ADD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADD are often misunderstood or dismissed as being overly emotional. For some, small inconveniences such as waiting in lines or waiting on hold drive them into rage or disorientation.
Gender stereotypes may also mask symptoms making it difficult to recognize and diagnose. Amen Clinics uses brain imaging to determine if a female suffers from undiagnosed ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the tasks they have to perform. They might describe their lives as like a constant chaos, and they struggle to find the help they require from family and friends. They are also more prone to anxiety and depression since they have a hard time dealing with stress and criticism. Women who suffer from ADHD can also be more likely to engage in sexually risky behavior, like promiscuity or casual sex. These experiences can lead to sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies, as well as low self-esteem, and feelings of shame.
Psychologists are working to expand the research on ADHD in women who are adults. 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 suffer from comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. These co-occurring disorders can mask or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, which can affect women's ability to function at school, work, and home.
Rucklidge says that many of the same biases that affect both genders make it difficult to recognize ADHD in women and girls. Rating scales are biased towards male behavior, and females' strategies for dealing with stress may not be as effective in college or the workplace. Women with hyperactive ADHD are often dismissed as irrational or aggressive, and can hide their symptoms to make themselves more acceptable to.
adhd symptoms for women of ADHD have a variety of 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 and disruptive and disorganized, forgetful and impatient not able and unwilling to wait for their turn, and prone to mood swings.
Inattentiveness
Attention-deficit ADHD is just as debilitating to children and adults. It can be overwhelming to try and remain organized, manage your time efficiently and keep track of all the daily tasks. A child might not be able to meet important deadlines at school or a worker might forget important meetings. Inattentive ADHD can also cause issues with relationships as others are annoyed when a partner or coworker is often lost in thought.
It's easy to overlook or dismiss the non-hyperactive symptoms of ADHD because they aren't as visible as stereotypical symptoms. Children who have inattentive ADHD are often mistaken for uncooperative or lazy children due to the fact that they don't heed the instructions of their parents or teachers or even think about their daydreams during classes. Adults with inattentive ADHD are often overlooked because their symptoms are less evident than those of their peers' hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Attention deficit ADHD symptoms can include difficulty staying focused, being easily distracted, having poor listening skills, and losing things often. Inattentive ADHD can be exacerbated or made more severe by stress, anxiety and other issues like depression, poor sleep and nutrition, side effects of medication (especially stimulant medications) and poor diet and nutritional deficiencies.
Attention-deficit ADHD affects more females and girls than any other ADD manifestation, but it is often not properly diagnosed and treated. This is due to a combination of factors, including specific symptoms presentations, higher rates of co-existing anxiety disorders and affective disorders in females and rating scales that are skewed toward male behavior. Furthermore, hormonal fluctuations throughout menstrual cycles can greatly influence how inattention ADHD symptoms manifest.
Impulsiveness
People who are unable to control their impulses experience a feeling of excitement or tension before they act in response to their impulses. They also have a tough time resisting the urges, even if they are aware that the behaviour is detrimental or dangerous. Afterward, they may feel guilt or regret.
It's normal for young children to be impulsive, but they grow out of it as they mature and begin to understand the consequences of their actions. It's also a symptom of certain disorders like ADHD and antisocial personality disorder and pyromania.
Impulsivity may be a sign of a mental illness such as bipolar disorder, stroke, brain tumor, or diabetes. Alcohol can also cause you to be impulsive by reducing your inhibitions.
Lack of impulse control can affect your relationships, career and daily life. If you suffer from ADHD for instance your impulsive behavior could interfere with your routine and impact your ability to manage money or work. The signs include interrupting people when they're speaking, blurting out answers to questions, and finding it difficult to wait your turn in the line. Adults, impulsive behavior could include shopping on a impulse and spending too much money, or watching excessive amounts of television.
It's crucial to understand the difference between impulsive and compulsive behavior. Compulsive behavior is ritualistic and repetitive however impulsive behavior is spontaneous. For instance, placing your hand in the fire to check if it's burning is an impulsive act while constantly checking to ensure that the stove is turned off is a compulsive behavior. Researchers aren't sure why men are more than women. Researchers speculate that genetics and hormonal changes during adolescence and adulthood as well as the surrounding environment could be the cause.
Agitation
Stress or a medical condition can trigger a feeling restlessness and anger. It may cause a person to feel anxious, excited, or tense, and it can trigger aggression or suicidal behaviors. People who are anxious often find it hard to sleep and might have issues with their relationships and work.
If a person feels agitated frequently, they should talk to their doctor. The doctor might suggest that they try a medication or therapy. If they experience chest pain or difficulty breathing, this could be an indication of a heart attack.
Sometimes, agitation may be a sign of depression. Depression can cause feelings of helplessness, sadness and hopelessness. Some people with depression might also be agitated, which is often combined with restlessness and anxiety. This is referred to as"agitated depression," and experts are still learning the ways in which this kind of depression is different from other forms of depression.
Sometimes, agitation can be a sign of a mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. These conditions can render people unable to differentiate between the real and fake. These people may pace or shake hands, or feel as if they are unable to remain still.
Agitation is also a side effect of some medications, including antipsychotic drugs. People who take these medicines should consult with their doctor if they feel agitated regularly. Doctors can prescribe a medication that isn't prone to this effect. In addition to these medicines they can reduce their anxiety by staying clear of stressful situations, eating healthy diet, and getting enough rest.
Depression
Depression in women is an extremely serious mental health issue that can lead to feelings of despair, sadness and worthlessness. It can also lead to issues with sleeping, eating and thinking clearly. It is important for women to seek treatment for depression as soon as they notice the first indication of the illness. This will stop the symptoms from becoming worse and may even lead to an return.
According to research studies, women are more susceptible to depression than men. This is thought to be due to the many roles women have in their lives, such as being a wife and mother, which can lead to burnout or stress. Women are also more likely to have hormonal changes that can lead to depression, for instance during pregnancy or after menopause.
It is possible that some women are at a greater chance of developing depression due to previous history of depression, or a family background of it. This is also the case for women who have low self-esteem or who have had issues related to sexuality or body image.
Women who are depressed may suffer from sleep issues, fatigue and thoughts of suicide or death. Additionally women suffering from depression may also feel feelings of guilt or shame. Women tend to blame themselves for their moods and this may be exacerbated because they have to care for their children and other loved ones. The use of antidepressant medication can help with these symptoms, but it is important to get professional advice and guidance from a specialist.