ADD Symptoms in Women
Women suffering from ADD are often misunderstood or dismissed as being excessively emotional. For some, even minor inconveniences such as waiting in lines or waiting for a call can drive them to distraction or rage.
Stereotypes about gender can also obscure symptoms making it difficult to identify and diagnose. At Amen Clinics, we use brain imaging to help determine if a woman has undetected ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks they have to perform. They might feel that their lives are in constant mess, or chaos. They are also unable to get the help they require from family members and friends. They are also more prone to depression and anxiety because they have difficulty dealing with stress and criticism. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to engage in risky sexual actions like sexually promiscuous or casual sex. These behaviors can result in sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancy and low self-esteem as well as feelings of shame.
A few psychologists are working to expand the research on ADHD in adult women. Julia Rucklidge, a PhD student at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is leading one of these efforts. She and her colleagues focus on females suffering from comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. These co-occurring conditions can mask or exacerbate ADHD, affecting the capacity of a woman to function at home, work, and school.
Rucklidge explains that many of the same biases that affect men and boys make it difficult to recognize ADHD in girls and women. Rating scales are biased towards male behavior, and females' coping strategies may be less efficient in the college setting or in the workplace. Women with an impulsive ADHD symptoms are often viewed as aggressive or irrational, and they can be more likely to conceal their symptoms in order to fit in better.
In addition to this, a variety of the same behavioral symptoms are present 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 and unorganized and impatient, unable to wait their turn, and susceptible to mood swings.
Inattentiveness
While the impulsive or hyperactive symptoms of ADHD are more well-known, inattentive ADHD can be just as debilitating for children and adults alike. It can be difficult to try and remain organized, manage your time well and keep track of all your daily tasks. For instance children may not be able to meet important deadlines at school or a worker can forget about important meetings. Inattention ADHD can also cause relationship problems as other people get annoyed when a friend or colleague is often lost in thought.
It's easy to ignore or dismiss the non-hyperactive symptoms of ADHD because they are less obvious than the typical symptoms. Children who have inattentive ADHD often are portrayed as being uncooperative or lazy because they fail to follow the instructions of parents or teachers or even daydream in classes. Adults with inattentive ADHD are often missed because their symptoms might not be as apparent as their peers with impulsivity or hyperactivity.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms may include difficulties staying focused, getting easily distracted, having poor listening skills, and misplacing belongings frequently. Inattention ADHD symptoms can be caused by anxiety, stress, diet and nutrition, mineral deficiencies and medication side effects (particularly certain stimulant medications) poor sleep, depression, or other medical conditions.
Inattentional ADHD affects more females and girls than any other ADD manifestation, but it is often misdiagnosed and untreated. This is due to a variety of factors, including specific symptoms manifestations, higher rates of coexisting anxiety and affective disorders among females, and ratings scales that tend to be biased towards male behavior. In addition, hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles can greatly affect how irritable ADHD symptoms appear.
Impulsiveness
People who have difficulty controlling their impulses feel a sense of tension or excitement before they act on their urges. They also struggle to resist impulses, even if they are aware that their behavior is harmful or problematic. In the end, they usually feel regret or guilt.
It's normal for young children to act impulsively, but they grow out of it as they mature and learn more about the consequences of their actions. It's also a characteristic of certain conditions like ADHD as well as antisocial personality disorder and pyromania (the urge to light fires).
It could be a sign that you have a mental health condition such as bipolar disorder, a brain tumor or stroke or a chronic medical issue like heart disease or diabetes. Certain substances, such as alcohol can break down your inhibitions and cause you to behave impulsively.
Insomniacs can impact your relationships, career and daily life. If you suffer from ADHD for instance your impulsive behavior could disrupt your routine and impact your ability to manage your finances or work. Interrupting people when they are talking, blurting answers to questions, or having trouble waiting in line are all signs. Impulsive behaviors in adults can include spending excessively on purchases or shopping on the spur of the moment or consuming too much TV.
It is important to know the distinction between compulsive and impulsive behavior. Compulsive behavior is repetitive and ritualistic, while impulsive behaviour is spontaneous. For instance, placing your hand in the flame to check if it's burning is an impulsive behavior, while repeatedly checking to ensure that the stove is not on is a compulsive behavior. symptoms of adhd in adults don't know why males are more aggressive. Researchers suggest that genetics and hormonal changes in adolescence or adulthood, and also the environment could be contributing factors.
Agitation
Stress or a medical issue can trigger a feeling restlessness and irritability. It can cause a person to feel anxious, excited or nervous, and it could lead to aggression or suicidal behavior. People who are agitated are often unable to sleep and could have issues with their relationships or at work.
Consult your doctor if you feel agitated often. The doctor may suggest they try therapy or medication. If they feel chest pain or have trouble breathing, this could be a sign of a heart attack.
Sometimes, agitation is a sign of depression. symptoms of adhd in adults can cause feelings of helplessness, sadness and hopelessness. Some people with depression might also be agitated that is usually accompanied with anxiety and restlessness. This is called agitated depressive disorder, and doctors aren't sure how it differs from other types.
Other times, agitation is an indication of a mental health issue like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. These conditions can make people unable to differentiate between what is real and not. People with these conditions may sway or shake hands, or feel as if they can't remain still.
Agitation is also an effect of certain medication, such as antipsychotics. If you feel agitated frequently, talk to your doctor. In some cases, doctors will give the patient a different medicine that doesn't have this side effect. Aside from these medicines one can attempt to lessen their anxiety by avoiding situations that cause stress, eating a healthy diet and getting enough rest.
The following are some of the methods to lower your risk of contracting a disease:
Depression in women is a serious mental health problem that can trigger feelings of despair, sadness and a sense of worthlessness. It can also cause issues with sleeping, eating and focusing. Women should seek treatment for depression immediately they notice symptoms. This can prevent symptoms from becoming worse and could even stop the possibility of a relapse in depression.
Research suggests that women are more likely to suffer from depression than men. This is believed to be due to the numerous roles women have in their lives, like being a wife and mother which can cause burnout or stress. Women are more likely to experience hormonal changes which can cause depression. This is particularly true during pregnancy and after menopause.
It is also possible that certain women are more prone for depression due to a previous experience with the condition or the family history of it. This could also be the case for women who lack self-esteem or who have had issues with sexuality or body image issues.
Women suffering from depression 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 because women are more likely to blaming themselves for their low moods and this can be made worse by the fact that they have more responsibility to care for their children and other loved ones. Antidepressant medication can ease these symptoms. However, it's crucial to seek out professional advice from a specialist.