ADD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADD are often misunderstood, or dismissed as being excessively emotional. Some people are triggered to distraction or rage over minor issues like waiting in line or in a queue.
Stereotypes about gender can be a reason for symptoms to be hidden which makes it difficult to detect and diagnose. Amen Clinics uses brain imaging to determine if a woman suffers from undiagnosed ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by the everyday tasks they must complete. They may feel that their lives are a constant mess, or chaos. They may also have difficulty to receive the support they need from family and friends. They are also more prone to anxiety and depression since they have difficulty dealing with criticism and stress. Women with ADHD are also more likely to engage in sexually risky behaviors, such as promiscuous or casual sexual relations. These experiences can lead to sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancy and low self-esteem, as well as feelings of shame.
Some psychologists are working on advancing the research on ADHD in adult women. Julia Rucklidge, a PhD student at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is leading one of these efforts. She and her colleagues focus on females who suffer from comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. These co-occurring illnesses can mask or exacerbate ADHD, affecting the capacity of a woman to perform at work, home and at school.
Rucklidge discusses how many of the same biases that affect boys and men also make it difficult to identify ADHD in girls and women. Rating scales are biased towards male behavior, and girls might have less effective coping strategies at school or at work. Women who have an impulsive ADHD are often seen as aggressive or irrational, and they may conceal their symptoms to make themselves more acceptable to.
In addition to that, a lot of the same behavioral signs can be observed in all three types of ADHD. 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
Inattentional ADHD is equally debilitating to adults and children. The struggle to stay organized, manage time efficiently and stay on top of daily tasks can feel overwhelming. Children may not be able to meet important deadlines at school or a worker could miss important meetings. Inattentive ADHD can also cause problems with relationships when others are annoyed by a partner or colleague who frequently gets lost in thoughts.
The non-hyperactive presentation of ADHD isn't as prominent as the symptoms that are commonly associated with it, therefore it is easy to overlook or dismiss these issues. Children who have inattentive ADHD are often portrayed as lazy or uncooperative kids because they don't heed the instructions of their teachers or parents or daydream during class. Adults with inattentive ADHD are also often ignored because their symptoms might not be as obvious as their peers' hyperactivity or impulsivity.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can include difficulty staying focused, getting easily distracted, lacking listening skills, and losing items frequently. Inattentive ADHD can be exacerbated or made worse by stress, anxiety and other conditions such as depression, poor sleep, nutrition, medication side-effects (especially stimulant medications) as well as poor eating habits and nutritional deficiencies.
Attention-deficit ADHD is more prevalent in women and girls than other ADD manifestations, yet this type of disorder is often overlooked and undertreated. This is largely due to a combination of factors, such as specific symptom presentations, higher rates of coexisting anxiety and affective disorders among females, and rating scales that are skewed towards male behavior. In addition, hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles can greatly influence how inattention ADHD symptoms manifest.
Impulsiveness
People who are unable to control their impulses usually feel a sense of excitement or tension before taking action on their impulses. They also have a hard to resist the urges even if they are aware that the behavior is harmful or problematic. Afterward, they often feel guilt or regret.
Children tend to act in impulsive ways when they are learning about the consequences of their choices. It's also a sign of certain disorders like ADHD, antisocial personality disorder, and pyromania (the urge to light fires).
Impulsivity can be a sign that you suffer from mental health issues like bipolar disorder a brain tumor or stroke or a medical condition that is chronic, such as diabetes or heart disease. Alcohol can also trigger you to act impulsively by reducing your inhibitions.
Insomniacs can impact your relationships, career and your daily life. If you have ADHD, for example, impulsive behavior can disrupt your daily routine and affect 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. Adults, impulsive behavior can include shopping on a whim or spending too much money or watching too much television.
It is important to know the difference between impulsive and compulsive behavior. While impulsive behavior is spontanious, compulsive actions are repetitive and ritualistic. For example, putting your hand into the fire to see if it's burning is an impulsive action while constantly checking to make sure the stove is off is a habitual behavior. Research has shown that men are more impulsive than women, however researchers aren't able to pinpoint the reason. They suggest that environmental factors, genetics and hormonal changes in adolescence and adulthood could be the reason for the differences.
Agitation
Stress or a medical issue can trigger a feeling restlessness and irritability. It can cause someone to feel anxious, excited, or tense, and can lead to aggression or suicidal behaviors. People who are anxious are often unable to sleep and could have issues with their relationships or work.
If someone is agitated often, they should talk to their doctor. The doctor may suggest to try a medication or therapy. They should also go to the hospital in case they experience chest pain or breathing problems, which could be a sign of an attack on the heart.
Sometimes, agitation may be a sign of depression. Depression can trigger feelings of sadness, hopelessness and despair. Some people who suffer from depression may suffer from agitation. This is usually accompanied by anxiety and restlessness. This is referred to as agitated depression disorder, and experts still aren't sure how it differs from other kinds.
Sometimes, agitation can be an indication of a mental health condition like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. These conditions can make it hard for someone to discern what is real and what is not. People who have these conditions may feel as if they can't stay still, and they might move around or shake their hands.
Certain medications, like antipsychotics, can cause agitation. If you are experiencing agitation on a regular basis consult your physician. In some instances doctors will prescribe the patient a different medicine that doesn't cause this effect. In addition to these medicines, a person may also reduce their agitation through avoidance of stressful situations, eating healthy diet, and getting enough rest.
The following are the ways to reduce your risk:
Depression in women can cause feelings of despair and sadness. adult signs of adhd can also cause problems with sleep, eating and the ability to think clearly. It is important for women to seek treatment for depression at the earliest indication of the illness. This can prevent the symptoms from getting worse and could lead to the possibility of a relapse.
According to research that women are more prone to depression than men. This is believed to be due to the many roles women have in their lives, like being a wife and mother, which can lead to burnout or stress. Women are also more likely to have hormonal changes that could lead to depression, for instance during pregnancy or after menopause.
It is possible that certain women have a higher chance of developing depression due to previous history of the condition, or a family background of it. This can also apply to women who lack self-esteem, or have had issues with body image or sexuality issues.
A few of the symptoms that can be seen in women who suffer from depression include a lack of energy sleeplessness, insomnia and thoughts of suicide or suicide. In addition, women who have depression may also experience feelings of guilt or shame. This is because women are more prone to blaming themselves for their moods, which can be exacerbated by the fact that they bear more responsibility to care for their children and other loved ones. Antidepressant medications can help alleviate these symptoms. However, it's essential to seek advice from a professional from a doctor.