ADD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADD frequently are misunderstood or dismissed as being emotionally prone. Some people are triggered to distraction or anger by minor inconveniences like waiting in line or being in a queue.
Gender stereotypes can also mask symptoms, making them difficult to recognize and diagnose. At Amen Clinics, we use brain imaging to determine whether a woman has undiagnosed ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks they must complete. They may describe their lives as like a constant mess or chaos and find it difficult to get the help they require from friends and family. They are also more prone to depression and anxiety because they have a hard time dealing with stress and criticism. Women with ADHD are also more likely to engage dangerous sexual activities, such as sexually explicit or casual sexual activity. These behaviors can result in sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancies, and low self-esteem and feelings of shame.
Some psychologists are working on building up research on ADHD among women of adulthood. symptoms of add in adults , a PhD student at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is leading one of these efforts. She and her colleagues focus on females who suffer from comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression. These co-occurring illnesses can be a source of confusion or even worsen ADHD, affecting the ability of a woman to function at home, work and at school.
Rucklidge says that many of the same biases that affect men and boys make it difficult to identify ADHD in girls and women. Rating scales are biased towards male behavior and a girl may have less effective strategies for coping in college or at work. Women who have an impulsive ADHD symptoms are often viewed as being irrational or agressive, and they can be more likely to conceal their symptoms to fit in better.
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 fidgety, constantly on the move, disruptive or disorganized and impatient and unable to wait their turn, and prone to mood swings.
Inattentiveness
Inattentional ADHD is equally debilitating for adults and children. It can be overwhelming to remain organized, manage your time efficiently and manage all the daily tasks. A child might not be able to meet important deadlines at school or a worker might miss important meetings. Inattention ADHD can cause issues in relationships, as people become annoyed by a partner or colleague who is frequently lost in thoughts.
It's easy to dismiss or ignore the non-hyperactive signs of ADHD because they are less obvious than the typical symptoms. Children who have inattentive ADHD are often viewed as uncooperative or lazy children due to the fact that they do not follow the instructions of their teachers or parents or daydream during classes. Adults with inattentive ADHD are often overlooked, since their symptoms might be less evident than those of their peers with impulsivity and hyperactivity.
The signs of inattention ADHD can include trouble staying focused, getting easily distracted, difficulty paying attention to small details, poor listening skills, and frequent misplacing of belongings. Inattention ADHD symptoms can be exacerbated by stress, anxiety, diet and nutrition, mineral deficiencies and medication adverse effects (particularly certain stimulant medications) poor sleep, depression, or other medical ailments.
Attention-deficit ADHD is more prevalent among females and girls than any other ADD manifestation, but it is often not properly diagnosed and treated. This is largely due to a combination of factors, including specific symptoms presentations, higher rates of coexisting anxiety and affective disorders among females, and rating scales that are skewed towards male behavior. Inattention ADHD symptoms are also influenced by hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycle.
Impulsiveness
People who have difficulty controlling their impulses experience a feeling of excitement or tension before they decide to act in response to their impulses. They also have trouble resisting urges, even when they are aware that the behavior is harmful or problematic. They often feel remorse or guilt afterwards, too.
It's common for young children to act impulsively, but they grow out of it as they grow older and become aware of the consequences of their actions. It is also a symptom of certain disorders like ADHD as well as antisocial personalities disorder and pyromania.
The tendency to be impulsive could indicate that you have mental health issues, like bipolar disorder, a brain tumor or stroke or a chronic medical issue such as diabetes or heart disease. Certain substances, like alcohol can reduce your inhibitions and cause you to behave recklessly.
A lack of impulse control can impact your relationships, work and everyday life. For instance, if suffer from ADHD, impulsive behaviors can interfere with your daily routine and hinder your ability to manage your finances or work. Interrupting others while they are talking, blurting answers to questions, and having difficulty waiting in line are all symptoms. Adults, impulsive behavior could include shopping on a impulse or spending too much money, or watching a lot of television.
It is crucial to differentiate between compulsive and impulsive behavior. While impulsive behavior is spontaneous, compulsive behavior is routine and ritualistic. As an example, putting the hand in the fire to see if it's still on is an act of impulsiveness while checking the stove repeatedly to ensure that it is off is a routine behavior. Researchers aren't sure why men are more aggressive. They believe that genetics, environment and hormonal changes in the adolescent years and into adulthood could be the reason for the differences.
Agitation
Stress or a medical issue can trigger a feeling of agitation and irritability. It can make a person feel anxious, excited or anxious. It could also lead to aggressive or suicidal behavior. People who are anxious may have difficulty sleeping and have problems with their relationships or at work.
Consult your doctor if you are agitated often. The doctor may suggest to consider therapy or medication. It is also recommended to visit the hospital in case they experience chest pain or difficulty breathing, which could be a sign of an attack on the heart.
Sometimes, agitation is a sign of depression. Depression can trigger feelings of sadness, helplessness and despair. Some people with depression may also have agitation that is usually accompanied with restlessness and anxiety. This is called agitated depression, and experts are still learning the ways in which this kind of depression is different from other forms of depression.
Other times, agitation is the symptom of a mental illness like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. These conditions can make it hard for people to determine what is real and what is not. People with these conditions may sway or wring hands or feel as if they can't stay still.
Agitation is also a side effect of some medication, such as antipsychotics. If you feel agitated on a regular basis, talk to your doctor. In certain instances doctors may prescribe the patient a different medication that doesn't cause this effect. In addition to these medications one can attempt to decrease their anxiety by abstaining from situations that can stress them out and eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep.
Depression
Depression in women can cause feelings of sadness and hopelessness. It can also cause issues with sleeping, eating and the ability to think clearly. Women should seek treatment for depression immediately they start to notice signs. This can help prevent the symptoms from getting worse and could even stop a relapse of depression.
Research suggests that women are more likely to experience depression than men. It is believed that this is due to the number of roles women play in life, such as being a mother and spouse, which can create stress or lead to burnout. Women are also more likely to have hormonal changes that could lead to depression, for instance during pregnancy or after menopause.
It is also possible that certain women are at higher risk for depression because of a previous diagnosis of depression or an ancestor's history of it. This is also the case for women who have a low self-esteem or have faced issues with sexuality or body image.
Some of the specific symptoms that can be seen in women suffering from depression include a lack of energy sleeplessness, insomnia and thoughts of dying or suicide. People who are depressed may also feel guilt or shame. Women are more likely to blame themselves for their depressed mood and this may be increased when they are required to take care of their children and other loved ones. The use of antidepressant medication can ease these symptoms however, it is crucial to get professional advice and guidance from a specialist.