ADD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADD often get misunderstood or dismissed as overly emotional. For some, even minor inconveniences like waiting in line or waiting in line can lead them to distraction or rage.
Stereotypes about gender can be a reason for symptoms to be hidden making it difficult to recognize and diagnose. At Amen Clinics, we use brain imaging to determine whether a woman has undetected ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD often find themselves overwhelmed by their daily tasks. They may feel that their lives are in chaotic, or constant chaos. They may also have difficulty to get the help they require from family and friends. They are also more prone to depression and anxiety because they are unable to cope with managing stress and criticism. Women with ADHD are also more likely to engage risky sexual behaviors such as sexually promiscuous or casual sex. These situations can result in to sexually transmitted diseases as well as unplanned pregnancy, low self-esteem and feelings of shame.
A few psychologists are working on advancing the research on ADHD in adult women. Julia Rucklidge is a PhD student at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. She is leading this effort. She and her coworkers focus on females who suffer from comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression. These co-occurring illnesses can mask or exacerbate ADHD, affecting the capacity of a woman to function at work, home and at school.
Rucklidge discusses how many of the same biases that affect men and boys also make it difficult to diagnose ADHD in girls and women. Rating scales tend to favor male behavior and a girl may have less efficient strategies to cope in the workplace or at college. Women who exhibit an impulsive ADHD symptoms are often viewed as aggressive or irrational, and they can be more likely to conceal their symptoms to fit in better.
All three types of ADHD share many behavioral symptoms. Women can experience inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or mixed symptoms. They may be fidgety constantly on the move, disruptive and unorganized, talkative, impatient in their ability to wait for their turn, and susceptible to mood swings.
Inattentiveness
Inattentional ADHD is just as debilitating to adults and children. The struggle to stay organized and effectively manage time and keep track of daily tasks can feel overwhelming. A child may not be able to meet important deadlines at school, or a worker may not remember important meetings. Inattentive ADHD can cause issues in relationships, as people become frustrated by a partner or colleague who frequently gets lost in thought.
It's easy to overlook or dismiss the non-hyperactive signs of ADHD because they are less obvious than typical symptoms. Children who have inattentive ADHD are often portrayed as uncooperative or lazy children due to the fact that they don't follow the instructions of their parents or teachers or daydream during class. Adults with inattentive ADHD are also often overlooked because their symptoms may not be as obvious as their peers who exhibit impulsivity or hyperactivity.
The signs of inattention ADHD may include difficulty staying focused, easily pulled off task, difficulty paying attention to the smallest details and poor listening skills and frequent misplacing of belongings. Inattention ADHD symptoms can also be exacerbated by stress, anxiety, diet and nutrition, mineral deficiencies and medication side effects (particularly certain stimulant medications), poor sleep, depression, or other medical conditions.
Attention-deficit ADHD is more common in females and girls than other ADD manifestations, yet this type of disorder is often overlooked and untreated. This is due to a number of factors, including the particular symptoms, higher rates of anxiety and affective disorders in females and rating scales that favor male behavior. In addition, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle may significantly affect how irritable ADHD symptoms appear.
Impulsiveness
People who struggle to control their impulses frequently experience a feeling of excitement or tension before engaging in their desires. They also have trouble resisting urges, even if they are aware that their behavior is harmful or problematic. Afterward, they often feel regret or guilt.
It's common for young children to be impulsive, but they grow out of it as they mature and become aware of the consequences of their actions. It's also a sign of certain diseases, such as ADHD as well as antisocial personality disorder and pyromania (the compulsion to set fires).
The tendency to be impulsive could be a sign of mental illness, like bipolar disorder, stroke, brain tumors, or diabetes. Certain substances, such as alcohol, can reduce your inhibitions and cause you to behave recklessly.
Lack of impulse control can impact your relationships, career and your daily life. For instance, if are suffering from ADHD the impulsive behavior can affect your daily routine and impact your ability to manage your finances or work. Interrupting other people while they are talking, blurting answers to questions, and having difficulty waiting in line are all symptoms. In adults, impulsive behaviors may include shopping on whim or spending too much money or watching excessive amounts of television.
It is essential to distinguish between impulsive and compulsive behavior. While symptoms of adhd is spontaneous, compulsive behavior is repetitive and ritualistic. For instance, placing hands in a flame to check if it's on is an impulsive act, while checking the stove on a regular basis to make sure it's off is a routine behavior. Studies show that men are more impulsive than women, however researchers aren't able to pinpoint the reason. They believe that genetics, environment and hormonal changes that occur during adolescence and adulthood could be a factor in the differences.
Agitation
Agitation is a feeling of agitation and irritability that could be triggered by stress or an illness. It may cause a person to feel anxious, agitated, or tense, and it can trigger aggression or suicidal behavior. People who are anxious may have difficulty sleeping and have problems with their relationships and at work.
Consult your doctor if you feel agitated often. The doctor may want them to try medication or therapy. If they feel chest pain or difficulty breathing, this could be an indication of a heartattack.
Sometimes, agitation is an indication of depression. Depression can cause feelings of helplessness, sadness and hopelessness. People who are depressed may also have agitation that is usually accompanied with anxiety and restlessness. This is referred to as agitated depression disorder, and experts aren't sure how it differs from other kinds.
In other instances, agitation may be the symptom of a mental illness like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. These conditions can make it hard for someone to discern what is real and what is not. People with these conditions might feel that they are unable to sit still, and may pace or wring their hands.
Certain medications, like antipsychotics, can cause an increase in agitation. If you are experiencing agitation frequently consult your physician. In some instances doctors may prescribe the patient a different drug that does not have this side effect. In addition to these drugs, a person may also reduce their anxiety by staying clear of stressful situations, eating healthy food, and getting enough rest.
Depression
Women who suffer from depression can experience feelings of despair and sadness. It can also lead to difficulties with sleeping, eating and focusing. It is crucial for women to get treatment for depression as early as the first indication of the illness. This can prevent symptoms from worsening and even a relapse.
According to research that women are more prone to depression than men. This is thought to be due to the numerous roles women play in their lives, like being a mother and wife, which can lead to burnout or stress. Women are also more likely to experience hormonal changes that can cause depression, for instance during menopausal or pregnancy.
It is also possible that women are more at risk for depression due to an earlier experience with the condition or the family history of it. This could also be the case for women who have low self-esteem or who have had issues with body image or sexuality.
Women who suffer from depression might be suffering from fatigue, sleep issues and thoughts of suicide or death. Women who are depressed might also feel shame or guilt. Women tend to blame themselves for their depressed mood, and this can be exacerbated because they have to take care of their children and loved ones. Antidepressant medication can ease these symptoms. However, it is important to seek professional advice from a doctor.