ADD Symptoms in Women
Women suffering from ADD are often misunderstood, or dismissed as being excessively emotional. Some sufferers are sucked into a state of disorientation or rage by minor inconveniences such as waiting in line or being placed on hold.
Stereotypes about gender can be a reason for symptoms to be hidden making it difficult to identify and diagnose. At Amen Clinics, we use brain imaging to determine if a woman has undiagnosed ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by the everyday tasks they must complete. They may describe their lives as like a constant chaos, and they find it difficult to get the support they need from friends and family. They also have a tougher time handling criticism and stress, making them more vulnerable to anxiety and depression. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to engage risky sexual behaviors such as sexually explicit or casual sexual activity. These experiences can lead sexually transmitted diseases as well as unplanned pregnancy, low self-esteem and feelings of shame.
Psychologists are working to build up the research on ADHD in women of adulthood. Julia Rucklidge, a PhD student at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is leading one such effort. She and her colleagues focus on females who suffer from comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression. These co-occurring illnesses can be a source of confusion or even worsen ADHD which can affect the ability of women to function at home, work, and school.
Rucklidge explains that a lot of the same biases that affect both genders make it difficult to recognize ADHD in women and girls. Rating scales tend to favor male behavior, and girls may have less efficient strategies to cope in college or at work. More who have hyperactive ADHD are often seen as irrational or aggressive, and they may conceal their symptoms in order 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 can be fidgety, disorganized or constantly moving and unorganized, talkative, impatient and unable to wait their turn, and prone to mood swings.
Inattentiveness
Although the hyperactive or impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more well-known, inattentional ADHD can be equally destructive for adults and children alike. More to organize, manage time efficiently and track daily tasks can feel overwhelming. For example a child might miss important deadlines at school or an employee might forget to attend important meetings. Inattentive ADHD may also cause relationship problems as other people are annoyed when a partner or co-worker is frequently distracted by thoughts.
The non-hyperactive manifestation of ADHD isn't as prominent as the symptoms that are commonly associated with it, which makes it easy to overlook or dismiss these problems. Children who have inattentive ADHD are often mistaken for lazy or uncooperative children because they don't heed the instructions of their parents or teachers or do not think about their thoughts during class. Adults with inattentive ADHD are often overlooked, because their symptoms are less evident than those of their peers who exhibit impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can include having trouble staying focused, being easily distracted and unable to pay attention to details and listening skills that are not as good, and frequent misplacement of belongings. Inattentional ADHD can be exacerbated or made more severe by stress, anxiety and other disorders like depression, poor sleep, nutrition, medication side-effects (especially stimulant medications) as well as poor eating habits and nutritional deficiencies.
Inattentional ADHD is more prevalent among females and girls than any other ADD presentation, yet it is often misdiagnosed and not treated. This is due to a number of factors, including the specific symptoms that are present, higher rates of anxiety and affective disorders in females and rating scales that favor male behavior. Inattention ADHD symptoms are also influenced by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period.
Impulsiveness
People who are unable to control their impulses frequently feel a sense of tension or excitement prior to acting on their urges. They also struggle to resist urges, even when they are aware that the behaviour is harmful or untrue. Afterward, they often feel regret or guilt.
Children are often impulsive as they learn about the consequences of their actions. It's also a symptom of certain disorders like ADHD, antisocial personality disorder and pyromania (the desire to burn things).
Impulsivity could be a sign of mental illness, such as bipolar disorder, stroke, brain tumor, or diabetes. Alcohol can cause you to be impulsive by reducing your inhibitions.
Lack of impulse control can affect your relationships, work, and everyday life. If you suffer from ADHD for instance an impulsive attitude can disrupt your routine and impact your ability to manage money or work. The signs include interrupting people when they're talking, uttering answers to questions and struggling to wait for your turn when standing in the line. Adults, impulsive behavior may include shopping on impulse, spending too much money, or watching a lot of television.
It is essential to distinguish between impulsive and compulsive behavior. While impulsive behavior is spontanious, compulsive actions are routine 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 ensure that it is off is a routine behavior. Researchers aren't sure why men are more aggressive. Researchers suggest that hormonal changes and genetics during adolescence and adulthood and also the environment could be contributing factors.
Agitation
Stress or a medical issue can trigger a feeling of agitation and irritation. It can cause a person to feel anxious, excited, or tense, and it can lead to aggression or suicidal behaviors. People who are agitated frequently have trouble getting to sleep and could be having issues with their relationships or work.
Talk to your doctor if you are frequently agitated. The doctor may suggest that they try medication or therapy. It is also recommended to visit the hospital in case they experience chest pain or breathing problems, which could indicate an attack on the heart.
Sometimes, agitation is an indication of depression. Depression can bring feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair. Some people who suffer from depression may feel agitated. This is often accompanied by anxiety and restlessness. This is referred to as agitated depression disorder, and experts still don't know how it differs from other kinds.
Sometimes, agitation can be an indication of a mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. These conditions can make people unable to differentiate between what is real and what isn't. People with these conditions may sway or shake hands or feel as if they are unable to remain still.
Agitation is also an effect of certain medication, such as antipsychotics. Patients taking these medications should consult their physician when they experience frequent agitation. In some instances, doctors will give the patient a different medication that does not have this side effect. Aside from these medicines people can also try to decrease their anxiety by staying clear of situations that cause stress, eating a healthy diet and getting enough rest.
Depression
Women who suffer from depression are afflicted with a serious mental health condition that can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness and a sense of worthlessness. It can also lead to difficulties with sleeping, eating and thinking clearly. It is essential for women to seek treatment for depression as soon as they notice the first sign of the illness. This will stop the symptoms from becoming worse and may even lead to a Relapse.
Research indicates that women are more likely to suffer from depression than men. This is believed to be due to the multiple roles women play in their lives, for example being a mother, wife, and wife which can cause stress or 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 due to an earlier history of depression or a family history of it. This is also true for women who lack self-esteem, or have had issues with body image or sexuality issues.
Women who are depressed may suffer from sleep issues, fatigue and thoughts of suicide or death. People who are depressed may be prone to feeling guilt or shame. Women tend to blame themselves for their moods, and this can be increased when they are required to look after their children and loved ones. The use of antidepressant medication can ease these symptoms however it is essential to get professional advice and guidance from a specialist.