ADD Symptoms in Women
Women suffering from ADD are often misunderstood, or dismissed as being excessively emotional. For some, minor nuisances like standing in lines or waiting for a call can drive them into rage or distraction.
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 suffering from ADHD often feel overwhelmed by their everyday tasks. They might feel that their lives are a constant mess, or chaos. They are also unable to receive the support they require from family and friends. They are also more susceptible to depression and anxiety because they are unable to cope with dealing with stress and criticism. Women with ADHD are also more likely to engage in dangerous sexual activities, such as sexually explicit or casual sexual activity. These experiences can lead sexually transmitted diseases, unplanned pregnancy, low self-esteem and feelings of shame.
Some 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 such effort. She and her colleagues are focusing on women who have comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. These co-occurring conditions can mask or increase ADHD symptoms, affecting the ability of a woman to perform at school, work, and home.
Rucklidge explains that a lot of the same biases that affect men and boys make it hard to diagnose ADHD in women and girls. Rating scales are biased towards male behavior, and girls' coping strategies may be less efficient in the college setting or in the workplace. Women who have impulsive ADHD symptoms are often dismissed as being irrational or agressive, and they can be more likely to conceal their symptoms in order to make themselves more acceptable to.
In addition to this, a variety of the same behavioral signs are found in all three subtypes of ADHD. Women can experience inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or mixed symptoms. They could be unruly and fidgety, or on the go, disruptive or forgetful, unorganized, talkative and impatient inability and unwilling to wait for their turn, and prone mood swings.
Inattentiveness
Although the hyperactive or impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more well-known, inattentional ADHD can be equally destructive for adults and children alike. It can be difficult to attempt to remain organized, manage your time effectively and manage all the daily tasks. For instance a child might not be able to meet important deadlines at school or an employee might forget to attend important meetings. Inattention ADHD can also cause issues in relationships, as people become annoyed by a friend or colleague who frequently gets lost in thought.
adults with adhd symptoms -hyperactive presentation of ADHD is less visible than the typical symptoms, and so it's easy for people to overlook or dismiss these issues. Children with inattentive ADHD often are portrayed as being lazy or uncooperative because they don't follow the instructions of teachers or parents or even daydream in classes. Adults with inattentive ADHD are also often ignored because their symptoms might not be as apparent as their peers with impulsivity or hyperactivity.
Attention deficit ADHD symptoms include difficulty staying focused, being easily distracted, lacking listening skills, and misplacing things often. Attention deficit ADHD symptoms may also be worsened by stress, anxiety or depression, diet and nutrition mineral deficiencies and medication side effects (particularly certain stimulant medications) and sleep issues, depression, or other medical ailments.
Attention-deficit ADHD is more prevalent among women and girls than any other ADD manifestation, but it is often misdiagnosed and not treated. This is largely due to a variety of factors, including specific symptom manifestations, higher prevalence of co-existing 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 the menstrual period.
Impulsiveness
People who are unable to control their impulses usually feel a sense of excitement or tension before engaging in their desires. They also have trouble resisting urges, even if they are aware that their act is harmful or dangerous. Afterward, they may feel guilt or regret.
It's normal for young children to behave impulsively however they get rid of it as they grow and become aware of the consequences of their actions. It's also a symptom of certain conditions such as ADHD, antisocial personalities disorder, and pyromania.
It could be a sign that you have an illness of the mind such as bipolar disorder, a brain tumor or stroke or a chronic medical problem like diabetes or heart disease. Alcohol can also trigger you to be impulsive because it reduces your inhibitions.
A lack of impulse control can impact your relationships, work and everyday life. If you suffer from ADHD for instance your impulsive behavior could disrupt your daily routine and impair your ability to manage your finances or work. adults adhd symptoms include interrupting others when they're talking, blurting out answers to questions, and finding it difficult to wait your turn in the line. Impulsive behaviors in adults can include spending excessively on purchases or shopping on the spur of the moment or consuming too much TV.
It's important to understand the distinction between compulsive and impulsive behavior. While impulsive behavior is spontaneous, compulsive behaviors are routine and ritualistic. As an example, putting the hand in the fire to check if it's on is an impulsive action and checking the stove repeatedly to make sure it's off is a routine behavior. Researchers don't know why men are more aggressive. They believe that genetics, environment and hormonal changes that occur during the adolescent and adulthood years could be the reason for the differences.
Agitation
Stress or a medical condition can trigger a feeling of agitation and irritability. It may cause a person to feel anxious, agitated, or tense, and can lead to aggression or suicidal behavior. People who are agitated might have trouble sleeping and have problems with their relationships and at work.
Speak to your doctor if you are frequently agitated. The doctor might suggest to try a medication or therapy. It is also recommended to visit the hospital in case they experience chest pain or difficulty breathing, which could be a sign of a heart attack.
Sometimes agitation can be a sign of depression. Depression can bring feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness. Some people with depression may also have agitation which is often accompanied with anxiety and restlessness. This is known as agitated depressive disorder, and experts still aren't sure what makes it different from other types.
Other times, agitation is an indication of a mental illness like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. These conditions can make it difficult for people to determine what is real and what is not. Patients with these conditions may feel like they are unable to sit still, and may move around or shake their hands.
Agitation is also a side effect of some medication, such as antipsychotics. If you experience agitation regularly discuss it with your doctor. In some instances doctors will prescribe the patient a different medicine that doesn't cause this effect. In addition to these medicines they can reduce their anxiety by avoidance of stressful situations, eating a healthy diet, and taking enough sleep.
Depression
Depression in women is a serious mental health problem that can lead to feelings of sadness, despair and a sense of worthlessness. It can also cause difficulties with eating, sleeping and thinking clearly. Women need to seek treatment for depression immediately they notice symptoms. This will stop symptoms from worsening and even a relapse.
According to research, women are more susceptible to depression than men. It is believed that this is due to the number of roles women play in their lives, such as being a mother and spouse, which can create stress or lead to burnout. Women are more likely to experience hormonal changes, which can cause depression. This is especially the case when menopausal and pregnancy.
It is possible that women are at a greater risk of depression due to a prior history of the condition, or a family background of it. This could also be the case for women who have a low self-esteem or have struggled with issues with body image or sexuality.
Women who are depressed may experience fatigue, sleep problems and thoughts of suicide or death. Additionally, women who have depression may also experience feelings of guilt or shame. Women are more likely to blame themselves for their depressed mood and this may be made worse by having to care for their children and family members. Antidepressant medications can help alleviate these symptoms. However, it's important to seek professional advice from a medical professional.