ADD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADD often are misunderstood and 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 mask symptoms, making them difficult to recognize and identify. At Amen Clinics, we use brain imaging to help determine if a woman has undetected ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by the everyday tasks they are required to complete. They might feel like a constant mess or chaos and find it difficult to get the support they need from friends and family. They are also more susceptible to depression and anxiety because they have a hard time managing stress and criticism. Women with ADHD can also be more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, like promiscuity or casual sexual relations. These situations can lead to sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancies, and low self-esteem and feelings of shame.
Some psychologists are working on developing research on ADHD among women of adulthood. Julia Rucklidge is a PhD student at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. She is leading this effort. Her and her colleagues are focusing on women who have comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. These co-occurring disorders can mask or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, which can affect women's ability to function at school, work, and home.
Rucklidge explains that many of the same biases which affect men and boys also make it difficult to recognize ADHD in women and girls. Rating scales tend to favor male behavior, and girls may have less effective coping strategies at school or at work. Women with impulsive ADHD are often dismissed as irrational or aggressive, and may hide their symptoms to fit in.
The three different subtypes of ADHD have a variety of behavioral symptoms. Women can experience inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or mixed symptoms. They might be agitated, fidgety or on the go, disruptive and disorganized, forgetful, talkative and impatient not able and unwilling to wait for their turn, and prone to mood swings.
Inattentiveness
Although the hyperactive or impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more well-known, the inattention of ADHD can be equally debilitating for children and adults alike. The struggle to stay organized and effectively manage time and track daily tasks can feel overwhelming. For instance, a child may not be able to meet important deadlines at school or a worker can forget about important meetings. Inattention ADHD can also cause issues in relationships, as people become frustrated by a partner or colleague who frequently gets lost in thoughts.
The non-hyperactive manifestation of ADHD is less apparent than the symptoms that are commonly associated with it, so it's easy to overlook or dismiss these problems. Children who have inattentive ADHD often are portrayed as being lazy or indifferent due to their inability to follow the instructions of teachers or parents or even ponder their thoughts in class. Adults with inattentive ADHD can also be ignored because their symptoms might not be as obvious as their peers with impulsivity or hyperactivity.
Attention deficit ADHD symptoms may include difficulties staying focused, getting easily distracted, lacking listening skills, and losing items often. Inattention ADHD symptoms can be caused by anxiety, stress or depression, diet and nutrition mineral deficiencies and medication adverse effects (particularly certain stimulant medications), poor sleep and depression, as well as other medical conditions.
Attention-deficit ADHD is more prevalent in women and girls than other ADD manifestations, however this type of ADD is often not diagnosed and not treated. This is due to a variety 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. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are also influenced by hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycle.
Impulsiveness
People who have trouble controlling their impulses frequently experience a feeling of tension or excitement prior to taking action on their impulses. They also struggle to resist urges, even when they are aware that the behavior is harmful or problematic. Afterward, they may feel guilt or regret.
It's normal for children to act impulsively however they get rid of it as they grow and learn more about the consequences of their actions. It can also be a sign of certain disorders like ADHD, antisocial personalities disorder and pyromania.
The tendency to be impulsive could indicate that you suffer from a mental health condition, like bipolar disorder, stroke or brain tumor or a chronic medical problem like heart disease or diabetes. Alcohol can cause you to act impulsively by reducing your inhibitions.
Inability to control your impulses can affect your relationships, career and daily life. For instance, if you are suffering from ADHD, impulsive behaviors can disrupt your day-to-day routine and impact your ability to work or manage money. Interrupting other people while they're talking, blurting out answers to questions, and having trouble waiting in line are all symptoms. In adults, impulsive behaviors may include shopping on impulse, spending too much money, or watching excessive amounts of television.
More is important to distinguish between compulsive and impulsive behavior. Compulsive behaviour is repetitive and ritualistic and impulsive behavior is spontaneous. For example, putting your hand into the fire to check if it's burning is an impulsive action, while repeatedly checking to ensure that the stove is turned off is a compulsive behavior. Studies have shown that men are more impulsive than women, but researchers aren't able to pinpoint the reason. They suggest that environmental factors, genetics and hormonal changes that occur during the adolescent and adulthood years could be a factor in the differences.
relevant resource site is a feeling that causes restlessness and irritability which can be caused by stress or an illness. It can cause a person to feel anxious, excited or tense, and can lead to aggression or suicidal behavior. People who are agitated might have trouble sleeping and may have issues in their relationships as well as at work.
If someone feels anxious often, they should speak to their doctor. The doctor might suggest to try a medication or therapy. If they feel chest pain or trouble breathing, this could be an indication of a heartattack.
Sometimes agitation can be a sign of depression. Depression can cause feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and helplessness. Some people with depression might also be agitated that is usually accompanied with restlessness and anxiety. This is called agitated depression, and experts are still learning the ways in which this type of depression differs from other forms of depression.
Sometimes, agitation may be an indication of mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. These conditions can make it hard for someone to discern what is real and what is not. Patients with these conditions may feel as if they can't sit still, and they might be agitated or wringing their hands.
Certain medications, such as antipsychotics, can trigger anxiety. People who are taking these drugs should consult with their doctor when they experience frequent agitation. Doctors may prescribe a medicine that does not have this side-effect. Apart from these medications, a person can try to lessen their anxiety by abstaining from situations that stress them out and eating a healthy diet and getting enough rest.
Depression
Depression in women can cause feelings of despair and sadness. It can also cause issues with sleep, eating and thinking clearly. Women should seek treatment for depression immediately they notice symptoms. This can stop the symptoms from getting worse and could lead to a Relapse.
Research suggests that women are more likely to be affected by depression than men. This is believed to be due to the numerous roles women play in their lives, like being a wife and mother which can cause burnout or stress. Women are also more likely to have hormonal changes that can lead to depression, such as during pregnancy or after menopause.
It is also possible that some women are at higher risk for depression due to a previous experience with the condition or an ancestor's history of it. This can also apply to women who lack self-esteem or who have had issues with sexuality or body image issues.
Women who suffer from depression might suffer from sleep issues, fatigue and thoughts of suicide or death. In symptoms of add in adults suffering from depression can also feel a sense of guilt or shame. This is due to the fact that women are more prone to blame themselves for their low moods, which can be exacerbated by the fact that they are entrusted with a greater responsibility to care for their children and other family members. Antidepressant medications can help alleviate these symptoms. However, it's crucial to seek out professional advice from a medical professional.