ADD Symptoms in Women
Women suffering from ADD are often misunderstood or dismissed as being overly emotional. For some, small inconveniences like standing in lines or waiting for a call can drive them into rage or distraction.
Gender stereotypes can also mask symptoms, making them hard to recognize and identify. At Amen Clinics, we use brain imaging to help determine if a woman suffers from undetected ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the tasks they are required to complete. They may feel that their lives are in chaotic, or constant chaos. They are also unable to receive the support they require from family and friends. They are also more susceptible to anxiety and depression since they are unable to cope with dealing with stress and criticism. Women who suffer from ADHD can also be more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, such as promiscuous or casual sexual relations. These behaviors can result in sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancy and low self-esteem as well as feelings of shame.
Some psychologists are working on developing research on ADHD among adult women. Julia Rucklidge, a PhD student at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is leading one such endeavor. She and her coworkers focus on females suffering from comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression. These co-occurring disorders can mask or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, affecting the ability of a woman to function at work, school, and home.
Rucklidge explains that many of the same biases that affect both men and boys make it difficult to diagnose ADHD for girls and women. Rating scales are skewed toward male behavior, and females' strategies for coping may not be as effective in college or the workplace. Women with hyperactive ADHD symptoms are often viewed as being irrational or agressive and are more likely to conceal their symptoms in order to fit in better.
The three different subtypes of ADHD share many behavioral symptoms. Women can experience inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or mixed symptoms. They may be restless or fidgety. They may also be on the go or distracted and disorganized, forgetful and impatient inability and unwilling to wait for their turn, and susceptible to mood swings.
Inattentiveness
While the impulsive or hyperactive symptoms of ADHD are more well-known, inattentional ADHD can be equally damaging for adults and children alike. It can be overwhelming to try and remain organized, manage your time well and keep track of all your 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 coworker who is often lost in thought.
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 often are mistaken for being lazy or indifferent because they fail to follow the instructions of parents or teachers or even ponder their thoughts in classes. Adults with inattentive ADHD are often overlooked, since their symptoms might be less evident than those of their peers who exhibit impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can include having trouble staying focused, being easily distracted, difficulty paying attention to small details, poor listening skills, and frequent misplacement of belongings. Attention deficit ADHD symptoms can also be worsened by stress, anxiety, diet and nutrition, mineral deficiencies and medication side effects (particularly certain stimulant medications) poor sleep and depression, as well as other medical conditions.
Inattentional ADHD is more prevalent among women and girls than other ADD presentation, yet it is often misdiagnosed and not treated. This is largely due to a variety of factors, such as specific symptom manifestations, higher rates of co-existing anxiety disorders and affective disorders among females, and rating scales that are biased towards male behavior. In addition, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can significantly influence how inattention ADHD symptoms manifest.
Impulsiveness
People who have difficulty controlling their impulses experience a feeling of tension or excitement before they act on their urges. They also struggle to resist impulses, even if they are aware that their behavior is harmful or problematic. Afterward, they may feel regret or guilt.
It's normal for young children to be impulsive but they become aware of it as they grow and begin to understand the consequences of their actions. It is also a symptom of some conditions like ADHD, antisocial personalities disorder, and pyromania.
The tendency to be impulsive could be a sign of a mental illness, such as bipolar disorder, stroke, brain tumor, or diabetes. Alcohol can also trigger you to act impulsively because it reduces your inhibitions.
Inability to control your impulses can impact your relationships, career and your daily life. For example, if you suffer from ADHD, impulsive behaviors can disrupt your day-to-day routine and affect your ability to manage your finances or work. Some of the symptoms include interrupting other people when they're speaking, blurting out answers to questions, and finding it difficult to wait your turn in the line. In adults, impulsive behaviors may include shopping on decision and spending too much money, or watching a lot of television.
It is crucial to differentiate between impulsive and compulsive behavior. While impulsive behaviors are spontanious, compulsive actions are routine and ritualistic. For instance, placing your hand in the flame to see if it's burning is an impulsive behavior while constantly checking to make sure the stove is not on is a compulsive act. Research has shown that men are more impulsive than women, however researchers aren't sure why. They speculate that environmental factors, genetics and hormonal changes during the adolescent years and into adulthood could be a factor in the differences.
Agitation
Agitation is a feeling that causes restlessness and irritability that could be triggered by stress or an illness. It can cause someone to feel anxious, excited or nervous, and it can lead to aggressive or suicidal behaviours. People who are anxious are often unable to sleep and could have issues with their relationships or work.
Speak to your doctor if frequently agitated. The doctor may suggest that they try medication or therapy. If they experience chest pain or difficulty breathing, it could be an indication of a heart attack.
Sometimes, agitation can be a sign of depression. Depression can bring feelings of despair, sadness and helplessness. People who are depressed may also have agitation which is often accompanied with restlessness and anxiety. This is called agitated depressive disorder, and experts aren't sure what makes it different from other types.
Sometimes, agitation could be an indication of mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. These conditions can make it difficult for a person to tell what is real and what's not. These people may pace or shake hands, or feel as if they are unable to remain still.
Certain medications, like antipsychotics, can trigger an increase in agitation. People who take these medicines should talk to their doctor whenever they feel frequently agitated. Doctors can prescribe a medication that isn't prone to this effect. Apart from these medications one can attempt to lessen their anxiety by staying clear of situations that can stress them out, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.
Here are a few of the methods to lower your risk of contracting a disease:
Depression in women is a serious mental health condition that can cause feelings of despair, sadness and despair. It can also cause issues with sleep, eating and the ability to think clearly. It is essential for women to get treatment for depression as soon as they notice the first sign of the illness. This will stop the symptoms from becoming worse and may even lead to an Relapse.
Research indicates that women are more likely to be affected by depression than men. It is often thought that this is due to the multitude of roles women play in their lives, like being a mother and spouse and can cause stress or lead to burnout. Women are also more likely to have hormonal changes that can cause depression, for instance during menopausal or pregnancy.
It is possible that some women have a higher risk of depression because of an earlier history of the condition or a family history of it. This can also apply to women who have low self-esteem, or have had issues with body image or sexuality issues.
visit site suffering from depression may experience fatigue, sleep problems and thoughts of suicide or death. Women who are depressed may be prone to feeling guilt or shame. Women are more likely to blame themselves for their moods and this may be exacerbated because they have to care for their children and loved ones. Antidepressant medications can help alleviate these symptoms. However, it is crucial to seek out professional advice from a specialist.