ADD Symptoms in Women
Women suffering from ADD often get misunderstood or dismissed as emotionally unstable. Some sufferers are sucked into a state of disorientation or rage over minor issues like waiting in line or being in a queue.
Gender stereotypes can disguise symptoms, making them hard to identify and identify. Amen Clinics uses brain imaging to determine if a woman suffers from undiagnosed ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by the tasks they are required to complete. They may feel like their lives are a continuous mess, or chaos. They are also unable to get the help they require from family and friends. They also have a harder time handling criticism and stress which makes them more prone to anxiety and depression. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to engage risky sexual behaviors such as sexually promiscuous or casual sex. These experiences can lead to sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancies and low self-esteem, as well as feelings of shame.
Some psychologists are working on conducting research on ADHD among adult women. Julia Rucklidge is a PhD student at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. She is leading this effort. She and her colleagues are focusing on females who suffer from comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These co-occurring illnesses can mask or exacerbate ADHD and affect the ability of a woman to perform at home, work and at school.
Rucklidge explains that a lot of the same biases that affect men and boys make it difficult to identify ADHD in women and girls. Rating scales are biased towards male behavior and a girl may have less effective coping strategies in college or at work. Women who have impulsive ADHD are often dismissed as being irrational or aggressive and they may conceal their symptoms to make themselves more acceptable to.
All three types of ADHD have a variety of behavioral symptoms. Women can experience inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or mixed symptoms. They may be fidgety, constantly on the move, disruptive or disorganized as well as impatient, irritable, unable to wait their turn, and prone to mood swings.
Inattentiveness
While the impulsive or hyperactive symptoms of ADHD are more well-known, the inattention of ADHD can be equally damaging for adults and children alike. The struggles to stay organized, manage time efficiently and stay on top of everyday tasks can be overwhelming. A child may not be able to meet important deadlines at school or a worker could miss important meetings. Inattentive ADHD can also cause problems in relationships, as people become annoyed by a friend or colleague who frequently gets lost in thoughts.
It's easy to overlook or dismiss the non-hyperactive signs of ADHD because they aren't as visible as typical symptoms. Children with inattentive ADHD are often mistaken for lazy or uncooperative kids because they do not follow the instructions of their teachers or parents or do not think about their thoughts in class. Adults with inattentive ADHD are often overlooked as their symptoms may be less apparent than their peers who exhibit impulsivity and hyperactivity.
adult adhd symptoms of inattentive ADHD may include difficulty staying focused, easily distracted, difficulty paying attention to the smallest details and poor listening skills and frequent misplacement of belongings. Attention deficit ADHD symptoms can be caused by anxiety, stress, diet and nutrition, mineral deficiencies, medication side effects (particularly certain stimulant medications) and sleep issues and depression, as well as other medical conditions.
Inattentive ADHD is more common in women and girls than other ADD manifestations, however this type of disorder is often overlooked and undertreated. This is due to a combination of factors, including specific symptoms manifestations, higher rates of coexisting anxiety and affective disorders in females and ratings scales that tend to be biased towards male behavior. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are also influenced by hormone fluctuations during the menstrual period.
Impulsiveness
People who have difficulty controlling their impulses feel a sense of excitement or tension before they decide to act on their impulses. They also have a tough to resist their urges, even if they are aware that the actions are harmful or problematic. Afterward, they may feel regret or guilt.
Children tend to act in impulsive ways as they learn about the consequences of their choices. It's also a symptom of certain conditions such as ADHD and antisocial personality disorder and pyromania.
The tendency to be impulsive could be a sign of mental illness such as bipolar disorder or stroke, brain tumors or diabetes. Alcohol can also cause you to act out in a reckless manner by reducing your inhibitions.
Lack of impulse control can affect your relationships, work and your daily life. If you have ADHD, for example 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 talking, blurting out answers to questions, and having trouble waiting your turn in line. Adults, impulsive behavior could include shopping on a whim, spending too much money or watching a lot of television.
It's important to understand the difference between impulsive and compulsive behavior. While impulsive behavior is spontaneous, compulsive behaviors are repetitive and ritualistic. For example, putting your hand in the fire to see if it's burning is an impulsive action while constantly checking to ensure that the stove is turned off is a compulsive act. Researchers don't know why men are more aggressive. Researchers suggest that genetics and hormonal changes in adolescence or adulthood, and also the environment could be the cause.
Agitation
Agitation is a feeling of agitation and irritability that could be caused by stress or a medical condition. It may cause a person to feel anxious, agitated, or tense, and can lead to aggression or suicidal behaviors. People who are stressed might have trouble sleeping and experience problems in their relationships as well as at work.
Talk to your doctor if you feel agitated often. The doctor might suggest to try medication or therapy. They should also go to the hospital if they experience chest pain or difficulty breathing which could be a sign of an attack on the heart.
Sometimes agitation is a symptom of depression. Depression can cause feelings of helplessness, sadness and despair. Some people who are depressed may also feel agitated. This is often accompanied by anxiety and restlessness. This is referred to as an agitated depression. Experts are still learning about how this type of depression differs from other types of depression.
Sometimes, agitation can be an indication of mental illness like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. These conditions can make it difficult for a person to tell what is real and what is not. They may be agitated, shake hands or feel like they can't stay still.
Agitation is also an effect of certain medication, such as antipsychotics. People who take these medicines should consult their physician if they feel agitated regularly. In certain instances doctors may prescribe the patient a different medicine that doesn't cause this effect. In addition to these medications one can attempt to reduce their agitation by abstaining from situations that cause stress and eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep.
The following are the ways to decrease your risk:
Women who suffer from depression are afflicted with a serious mental health problem that can trigger feelings of sadness, hopelessness and despair. It can also cause problems with sleeping, eating and thinking clearly. Women need to seek treatment for depression as soon as they start to notice signs. This will help to prevent symptoms from getting worse, and could even stop the relapse of depression.
Research suggests that women are more likely to experience depression than men. This is believed to be due to the multiple roles women play in their lives, such as being a wife and mother which can cause burnout or stress. Women are also more likely to experience hormonal changes that could lead to depression, for instance during menopausal or pregnancy.
It is possible that women have a higher chance of developing depression due to a prior history of depression or a family history of it. This is also the case for women with an insecure self-esteem or have had issues related to body image or sexuality.
The most prominent symptoms that are common in women who suffer from depression include fatigue, lack of motivation, difficulty sleeping and thoughts of dying or suicide. Women who are depressed might also feel shame or guilt. Women tend to blame themselves for their low spirits and this may be made worse by having to look after their children and family members. Antidepressant medication can ease these symptoms. However, it's important to seek professional advice from a specialist.