness. This is known as"agitated depression," and experts are still learning the ways in which this type of depression differs from other types of depression.
Sometimes, agitation may be a sign of a mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. These conditions can make people unable to differentiate between the real and fake. People who have these conditions may feel as if they are unable to sit still, and they might move around or shake their hands.
Agitation can also be a side effect of certain medications, including antipsychotic drugs. If you are experiencing agitation frequently consult your physician. In some instances doctors will prescribe the patient a different medication that doesn't cause this effect. In signs of adhd in adults to these medications they can 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 condition that can cause feelings of despair, sadness and worthlessness. signs of adult add can also cause issues with sleep, eating and focusing. Women need to seek treatment for depression immediately they notice symptoms. This can stop the symptoms from getting worse and could lead to an return.
According to research, women are more susceptible to depression than men. This is thought to be due to the multiple roles women have in their lives, such as being a mother, wife, and wife and father, which can cause burnout or stress. Women are more likely to experience hormonal changes which can lead to depression. This is especially the case during pregnancy and after menopause.
It is possible that certain women are at a greater chance of developing depression due to previous history of the condition, or a family background of it. This can also apply to women who are self-conscious or who have struggled with body image or sexuality issues.
A few of the symptoms that can be seen in depression in women include a lack of energy sleeplessness, insomnia and thoughts of suicide or suicide. People who are depressed may also feel shame or guilt. Women are more likely to blame themselves for their moods and this may be increased when they are required to take care of their children and other loved ones. Antidepressant medication can ease these symptoms. However, it's essential to seek advice from a professional from a doctor.