ADD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADD often are misunderstood and dismissed as overly emotional. For some, minor nuisances like standing in lines or waiting in line can lead them to distraction or rage.
Gender stereotypes can also mask symptoms, making them hard to identify and identify. At Amen Clinics, we use brain imaging to determine if a woman suffers from undiagnosed ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD often find themselves overwhelmed by their daily tasks. They may feel that their lives are a chaotic, or constant chaos. They are also unable to get the help they require from family and friends. They are also more prone to anxiety and depression since they have a hard time managing stress and criticism. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to engage in sexually risky actions, like promiscuity or casual sexual relations. These situations can lead to 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 in adult women. Julia Rucklidge is a PhD student from the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. She is the leader of this project. She and her coworkers focus on females who suffer from comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. These co-occurring disorders can mask or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, which can affect a woman's ability to function at work, school, and at home.
Rucklidge discusses how many of the same biases which affect both men and boys make it difficult to recognize ADHD for girls and women. Rating scales are biased towards male behavior, and females' strategies for coping may not be as efficient in the college setting or in the workplace. Women who have hyperactive ADHD are often seen as aggressive or irrational, and may hide their symptoms to be accepted into.
In addition, many of the same behavioral symptoms are present in all three subtypes of ADHD. Women can experience inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or mixed symptoms. They may be restless or fidgety. They may also be in a hurry or distracted, forgetful, disorganized, talkative and impatient, unable and unwilling to wait for their turn, and susceptible to mood swings.
Inattentiveness
Inattentional ADHD is equally debilitating to adults and children. The struggles to stay organized and effectively manage time and keep track of daily tasks can feel overwhelming. For instance children may miss important deadlines at school or an employee might forget to attend important meetings. Inattention ADHD can cause issues in relationships, as people become annoyed by a partner or coworker who is often lost in thoughts.
It's easy to dismiss or ignore the non-hyperactive symptoms of ADHD because they are less visible than typical symptoms. Children with inattentive ADHD are often viewed as uncooperative or lazy children due to the fact that they don't follow the instructions of their teachers or parents or even think about their daydreams in classes. Adults with inattentive ADHD are often overlooked as their symptoms may be less obvious than their peers' hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms may include difficulties staying focused, getting easily distracted, having poor listening skills, as well as misplacing belongings often. Inattentive ADHD symptoms may also be exacerbated by stress, anxiety, diet and nutrition, mineral deficiencies as well as medication-related adverse effects (particularly certain stimulant medications) and sleep issues, depression, or other medical conditions.
Inattentive ADHD is more prevalent among women and girls than other ADD manifestation, but it is often not properly diagnosed and treated. This is due to a variety of factors, including the particular symptoms presented with higher rates of anxiety and affective disorder in females and rating scales that favor male behavior. Furthermore, hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can significantly impact how inattentive ADHD symptoms appear.
Impulsiveness
People who struggle to control their impulses experience a feeling of tension or excitement prior to acting on their impulses. They also have trouble resisting urges, even when they are aware that their behavior is harmful or problematic. Afterward, they often feel regret or guilt.
Children often act impulsively as they begin to understand the consequences of their actions. adhd symptoms and treatment 's also a characteristic of certain conditions like ADHD as well as antisocial personality disorder and pyromania (the compulsion to set fires).
It could be a sign that you are suffering from a mental health condition like bipolar disorder a brain tumor or stroke or a chronic medical issue like diabetes or heart disease. Alcohol can cause you to act impulsively because it reduces your inhibitions.
An inability to control your impulses can impact your relationships, career and your daily life. For instance, if you are suffering from ADHD, impulsive behaviors can disrupt your day-to-day routine and hinder your ability to manage your money or work. Interrupting others while they're talking, blurting out answers to questions, and having trouble waiting in line are all signs. Impulsive behaviors in adults can include spending too much money in a hurry, shopping on a whim or watching too much television.
It's crucial to understand the difference between impulsive and compulsive behavior. Compulsive behavior is repetitive and ritualistic, while impulsive behaviour is spontaneous. For instance, sticking your hand in the flame to check whether it's still burning is an impulsive behavior, while repeatedly checking to ensure that the stove is not on is a compulsive act. Research has shown that men are more impulsive than women, but researchers aren't able to pinpoint the reason. Researchers suggest that genetics and hormonal changes in adolescence or adulthood, and also the environment could be contributing factors.
Agitation
Stress or a medical condition can trigger a feeling restlessness and irritation. It can cause someone to feel anxious, excited or tense, and it can lead to aggression or suicidal behaviors. People who are stressed may have difficulty sleeping and experience problems in their relationships or at work.
If someone is agitated often, they should talk to their doctor. The doctor might suggest to consider therapy or medication. If they experience chest pain or have trouble breathing, it could be an indication of a heartattack.
Sometimes, agitation can be a sign of depression. Depression can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness. Some people who are depressed might feel agitated. This is usually associated with anxiety and agitation. This is referred to as agitated depression, and experts are still learning the ways in which this type of depression differs from other forms of depression.
Other times, agitation is an indication of a mental health issue like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. These conditions can make it difficult for people to determine what is real and what's not. Patients with these conditions may feel as if they can't sit still, and may pace or wring their hands.
Agitation can also be a side effect of some medications, such as antipsychotic drugs. People who take these medicines should consult with their doctor whenever they feel frequently agitated. In certain instances, doctors will give the patient a different drug that doesn't cause this effect. Apart from these medications one can attempt to lessen their anxiety by avoiding situations that cause stress, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.
Depression
Depression in women can cause feelings of despair and sadness. It can also cause issues with eating, sleeping and focusing. It is important for women to seek treatment for depression at the earliest indication of the illness. This will help to prevent symptoms from getting worse, and could even stop the relapse of depression.
According to research studies, women are more susceptible to depression than men. It is believed that this is due to the number of roles that women have in their lives, like being a wife and mother and can cause stress or lead to burnout. Women are more likely to experience hormonal changes, which can cause depression. This is especially true during pregnancy and after menopause.
It is also possible that women are more prone for depression because of a previous experience with the condition or the family history of it. This could also be the case for women who have low self-esteem or who have had issues with sexuality or body image issues.
Women who are depressed may suffer from sleep issues, fatigue and thoughts of suicide or death. Women who are depressed might be prone to feeling guilt or shame. Women are more likely to blame themselves for their depressed mood and this may be exacerbated because they have to look after their children and family members. Antidepressant medications can ease these symptoms. However, it is important to seek professional advice from a medical professional.