ADD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADD often get misunderstood or dismissed as being emotionally prone. Some sufferers are sucked into a state of disorientation or rage over minor issues like waiting in line or on hold.
Gender stereotypes may also mask symptoms which makes it difficult to detect and diagnose. At Amen Clinics, we use brain imaging to determine whether a woman has undiagnosed ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the tasks they have to perform. They may feel like a constant mess or chaos, and they struggle to find the support they require from friends and family. They are also more susceptible to depression and anxiety because they have a hard time dealing with criticism and stress. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to engage in dangerous sexual activities, such as casual or promiscuous sex. These behaviors can result in sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancies and low self-esteem, as well as feelings of shame.
Psychologists are working to build up the research on ADHD in women of adulthood. Julia Rucklidge, a PhD student at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is leading one such endeavor. She and her colleagues are focusing on females with comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety. These co-occurring disorders can mask or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, which can affect the ability of a woman to function at school, work and at home.
Rucklidge says that many of the same biases that affect men and boys make it difficult to identify ADHD in girls and women. Rating scales tend to favor male behavior, and girls might have less effective strategies for coping in college or at work. Women who have hyperactive ADHD are often viewed as irrational or aggressive, and may hide their symptoms to be accepted into.
All three types of ADHD have a variety of behavioral symptoms. Women can experience inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or mixed symptoms. They can be fidgety, restless or on-the-go, disruptive or disorganized as well as impatient, irritable and unable to wait their turn, and prone to mood swings.
Inattentiveness
Inattentive ADHD is equally debilitating to children and adults. It can be overwhelming to attempt to keep track of your time effectively and keep track of all the daily tasks. For example children may not be able to meet important deadlines at school, or a worker can forget about important meetings. Inattention ADHD can cause issues with relationships when others are frustrated by a partner or colleague who is frequently lost in thought.
The non-hyperactive presentation of ADHD isn't as prominent as the stereotypical symptoms, so it's easy to overlook or dismiss these problems. Children who have inattentive ADHD are often mistaken for uncooperative or lazy children due to the fact that they do not follow the instructions of their parents or teachers or do not think about their thoughts in classes. Adults with inattentive ADHD are often overlooked, because their symptoms are less obvious than their peers who exhibit impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Attention deficit ADHD symptoms include difficulty staying focused, getting easily distracted, having poor listening skills, and losing items often. Attention deficit ADHD symptoms may also be worsened by stress, anxiety, diet and nutrition, mineral deficiencies, medication side effects (particularly certain stimulant medications) and sleep issues and depression, as well as other medical ailments.
Attention-deficit ADHD is more prevalent among females and girls than other ADD manifestations, yet this type of disorder is often overlooked and untreated. This is largely due to a variety of factors, such as specific symptom manifestations, higher prevalence of coexisting anxiety and affective disorders in females and ratings scales that tend to be biased towards male behavior. Inattention ADHD symptoms are also influenced by hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycle.
Impulsiveness
People who have trouble controlling their impulses frequently experience a feeling of tension or excitement prior to taking action on their impulses. They also have a hard to resist their urges, even if they know that the actions are dangerous or harmful. They may feel regret or guilt following the incident, too.
adult adhd symptom tend to act in impulsive ways when they are learning about the consequences of their actions. It is also a symptom of certain disorders like ADHD, antisocial personalities disorder, and pyromania.
Impulsivity could be a sign of a mental illness such as bipolar disorder, stroke, brain tumor, or diabetes. Certain substances, such as alcohol, can reduce your inhibitions and lead you to act impulsively.
Inability to control your impulses can affect your relationships, work and your daily life. For example, if you are suffering from ADHD, impulsive behaviors can interfere with your daily routine and impact your ability to manage your money or work. Some of the symptoms include interrupting other people when they're speaking, blurting out answers to questions, and having trouble waiting your turn when standing in the line. Adults, impulsive behavior may include shopping on decision or spending too much money, or watching too much television.
It's important to understand the difference between compulsive and impulsive behavior. Compulsive behavior is repetitive and ritualistic, while impulsive behaviour is spontaneous. For instance, sticking your hand into the fire to see if it's burning is an impulsive behavior and checking it over and over again to make sure the stove is turned off is a compulsive behavior. Studies have shown that men are more impulsive than women, however researchers aren't sure why. Researchers speculate that genetics and hormonal changes in adolescence or adulthood, as well as the surrounding environment could be the cause.
Agitation
Stress or a medical issue can trigger a feeling restlessness and irritation. It can make someone feel anxious, agitated or tense. It could also lead to aggressive or suicidal behavior. People who are agitated often find it hard to sleep and could be having issues with their relationships or work.
Talk to your doctor if you are agitated often. The doctor may suggest that they try medication or therapy. They should also go to the hospital if they have chest pain or difficulty breathing that could be a sign of an attack on the heart.
Sometimes agitation is a symptom of depression. Depression can bring feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and helplessness. People who are depressed may also experience agitation, which is often combined with restlessness and anxiety. This is referred to as agitated depression, and experts are still learning how this kind of depression differs from other types of depression.
Sometimes, agitation may be a sign of a mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. These disorders can make a person unable to distinguish between the real and fake. They may be agitated, shake hands or feel as if they can't stay still.
Agitation is also an effect of certain medications, such as antipsychotic drugs. If adhd symptoms in adult women are experiencing agitation on a regular basis, talk to your doctor. Doctors can prescribe a medication that doesn't have this side-effect. In addition to these medicines they can reduce their agitation through avoiding stressful situations, eating healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.
Depression
Women who suffer from depression are afflicted with an extremely serious mental health issue that can lead to feelings of despair, sadness and worthlessness. It can also lead to problems with sleeping, eating and thinking clearly. It is important for women to seek treatment for depression as early as the first indication of the illness. This can prevent symptoms from getting worse and could even stop a relapse of depression.
According to research that women are more prone to depression than men. This is believed to be due to the numerous roles women play in their lives, like being a mother and wife which can cause stress or burnout. Women are also more likely to have hormonal changes that can cause depression, for example during menopausal or pregnancy.
It is possible that certain women are more at risk of depression due to an earlier experience with the disorder or a family history of it. This can also be the case for women who have a low self-esteem or have faced issues with sexuality or body image.
Women who are depressed may be suffering from fatigue, sleep issues and thoughts of suicide or death. People who are depressed may also feel shame or guilt. This is due to the fact that women are more prone to blame themselves for their low moods, which can be exacerbated by the fact that they are entrusted with a greater responsibility to care for their children and other family members. The use of antidepressants can ease these symptoms however it is essential to seek out professional advice and guidance from a doctor.