ADD Symptoms in Women
Women suffering from ADD frequently are misunderstood or dismissed as overly emotional. Some people are triggered to distraction or rage by minor inconveniences like waiting in line or on hold.
Gender stereotypes may also mask symptoms, making it difficult to detect and diagnose. At Amen Clinics, we use brain imaging to determine if a woman has undetected ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the tasks they are required to complete. They may feel like a constant mess or chaos, and they are unable to receive the support they need from family and friends. They also have a tougher time handling criticism and stress, making them more vulnerable to depression and anxiety. Women with ADHD are also more likely to engage in dangerous sexual activities, such as casual or promiscuous sexual activity. These situations can result in sexually transmitted illnesses and unplanned pregnancies, as well as low self-esteem, and feelings of shame.
A few psychologists are currently working on building up research on ADHD among women of adulthood. Julia Rucklidge is a PhD student at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. She is the leader of this project. She and her colleagues are focusing on females who have comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These co-occurring conditions can cause or worsen ADHD which can affect the ability of women to function at home, work and at school.
Rucklidge explains that many of the same biases that affect boys and men also make it difficult to identify ADHD in women and girls. Rating scales are biased towards male behavior, and girls might have less effective strategies for coping at school or at work. Women who have impulsive ADHD are often dismissed as irrational or aggressive, and may hide their symptoms to be accepted into.
The three different subtypes 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 as well as impatient, irritable, unable to wait their turn, and prone to mood swings.
Inattentiveness
Inattentive ADHD is just as debilitating to children and adults. The struggle to organize and effectively manage time and keep track of everyday tasks can be overwhelming. Children may not be able to meet important deadlines at school or a worker could miss important meetings. Inattention ADHD can also cause problems with relationships when others are frustrated by a partner or coworker who is often lost in thoughts.
It's easy to overlook or dismiss the non-hyperactive symptoms of ADHD because they are less visible than typical symptoms. Children with inattentive ADHD often are portrayed as being lazy or indifferent due to their inability to follow instructions given by parents or teachers or even daydream in class. Adults with inattentive ADHD are often overlooked because their symptoms are less obvious than their peers' hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Inattentional ADHD can include having trouble staying focused, being easily distracted, difficulty paying attention to details, poor listening skills, and frequent misplacing of belongings. Inattentional ADHD can be aggravated or worsened by anxiety, stress, and other issues like depression, poor sleep, nutrition, medication side-effects (especially stimulant medications) and poor diet and nutritional deficiencies.
Inattentive ADHD is more prevalent in women and girls than other ADD manifestations, yet this subtype is often under-diagnosed and undertreated. This is due to a mix of factors, such as specific symptom presentations, higher rates of co-existing anxiety and affective disorders among females, and rating scales that are biased towards male behavior. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle may significantly impact how inattentive ADHD symptoms appear.
Impulsiveness
People who have trouble controlling their impulses often feel a sense of excitement or tension before engaging in their desires. They also have a tough time resisting the urges, even if they are aware that the actions are dangerous or harmful. They may feel regret or guilt afterward, too.
Children tend to act in impulsive ways when they are learning about the consequences of their decisions. It is also a symptom of certain conditions such as ADHD as well as antisocial personalities disorder, and pyromania.
The tendency to be impulsive could be a sign of mental illness such as bipolar disorder, stroke, brain tumor, or diabetes. Certain substances, such as alcohol, can also break down your inhibitions and cause you to act in a impulsive manner.
Insomniacs can impact your relationships, work and daily life. If you suffer from ADHD for instance, impulsive behavior can disrupt your routine and impact 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 signs. Impulsive behaviors in adults can include spending excessively on purchases in a hurry, shopping on a whim or watching excessive television.
It is essential to distinguish between compulsive and impulsive 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 and checking it over and over again to make sure the stove is off is a habitual behavior. Studies show that men are more impulsive than women, but researchers don't know exactly why. Researchers suggest that genetics and hormonal changes during adolescence and adulthood as well as the environment could be the cause.
Agitation
Agitation is a feeling of agitation and irritability which can be caused by stress or an illness. It can cause a person to feel anxious, agitated or tense. It can also lead to aggressive or suicidal behaviors. People who are anxious may have difficulty sleeping and experience problems in their relationships and at work.
If someone feels anxious frequently, they should talk to their doctor. The doctor may suggest to try medication or therapy. If they feel chest pain or have trouble breathing, it could be a sign of a heartattack.
Sometimes adult female add symptoms is a symptom of depression. Depression can trigger feelings of sadness, hopelessness and feeling of helplessness. Some people who suffer from depression may feel agitated. This is usually accompanied by anxiety and restlessness. This is known as agitated depressive disorder, and experts aren't sure how it differs from other types.
Sometimes, agitation can be an indication of a 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. People with these conditions may sway or shake hands or feel as if they can't stay still.
Agitation is also a side effect of some medications, such as antipsychotic drugs. If you feel agitated frequently discuss it with your doctor. Doctors may prescribe a medicine that isn't prone to this side-effect. In addition to these drugs, a person may also reduce their agitation through avoidance of stressful situations, eating healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.
Depression
Women who suffer from depression are afflicted with a serious mental health problem that can lead to feelings of sadness, despair and despair. It can also lead to difficulties with eating, sleeping and focusing. Women need to seek treatment for depression as soon as they begin to notice signs. This can help prevent the symptoms from becoming worse and may even prevent the relapse of depression.
Research suggests that women are more likely to be affected by depression than men. It is often thought that this is due to the multitude of roles that women have in their lives, such as being a wife and mother, which can create stress or cause burnout. Women are more likely to experience hormonal changes, which can lead to depression. This is especially the case during pregnancy and after menopause.
It is possible that women are at a greater risk of depression because of previous experience with the disorder, or a family background of it. This can also be the case for women with an insecure self-esteem or have faced issues related to body image or sexuality.
The most prominent signs that are present in women who suffer from depression include a lack of energy, difficulty sleeping and thoughts of suicide or suicide. Additionally women who suffer from depression may also feel feelings of guilt or shame. Women tend to blame themselves for their depressed mood, and this can be made worse by having to take care of their children and family members. The use of antidepressants can ease these symptoms however, it is crucial to seek professional advice and guidance from a specialist.