ADD Symptoms in Women
Women suffering from ADD often get misunderstood or dismissed as being emotionally prone. For some, minor nuisances such as waiting in lines or waiting on hold drive them to distraction or rage.
Gender stereotypes can also camouflage symptoms, making them difficult to detect and diagnose. At Amen Clinics, we use brain imaging to determine whether a woman has undetected ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the tasks they are required to complete. They may feel like their lives are in chaotic, or constant chaos. They also find it hard to receive the support they require from family and friends. They also have a harder time handling criticism and stress, making them more vulnerable to anxiety and depression. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to engage risky sexual actions like casual or promiscuous sex. These situations can lead to sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancy and low self-esteem, as well as feelings of shame.
A few psychologists are working to expand the research on ADHD in adult women. Julia Rucklidge is a PhD student at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. She is the head of this research. She and her colleagues are focusing on women who suffer from comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. These co-occurring disorders can cause or worsen ADHD symptoms, which can affect women's ability to function at work, school, and home.
Rucklidge explains that many of the same biases which affect both men and boys make it difficult to diagnose ADHD for girls and women. Rating scales tend to favor male behavior, and girls might not have the most effective strategies for coping in the workplace or at college. Women who have an impulsive ADHD symptoms are often dismissed as being irrational or agressive, and they can be more likely to hide their symptoms to fit in better.
All three types of ADHD share a number of behavioral signs. Women can experience inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or mixed symptoms. They could be unruly or fidgety. They may also be constantly moving around or distracted, forgetful, disorganized, talkative and impatient inability and unwilling to wait for their turn, and prone to mood swings.
Inattentiveness
Attention-deficit ADHD can be equally detrimental for adults and children. The struggles to stay organized, manage time efficiently and stay on top of the daily chores can be overwhelming. Children may miss important deadlines in school, or a worker may forget important meetings. Inattention ADHD can also lead to issues with relationships as others are annoyed when a partner or coworker is often lost in thought.
The non-hyperactive manifestation of ADHD is less visible than the symptoms that are commonly associated with it, therefore it is easy for people to ignore or dismiss these issues. Children who have inattentive ADHD often are portrayed as being uncooperative or lazy because they fail to follow instructions from teachers or parents, or daydream in classes. Adults with inattentive ADHD are often overlooked since their symptoms might be less evident than those of their peers' hyperactivity and impulsivity.
The signs of inattention ADHD can include having trouble staying focused, being easily distracted and unable to pay attention to small details, poor listening skills, and frequent misplacing of items. Attention deficit ADHD symptoms can be caused by anxiety, stress or depression, diet and nutrition mineral deficiencies as well as medication-related side effects (particularly certain stimulant medications) and sleep issues, depression, or other medical conditions.
adhd in women symptoms is more prevalent in women and girls than other ADD manifestations, however this type of ADD is often not diagnosed and undertreated. This is due to a variety of factors including the specific symptoms with higher rates of anxiety and affective disorder in females, and rating scales that favor male behavior. In addition, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle may significantly impact how inattentive ADHD symptoms appear.
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 a hard to resist the urges even when they know the behavior is harmful or problematic. Afterward, they may feel guilt or regret.
Children tend to act in impulsive ways as they learn about the consequences of their choices. It's also a symptom of certain conditions like ADHD and antisocial personality disorder and pyromania (the compulsion to set fires).
The tendency to be impulsive could be a sign of mental illness, such as bipolar disorder or stroke, brain tumors, or diabetes. Certain substances, like alcohol can break down your inhibitions and cause you to behave impulsively.
adhd in men symptoms of impulse control can affect your relationships, career and everyday life. If you suffer from ADHD, for example, impulsive behavior can affect your daily routine and impair your ability to manage your finances or work. Interrupting other people while they talk, blurting answers to questions, and having difficulty waiting in line are all symptoms. Impulsive behaviors in adults can include spending excessively on purchases, shopping on a whim or watching too much television.
It is important to distinguish between compulsive and impulsive behavior. Compulsive behaviour is repetitive and ritualistic however impulsive behavior is spontaneous. For instance, placing a hand in a fire to check if it's on is an impulsive action while checking the stove on a regular basis to ensure it's off is a routine behavior. Studies show that men are more aggressive than women, but researchers aren't able to pinpoint the reason. Researchers speculate that hormonal changes and genetics in adulthood or adolescence, as well as the surrounding environment could be contributing factors.
Agitation
Stress or a medical condition can trigger a feeling restlessness and irritability. It can cause a person to feel anxious, excited, or nervous, and it can lead to aggressive or suicidal behaviours. People who are anxious often find it hard to sleep and could have issues with their relationships or at work.
Consult your doctor if you feel agitated often. The doctor may suggest to consider therapy or medication. They should also visit the hospital if they have chest pain or trouble breathing that could indicate heart attacks.
Sometimes agitation can be a sign of depression. Depression can trigger feelings of sadness, hopelessness and despair. People who are depressed may also have agitation that is usually accompanied with restlessness and anxiety. This is known as agitated depression, and experts are still learning about how this type of depression differs from other types of depression.
Sometimes, agitation may be an indication of mental illness, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. These conditions can make it hard for someone to discern what is real and what is not. They may be agitated, hold hands, or feel as if they can't stay still.
Agitation can also be an effect of certain medications, including antipsychotic drugs. People who are taking these drugs should consult their physician when they experience frequent agitation. Doctors may prescribe a medicine that isn't prone to this side-effect. Aside from these medicines, a person can try to reduce their agitation by avoiding situations that stress them out and eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep.
Depression
Depression in women can cause feelings of sadness and hopelessness. It can also cause issues with eating, sleep and the ability to think clearly. Women should seek treatment for depression when they begin to start to notice signs. This can prevent the symptoms from getting worse and could lead to the possibility of a return.
According to research, women are more susceptible to depression than men. This is thought to be due to the many roles women play in their lives, for example being a wife and mother which can cause stress or burnout. Women are also more likely to experience hormonal changes that could lead to depression, for instance during pregnancy or after menopause.
It is possible that some women are more at risk of depression due to previous history of depression or a family history of it. adhd in women symptoms can also apply to women who are self-conscious, or have struggled with body image or sexuality issues.
Women suffering from depression may be suffering from fatigue, sleep issues and thoughts of suicide or death. In addition, women who have depression may also feel feelings of guilt or shame. This is due to the fact that women are more susceptible to blaming themselves for their low moods, which can be exacerbated by the fact that they are entrusted with more responsibility to care for their children and other family members. Antidepressant medications can help alleviate these symptoms. However, it is crucial to seek out professional advice from a medical professional.