ADD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADD frequently are misunderstood or dismissed as being emotionally prone. Some people are driven to distraction or rage by minor inconveniences like waiting in line or being in a queue.
Gender stereotypes can also camouflage symptoms, making them hard to recognize and diagnose. At Amen Clinics, we use brain imaging to determine if a woman has undetected ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the everyday tasks they are required to complete. They might describe their lives as like a constant mess or chaos, and they find it difficult to get the help they require from family and friends. They also have a tougher dealing with stress and criticism and are more susceptible to anxiety and depression. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to engage risky sexual behaviors such as sexually promiscuous or casual sexual relations. These experiences can lead sexually transmitted illnesses as well as unplanned pregnancy, low self-esteem and feelings of shame.
A few psychologists are working to expand the research on ADHD in women of adulthood. Julia Rucklidge, a PhD student at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is leading one of these efforts. She and her coworkers are focusing on women who have comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. These co-occurring disorders can mask or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, affecting a woman's ability to function at school, work, and home.
Rucklidge explains how many of the same biases which affect boys and men also make it difficult to diagnose ADHD for girls and women. Rating scales tend to favor male behavior and a girl might have less effective coping strategies in the workplace or at college. Women with hyperactive ADHD symptoms are often viewed as irrational or aggressive, 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 symptoms are found in all three subtypes of ADHD. Women can experience inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or mixed symptoms. They may be restless, fidgety or constantly moving around or distracted and disorganized, forgetful and impatient, unable and unwilling to wait for their turn, and prone to mood swings.
Inattentiveness
Attention-deficit ADHD is equally debilitating to children and adults. It can be difficult to attempt to stay organized, manage your time well and manage all the daily tasks. A child might miss important deadlines in school or a worker could forget important meetings. Inattentive ADHD can also lead to relationships problems when other people get annoyed when a friend or co-worker is frequently lost in thought.
The non-hyperactive presentation of ADHD isn't as prominent as the stereotypical symptoms, which makes it easy for people to overlook or dismiss these problems. adults with adhd symptoms who have inattentive ADHD are often mistaken for lazy or uncooperative children because they don't heed the instructions of their teachers or parents or do not think about their thoughts in class. Adults with inattentive ADHD can also be missed because their symptoms might not be as apparent as their peers' hyperactivity or impulsivity.
Inattentional ADHD can include trouble staying focused, being easily pulled off task and having difficulty paying attention to the smallest details and listening skills that are not as good, and frequent misplacement of belongings. Inattention ADHD symptoms can be exacerbated by stress, anxiety, diet and nutrition, mineral deficiencies as well as medication-related adverse effects (particularly certain stimulant medications) poor sleep, depression, or other medical conditions.
Inattentive ADHD is more prevalent in females and girls than other ADD manifestations, however this type of ADD is often not diagnosed and untreated. This is due to a variety of factors, such as specific symptom presentations, higher rates of co-existing anxiety disorders and affective disorders among females, and ratings scales that tend to be biased toward male behavior. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are also influenced by hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycle.
Impulsiveness
People who are unable to control their impulses experience a feeling of tension or excitement prior to acting in response to their impulses. They also have trouble resisting urges, even if they are aware that the act is harmful or dangerous. They may feel regret or guilt following the incident, too.
Children tend to act in impulsive ways as they begin to understand the consequences of their choices. It can also be a sign of some conditions like ADHD and antisocial personality disorder and pyromania.
The tendency to be impulsive could be a sign of a mental illness such as bipolar disorder or stroke, brain tumors or diabetes. Certain substances, like alcohol can reduce your inhibitions and cause you to behave in a impulsive manner.
Lack of impulse control can affect your relationships, career, and everyday life. For example, if you suffer from ADHD, impulsive behaviors can disrupt your day-to-day routine and hinder your ability to manage your finances or work. Interrupting others while they're talking, blurting out answers to questions, and having trouble waiting in line are all signs. Adults, impulsive behavior could include shopping on a impulse, spending too much money or watching too much television.
It's crucial to understand the distinction between impulsive and compulsive behavior. While impulsive behaviors are spontaneous, compulsive behaviors are repetitive and ritualistic. As an example, putting hands in a flame to see if it's still on is an impulsive act while checking the stove on a regular basis to make sure it's off is a routine behavior. Research has shown that men are more impulsive than women, but researchers aren't able to pinpoint the reason. Researchers speculate that hormonal changes and genetics during adolescence and adulthood as well as the environment could be significant factors.
Agitation
Agitation is a feeling that causes restlessness and irritability which can be triggered by stress or a medical condition. It may cause a person to feel anxious, excited, or tense, and could lead to aggression or suicidal behavior. People who are anxious may have difficulty sleeping and experience problems in their relationships and at work.
If a person feels agitated often, they should talk to their doctor. The doctor may want them to try a medication or therapy. It is also recommended to visit the hospital in case they experience chest pain or trouble breathing which could be a sign of a heart attack.
Sometimes, agitation is an indication of depression. Depression can lead to feelings of despair, sadness and hopelessness. Some people with depression may also have agitation which is often accompanied with restlessness and anxiety. This is referred to as agitated depression disorder, and doctors don't know 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 an individual unable to discern between the real and fake. People with these conditions may sway or shake hands or feel as if they are unable to remain still.
Agitation can also be a side effect of some medication, such as antipsychotics. People who take these medicines should consult with their doctor if they feel agitated regularly. Doctors may prescribe a medicine that isn't prone to this side-effect. Aside from these medicines one can attempt to decrease their anxiety by abstaining from situations that cause stress, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.
Depression
Depression in women is an extremely serious mental health issue that can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness and a sense of worthlessness. It can also cause problems with sleep, eating and thinking clearly. Women should seek treatment for depression as soon as they notice symptoms. This can prevent symptoms from worsening and even an relapse.
Research indicates that women are more likely to be affected by depression than men. This is thought to be due to the many roles women play 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 when menopausal and pregnancy.
It is also possible that some women are at higher risk for depression because of a previous history of the condition or an ancestor's history of it. This could also be the case for women with a low self-esteem or have had issues related to body image or sexuality.
The most prominent symptoms that can be seen in women suffering from depression include fatigue, lack of motivation sleeplessness, insomnia and thoughts of suicide or suicide. Women who are depressed might also feel shame or guilt. This is because women are more susceptible to blame themselves for their low moods, which can be exacerbated by the fact that they have more responsibility for caring for their children and other family members. Antidepressant medication can ease these symptoms. However, it's essential to seek advice from a professional from a medical professional.