ADD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADD are often misunderstood or dismissed as being overly emotional. Some people are triggered to distraction or anger by minor inconveniences such as waiting in line or on hold.
Gender stereotypes can also mask symptoms, making them hard to detect and diagnose. Amen Clinics uses brain imaging to determine if a woman has undiagnosed ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the everyday tasks they must complete. They may feel like their lives are in continuous mess, or chaos. They also find it hard to receive the support they require from family and friends. symptoms of adhd adult have a difficult dealing with stress and criticism and are more susceptible to anxiety and depression. Women with ADHD are also more likely to engage in sexually risky behaviors, such as promiscuous or casual sexual activity. These experiences can lead to sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancies, and low self-esteem and feelings of shame.
Some psychologists are working to expand the research on ADHD in adult women. Julia Rucklidge, a PhD student at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is leading one such effort. She and her colleagues are focusing on females who have comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. These co-occurring disorders can cause or worsen ADHD symptoms, affecting a woman's ability to perform at school, work and at home.
Rucklidge explains that many of the same biases that affect men and boys also make it difficult to recognize ADHD for girls and women. Rating scales are skewed toward male behavior, and a girl's strategies for coping may not be as efficient in the college setting or in the workplace. Women who have an impulsive ADHD are often dismissed as irrational or aggressive, and may hide their symptoms in order to make themselves more acceptable to.
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 and fidgety, or constantly moving around or distracted, forgetful, disorganized and impatient inability and unwilling to wait for their turn, and prone mood swings.
Inattentiveness
Although the hyperactive or impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more well-known, the inattention of ADHD can be just as debilitating for children and adults alike. The struggle to stay organized, manage time effectively and track the daily chores can be overwhelming. A child might be late to school for important deadlines or a worker might forget important meetings. Inattention ADHD can also lead to relationships problems when other people are annoyed when a partner or coworker is often lost in thought.
It's easy to overlook or dismiss the non-hyperactive signs of ADHD because they are less obvious than stereotypical symptoms. Children with inattentive ADHD are often portrayed as lazy or uncooperative children because they do not follow the instructions of their parents or teachers or do not think about their thoughts during class. Adults with inattentive ADHD are often overlooked since their symptoms might be less evident than those of their peers who exhibit impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Attention deficit ADHD symptoms may include difficulties staying focused, getting easily distracted, having poor listening skills, and misplacing belongings frequently. Inattention ADHD symptoms can be exacerbated by stress, anxiety or depression, diet and nutrition mineral deficiencies as well as medication-related adverse effects (particularly certain stimulant medications), poor sleep, depression, or other medical ailments.
Attention-deficit ADHD is more prevalent in females and girls than other ADD manifestations, yet this type of disorder is often overlooked and not treated. This is due to a number of factors, including the specific symptoms presented as well as the higher prevalence of anxiety and affective disorders in females, and rating scales that favor male behavior. Furthermore, hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can significantly influence how inattention ADHD symptoms appear.
Impulsiveness
People who struggle to control their impulses usually feel a sense of excitement or tension before taking action on their impulses. They also struggle to resist urges, even when they are aware that the act is harmful or dangerous. They often feel remorse or guilt afterward, too.
Children are often impulsive when they are learning about the consequences of their actions. It's also a symptom of certain conditions, such as ADHD as well as antisocial personality disorder and pyromania (the compulsion to set fires).
The tendency to be impulsive could be a sign of mental illness, like bipolar disorder or stroke, brain tumors or diabetes. Certain substances, like alcohol, can also break down your inhibitions and cause you to act recklessly.
Insomniacs can affect your relationships, career and daily life. For instance, if you are suffering from ADHD, impulsive behaviors can affect your daily routine and hinder your ability to manage your money or work. Interrupting other people while they're talking, blurting out answers to questions, and having trouble waiting in line are all signs. In adults, impulsive behaviors could include shopping on a whim and spending too much money, or watching too much television.
It is important to know the difference between compulsive and impulsive behavior. Compulsive behavior is ritualistic and repetitive and impulsive behavior is spontaneous. As an example, putting the hand in the fire to see if it's still on is an impulsive act and checking the stove repeatedly to ensure it's off is a routine behavior. Studies have shown that men are more impulsive than women, however researchers don't know exactly why. They believe that genetics, environment and hormonal changes in adolescence and adulthood could be the reason for the differences.
Agitation
Stress or a medical issue can cause a feeling of restlessness and irritability. It can make someone feel anxious, agitated or tense. It can also lead to suicidal or aggressive behavior. People who are agitated often find it hard to sleep and might have problems with their relationships and work.
Consult your doctor if you are frequently agitated. The doctor may suggest they try therapy or medication. They should also go to the hospital if they experience chest pain or difficulty breathing that could indicate an attack on the heart.
Sometimes, agitation may be a sign of depression. Depression can cause feelings of sadness, helplessness and despair. People with depression may also experience agitation which is often accompanied with restlessness and anxiety. This is referred to as an agitated depression. Experts are still learning about how this kind of depression is different from other forms of depression.
Sometimes, agitation can be an indication of a mental health condition such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. These conditions can render people unable to differentiate between what is real and not. People who have these conditions may feel as if they can't stay still, and may pace or wring their hands.
Agitation is also an effect of certain medications, such as antipsychotic drugs. People who are taking these drugs should consult with their doctor when they experience frequent agitation. In some cases doctors may prescribe the patient a different medication that doesn't have this side effect. In addition to these medications one can attempt to lessen their anxiety by abstaining from situations that cause stress and eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep.
Depression
Depression in women is an extremely serious mental health issue that can trigger feelings of despair, sadness and despair. It can also cause problems with sleeping, eating and focusing. Women should seek treatment for depression immediately they notice symptoms. This can prevent symptoms from getting worse, and may even prevent the possibility of a relapse in depression.
Research indicates that women are more likely to experience depression than men. This is thought to be due to the numerous roles women play in their lives, like being a mother and wife which can cause stress or burnout. Women are also more likely to experience hormonal changes that could lead to depression, such as when they are pregnant or after menopausal.
It is also possible that some women are more prone for depression due to a previous history of the condition or the family history of it. This can also be the case for women with an insecure self-esteem or have had issues related to body image or sexuality.
A few of the signs that are present in depression in women include a lack of energy, difficulty sleeping and thoughts of dying or suicide. In addition, women who have depression may also feel feelings of guilt or shame. Women are more likely to blame themselves for their low spirits and this is exacerbated because they have to look after their children and other loved ones. The use of antidepressant medication can help with these symptoms however it is essential to seek professional advice and guidance from a professional.