ADD Symptoms in Women
Women suffering from ADD often are misunderstood and dismissed as overly emotional. Some people are triggered to distraction or anger by minor inconveniences like waiting in line or in a queue.
Gender stereotypes can also mask symptoms, making them hard to recognize and diagnose. At Amen Clinics, we use brain imaging to help determine whether a woman has undetected ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the everyday tasks they must complete. They may describe their lives as like a constant mess or chaos and struggle to find the support they require from friends and family. They are also more susceptible to depression and anxiety because they are unable to cope with dealing with criticism and stress. Women with ADHD are also more likely to engage dangerous sexual activities, such as casual or promiscuous sexual relations. These behaviors can result in sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancies, and low self-esteem and feelings of shame.
Some psychologists are working to build up the research on ADHD in women of adulthood. Julia Rucklidge, a PhD student at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is leading one such effort. She and her colleagues focus on females with comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. These co-occurring disorders can mask or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, which can affect women's ability to perform at school, work, and home.
Rucklidge explains that a lot of the same biases that affect both genders make it hard to diagnose ADHD in girls and women. Rating scales tend to favor male behavior, and girls may have less efficient strategies to cope in the workplace or at college. Women with impulsive ADHD are often seen as irrational or aggressive, and they may conceal their symptoms in order to be accepted into.
In addition, many of the same behavioral symptoms are present in all three types of ADHD. Women can experience inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or mixed symptoms. They may be fidgety, constantly on the move, disruptive, forgetful and disorganized, talkative, impatient in their ability to wait for their turn, and susceptible to mood swings.
Inattentiveness
Although the hyperactive or impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more well-known, inattentive ADHD can be just as damaging for adults and children alike. The struggles to stay organized, manage time efficiently and track the daily chores can be overwhelming. A child might be late to school for important deadlines or a worker could not remember important meetings. Inattention ADHD may also cause relationship problems as other people become frustrated when a partner or colleague is often distracted by thoughts.
The non-hyperactive manifestation of ADHD isn't as prominent as the symptoms that are commonly associated with it, therefore it is easy for people to ignore or dismiss these challenges. Children with inattentive ADHD are often mistaken for uncooperative or lazy children due to the fact that they don't follow the instructions of their parents or teachers or do not think about their thoughts during classes. Adults with inattentive ADHD are often overlooked, because their symptoms are less obvious than their peers' hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Inattentional ADHD can include trouble staying focused, getting easily distracted and having difficulty paying attention to the smallest details and poor listening skills and frequent misplacing of items. Inattentive ADHD symptoms can be worsened by stress, anxiety or depression, diet and nutrition mineral deficiencies and medication adverse effects (particularly certain stimulant medications) and sleep issues, depression, or other medical conditions.
Inattentive ADHD is more prevalent in women and girls than other ADD manifestations, however this subtype is often under-diagnosed and undertreated. This is due to a number of factors including the specific symptoms, higher rates of anxiety and affective disorders in females and rating scales that favor male behavior. Inattention ADHD symptoms are also influenced by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period.
Impulsiveness
People who are unable to control their impulses feel a sense of excitement or tension prior to acting in response to their impulses. They also have a tough to resist their urges, even if they are aware that the behavior is harmful or problematic. They may feel regret or guilt following the incident, too.
Children tend to act in impulsive ways when they are learning about the consequences of their actions. It's also a symptom of certain disorders, such as ADHD, antisocial personality disorder, and pyromania (the urge to light fires).
The tendency to be impulsive could indicate that you are suffering from an illness of the mind like bipolar disorder a brain tumor or stroke or a chronic medical issue like diabetes or heart disease. Certain substances, like alcohol, can reduce your inhibitions and cause you to act recklessly.
A lack of impulse control can affect your relationships, work and daily life. If you suffer from ADHD for instance an impulsive attitude can interfere with your routine and impact your ability to manage money or work. Interrupting others while they talk, blurting answers to questions, and having difficulty waiting in line are all signs. In adults, impulsive behaviors can include shopping on a whim, spending too much money or watching too much television.
It is crucial to differentiate between compulsive and impulsive behavior. While impulsive behaviors are spontanious, compulsive actions are repetitive and ritualistic. For instance, sticking your hand in the flame to check if it's burning is an impulsive action and checking it over and over again to make sure the stove is not on is a compulsive act. Researchers don't know why men are more aggressive. Researchers speculate that genetics and hormonal changes in adolescence or adulthood, and also the environment could be the cause.
Agitation
Stress or a medical issue can cause a feeling of restlessness and irritation. It can cause a person to feel anxious, excited or tense, and it could lead to aggressive or suicidal behaviours. People who are agitated are often unable to sleep and might have problems with their relationships and work.
If someone feels anxious often, they should speak to their doctor. The doctor may want them to try a medication or therapy. If they experience chest pain or difficulty breathing, this could be an indication of a heartattack.
Sometimes, agitation may be a sign of depression. Depression can trigger feelings of sadness, helplessness and hopelessness. Some people who suffer from depression may feel agitated. This is often accompanied by anxiety and restlessness. This is called"agitated depression," and experts are still learning about the ways in which this type of depression differs from other types of depression.
Sometimes, agitation can be the symptom of a mental illness like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. These disorders can make an individual unable to discern between the real and fake. People with these conditions may sway or wring hands or feel as if they can't stay still.
Some medications, such as antipsychotics, can cause anxiety. People who take these medicines should consult with their doctor whenever they feel frequently agitated. In certain instances, doctors will give the patient a different drug that does not have this side effect. In addition to these medications, a person may also reduce their anxiety by avoiding stressful situations, eating healthy diet, and taking enough sleep.
signs of adhd adults following are the ways to reduce your risk of getting sick:
Women who suffer from depression are afflicted with a serious mental health problem that can trigger feelings of despair, sadness and worthlessness. It can also cause issues with eating, sleep and focusing. Women should seek treatment for depression as soon as they begin to notice signs. This will stop the symptoms from becoming worse and may even lead to an Relapse.
According to research that women are more prone to depression than men. It is believed that this is due to the variety of roles women play in their lives, such as being a wife and mother, which can create stress or lead to burnout. Women are also more likely to experience hormonal changes that could lead to depression, for instance during menopausal or pregnancy.
It is possible that certain women have a higher risk of depression due to previous history of depression or a family history of it. This can also be the case for women who have low self-esteem or who have had issues related to sexuality or body image.
The most prominent symptoms that are common in depression in women include a lack of energy as well as sleeplessness and thoughts of suicide or suicide. Women who are depressed may be prone to feeling guilt or shame. Women tend to blame themselves for their depressed mood, and this can be exacerbated because they have to care for their children and family members. Antidepressant medications can help alleviate these symptoms. However, it is crucial to seek out professional advice from a doctor.