ADD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADD often get misunderstood or dismissed as emotionally unstable. Some sufferers are sucked into a state of disorientation or rage over minor issues like waiting in line or being placed on hold.
Stereotypes about gender can be a reason for symptoms to be hidden, making 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 are often overwhelmed by the everyday tasks they must complete. They might feel like a constant mess or chaos, and they are unable to receive the support they require from friends and family. They are also more vulnerable to anxiety and depression because they have difficulty dealing with criticism and stress. Women with ADHD are also more likely to engage in sexually risky behaviors, such as promiscuous or casual sexual relations. These situations can result in sexually transmitted diseases as well as unplanned pregnancy, low self-esteem, and feelings of shame.
Some psychologists are working on advancing the research on ADHD in women of adulthood. Julia Rucklidge, a PhD student at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is leading one such effort. She and her coworkers focus on females suffering from comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression. These co-occurring illnesses can cause or worsen ADHD, affecting the capacity of a woman to function at work, home and at school.
Rucklidge explains that a lot of the same biases that affect men and boys make it difficult to recognize ADHD in women and girls. Rating scales are biased towards male behavior, and a girl's strategies for dealing with stress may not be as efficient in the college setting or in the workplace. Women who have an impulsive ADHD are often seen as being irrational or aggressive and they may conceal their symptoms in order to make themselves more acceptable to.
Additionally, many of the same behavioral signs are found in all three types of ADHD. Women can experience inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or mixed symptoms. They may be fidgety disorganized or constantly moving or disorganized as well as impatient, irritable in their ability to wait for their turn, and susceptible to mood swings.
Inattentiveness
Inattentive ADHD is equally debilitating to adults and children. The struggle to stay organized and effectively manage time and track everyday tasks can be overwhelming. A child might be late to school for important deadlines or a worker could forget important meetings. Inattention ADHD can cause issues in relationships, as people become frustrated by a partner or colleague who is frequently lost in thoughts.
It's easy to dismiss or ignore the non-hyperactive symptoms of ADHD because they are less obvious than stereotypical symptoms. Children with inattentive ADHD often are mistaken for being lazy or uncooperative due to their inability to follow instructions given by parents or teachers or even ponder their thoughts in classes. Adults with inattentive ADHD are also often overlooked because their symptoms may not be as apparent as their peers' hyperactivity or impulsivity.
The signs of inattention ADHD can include trouble staying focused, getting easily distracted, difficulty paying attention to the smallest details, poor listening skills, and frequent misplacing of items. Inattention ADHD symptoms can be worsened by stress, anxiety, diet and nutrition, mineral deficiencies as well as medication-related side effects (particularly certain stimulant medications) poor sleep and depression, as well as other medical conditions.
Inattentive ADHD is more prevalent in girls and women than other ADD presentations, but this type of disorder is often overlooked and not treated. female add symptoms is due to a variety of factors including the specific symptoms as well as the higher prevalence of anxiety and affective disorders in females, and rating scales that favor male behavior. In addition, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can significantly affect how irritable ADHD symptoms appear.
Impulsiveness
People who struggle to control their impulses experience a feeling of tension or excitement before they decide to act on their impulses. They also have a difficult to resist their urges, even if they know that the actions are harmful or problematic. They often feel remorse or guilt afterwards, too.
It's common 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 characteristic of certain disorders like ADHD and antisocial personality disorder, and pyromania (the desire to burn things).
It could be a sign that you are suffering from an illness of the mind like bipolar disorder a brain tumor or stroke or a medical condition that is chronic such as diabetes or heart disease. Certain substances, such as alcohol, can break down your inhibitions and cause you to act in a impulsive manner.
Lack of impulse control can impact your relationships, work, and everyday life. If you have ADHD for instance, impulsive behavior can interfere with your daily routine and affect your ability to manage your finances or work. The signs include interrupting people when they're talking, uttering answers to questions and finding it difficult to wait your turn when standing in line. Impulsive behaviors in adults can include spending excessive amounts of money, shopping on a whim or watching too much television.
It is important to know the distinction between compulsive and impulsive behavior. Compulsive behavior is repetitive and ritualistic however impulsive behavior is spontaneous. For instance, placing your hand in the flame to check whether it's still burning is an impulsive act and checking it over and over again to make sure the stove is turned off is a compulsive behavior. Research has shown that men are more impulsive than women, but researchers aren't sure why. Researchers speculate that genetics and hormonal changes in adolescence or adulthood, as well as the environment could be significant factors.
Agitation
Agitation is a feeling that causes restlessness and irritability that could be triggered by stress or an illness. It can cause a person to feel anxious, excited, or tense, and can trigger aggression or suicidal behaviors. People who are stressed frequently have trouble getting to sleep and may have issues with their relationships or at work.
Consult your doctor if you are agitated often. The doctor may suggest that they try a medication or therapy. It is also recommended to visit the hospital in case they experience chest pain or trouble breathing that could indicate heart attacks.
Sometimes, agitation can be a sign of depression. Depression can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness. People who are depressed may also experience agitation that is usually accompanied with anxiety and restlessness. This is known as agitated depressive disorder, and experts aren't certain of how it differs from other kinds.
Sometimes, agitation may be an indication of mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. These conditions can render a person unable to distinguish between what is real and not. These people may pace or wring hands or feel like they can't remain still.
Agitation is also an effect of certain medications, such as antipsychotic drugs. If you experience agitation regularly, talk to your doctor. In some instances doctors may prescribe the patient a different medication that doesn't have this side effect. In addition to these medications one can attempt to reduce their agitation by avoiding situations that can stress them out, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.
Depression
Women who suffer from depression are afflicted with a serious mental health problem that can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness and despair. It can also lead to difficulties with sleeping, eating and thinking clearly. Women should seek treatment for depression as soon as they start to notice signs. This can help prevent the symptoms from getting worse, and may even prevent the possibility of a relapse in depression.
Research indicates that women are more likely to be affected by depression than men. This is believed to be due to the many roles women play in their lives, like being a mother, wife, and wife, which can lead to stress or burnout. Women are also more likely to have hormonal changes that can lead to depression, for instance when they are pregnant or after menopausal.
It is also possible that certain women are more prone for depression due to an earlier diagnosis of depression or an ancestor's history of it. This can also be the case for women who have low self-esteem or who have had issues related to body image or sexuality.
Women who suffer from depression might experience fatigue, sleep problems and thoughts of suicide or death. In addition women suffering from depression may also experience feelings of guilt or shame. Women tend to blame themselves for their low spirits and this is made worse by having to care for their children and other loved ones. The use of antidepressants can help with these symptoms, but it is important to seek professional advice and guidance from a professional.