ADD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADD are often misunderstood, or dismissed as being too emotional. For some, minor nuisances such as waiting in lines or waiting for a call can drive them into rage or disorientation.
Gender stereotypes can disguise symptoms, making them difficult to recognize and identify. At Amen Clinics, we use brain imaging to help determine whether a woman has undiagnosed ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the everyday tasks they are required to complete. They might feel that their lives are in continuous mess, or chaos. They also find it hard to get the help they require from family and friends. They are also more vulnerable to anxiety and depression since they have a hard time managing stress and criticism. Women with ADHD can also be more likely to engage in risky sexual actions, like promiscuity or casual sexual relations. These situations can lead to sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancy, and low self-esteem and feelings of shame.
Some psychologists are working on building up research on ADHD in adult women. symptoms of add in adults is a PhD student at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. She is leading this effort. Her team focuses on females suffering from comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression. These co-occurring conditions can mask or increase ADHD symptoms, which can affect the ability of a woman to function at school, work, and at home.
Rucklidge explains how many of the same biases that affect men and boys also make it difficult to identify ADHD in women and girls. Rating scales are skewed toward male behavior, and girls' strategies for dealing with stress may not be as effective in the classroom or workplace. Women who have hyperactive ADHD are often seen as irrational or aggressive, and may hide their symptoms in order to be accepted into.
All three types of ADHD have a variety of behavioral symptoms. Women can experience inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or mixed symptoms. They could be unruly, fidgety or in a hurry, disruptive or forgetful, unorganized and impatient, unable and unwilling to wait for their turn, and prone to mood swings.
Inattentiveness
While the impulsive or hyperactive symptoms of ADHD are more well-known, inattentive ADHD can be equally damaging for adults and children alike. The struggle to organize, manage time efficiently and track daily tasks can feel overwhelming. A child might not be able to meet important deadlines at school or a worker could not remember important meetings. Inattentive ADHD can also cause issues in relationships, as people become annoyed by a friend or coworker who is often lost in thoughts.
It's easy to overlook or dismiss the non-hyperactive signs of ADHD because they aren't as visible as stereotypical symptoms. Children who have inattentive ADHD are often viewed as lazy or uncooperative children because they do not follow the instructions of their parents or teachers or even think about their daydreams during class. Adults with inattentive ADHD are often overlooked because their symptoms may not be as obvious as their peers' hyperactivity or impulsivity.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can include difficulty staying focused, being easily distracted, having poor listening skills, as well as misplacing belongings frequently. Inattention ADHD symptoms can also be caused by anxiety, stress, diet and nutrition, mineral deficiencies, medication adverse effects (particularly certain stimulant medications), poor sleep, depression, or other medical conditions.
Inattentional ADHD affects more females and girls than any other ADD presentation, but it is often misdiagnosed and untreated. This is largely due to a mix of factors, including specific symptom presentations, higher rates of coexisting anxiety and affective disorders in females and rating scales that are biased toward male behavior. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are also influenced by hormone fluctuations during the menstrual period.
Impulsiveness
People who have difficulty controlling their impulses feel a sense of excitement or tension before they act in response to their impulses. They also have trouble resisting urges, even if they know that the act is harmful or dangerous. They often feel guilt or guilt afterwards, too.
It's normal for young children to be impulsive, but they grow out of it as they grow and begin to understand the consequences of their actions. It's also a sign of certain diseases, such as ADHD as well as antisocial personality disorder, and pyromania (the compulsion to set fires).
Impulsivity could be a sign of a mental illness such as bipolar disorder or stroke, brain tumors, or diabetes. Alcohol can cause you to be impulsive by reducing your inhibitions.
Inability to control your impulses can impact your relationships, career and your daily life. For instance, if have ADHD an impulsive behavior could disrupt your day-to-day routine and hinder your ability to work or manage money. Symptoms include interrupting others when they're talking, blurting out answers to questions and finding it difficult to wait your turn when standing in the line. Adults who are impulsive can include spending excessive amounts of money, shopping on a whim or consuming too much TV.
It is important to distinguish between compulsive and impulsive behavior. While impulsive behaviors are spontaneous, compulsive behavior is routine and ritualistic. For instance, placing the hand in the fire to see if it's still on is an act of impulsiveness while checking the stove frequently to make sure it's off is a regular habit. Studies have shown that men are more impulsive than women, however researchers aren't able to pinpoint the reason. They believe that environmental factors, genetics and hormonal changes during the adolescent years and into adulthood could be the reason for the differences.
Agitation
Agitation is a feeling of agitation and irritability that can be caused by stress or a medical condition. It can cause a person to feel anxious, agitated, or nervous, and it can lead to aggression or suicidal behaviors. People who are anxious may have difficulty sleeping and have problems with their relationships or at work.
If a person feels agitated often, they should speak to their doctor. The doctor might suggest that they try medication or therapy. It is also recommended to visit the hospital if they experience chest pain or breathing problems which could be a sign of an attack on the heart.
Sometimes, agitation can be a sign of depression. Depression can cause feelings of sadness, helplessness and hopelessness. Some people who suffer from depression may suffer from agitation. This is often associated with anxiety and agitation. This is known as"agitated depression," and experts are still learning how this type of depression differs from other types of depression.
In other instances, agitation may be the symptom of a mental health issue such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. These disorders can make an individual unable to discern between what is real and what isn't. People with these conditions may feel as if they can't stay still, and they may move around or shake their hands.
Certain medications, like antipsychotics, can trigger agitation. If you experience agitation regularly discuss it with your doctor. In certain instances, doctors will give the patient a different medicine that does not have this side effect. Apart from these medications people can also try to reduce their agitation by avoiding situations that cause stress and eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep.
Depression
Depression in women can cause feelings of despair and sadness. It can also lead to problems with eating, sleeping and thinking clearly. Women should seek treatment for depression as soon as they start to notice signs. This can prevent symptoms from getting worse, and could even prevent the relapse of depression.
Research indicates that women are more likely to experience depression than men. It is often thought that this is due to the variety of roles that women have in their lives, like being a wife and mother, which can create stress or lead to burnout. Women are more likely to experience hormonal changes which can lead to depression. This is especially true during pregnancy and after menopause.
It is also possible that women are more prone for depression due to a previous diagnosis of depression or a family history of it. This can also apply to women who are self-conscious, or have struggled with body image or sexuality issues.
Women who suffer from depression might be suffering from fatigue, sleep issues and thoughts of suicide or death. In addition, women who have depression can also feel a sense of guilt or shame. Women tend to blame themselves for their depressed mood, and this can be increased when they are required to care for their children and other loved ones. The use of antidepressant medication can ease these symptoms, but it is important to seek out professional advice and guidance from a doctor.