17 Signs You're Working With ADD Symptoms In Women
adhd adult symptom in Women Women suffering from ADD frequently are misunderstood or dismissed as emotionally unstable. For some, minor nuisances like standing in lines or waiting on hold drive them to distraction or rage. Gender stereotypes can also mask symptoms, making them hard to detect and identify. At Amen Clinics, we use brain imaging to help determine if a woman suffers from undiagnosed ADHD. Hyperactivity Women with ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks they are required to complete. They may feel like their lives are in chaotic, or constant chaos. They also find it hard to get the help they need from family and friends. They also have a harder dealing with stress and criticism which makes them more prone to depression and anxiety. Women with ADHD are also more likely to engage risky sexual behaviors such as casual or promiscuous sex. These situations can lead to sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancy, and low self-esteem and feelings of shame. A few 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. She and her coworkers focus on females suffering from comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. These co-occurring conditions can be a source of confusion or even worsen ADHD and affect the ability of women to function at work, home and at school. Rucklidge explains 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 a female might not have the most effective coping strategies at school or at work. Women who have impulsive ADHD are often dismissed as being irrational or aggressive and can hide their symptoms in order to make themselves more acceptable to. In addition, many of the same behavioral signs can be observed in all three types of ADHD. Women can experience inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or mixed symptoms. They can be fidgety, restless or on-the-go, disruptive and unorganized, talkative, impatient and unable to wait their turn, and susceptible to mood swings. Inattentiveness While the impulsive or hyperactive symptoms of ADHD are more well-known, inattentive ADHD can be equally debilitating for children and adults alike. It can be overwhelming to try and remain organized, manage your time well and manage all the daily tasks. A child might miss important deadlines in school or a worker could forget important meetings. Inattention ADHD can also cause issues in relationships, as people become annoyed by a friend or colleague who is frequently lost in thoughts. It's easy to ignore or dismiss the non-hyperactive symptoms of ADHD because they are less obvious than stereotypical symptoms. Children who have inattentive ADHD often are portrayed as being lazy or uncooperative because they don't follow instructions from parents or teachers or even daydream in classes. Adults with inattentive ADHD are often overlooked because their symptoms may not be as obvious as their peers who exhibit impulsivity or hyperactivity. The signs of inattention ADHD can include having trouble staying focused, being easily pulled off task and having difficulty paying attention to small details and listening skills that are not as good, and frequent misplacement of belongings. Inattentional ADHD can be exacerbated or made worse by anxiety, stress and other disorders like depression, poor sleep, nutrition, medication side-effects (especially stimulant medications), poor diet, and nutritional deficiencies. Inattentive ADHD is more prevalent among females and girls than any other ADD presentation, but it is often not properly diagnosed and treated. This is due to a mix of factors, including specific symptoms manifestations, higher prevalence of coexisting anxiety and affective disorders among females, and rating scales that are biased toward male behavior. In addition, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle may significantly impact how inattentive ADHD symptoms manifest. Impulsiveness People who struggle to control their impulses often experience a sense of excitement or tension before taking action on their impulses. They also have trouble resisting impulses, even if they know that the behaviour is harmful or untrue. They often feel remorse or guilt afterward, too. It's common for young children to be impulsive but they become aware of it as they mature and begin to understand the consequences of their actions. It's also a sign of certain diseases like ADHD as well as antisocial personality disorder, and pyromania (the urge to light fires). Impulsivity may be a sign of a mental illness, like bipolar disorder, stroke, brain tumors or diabetes. Alcohol can also trigger you to act impulsively by reducing your inhibitions. A lack of control over your impulses can impact your relationships, career and your daily life. If you suffer from ADHD for instance an impulsive attitude can disrupt your routine and impact your ability to manage money or work. Symptoms include interrupting others when they're speaking, blurting out answers to questions, and finding it difficult to wait your turn when standing in line. Adults, impulsive behavior could include shopping on a decision, spending too much money or watching too much television. It is important to know the difference between impulsive and compulsive behavior. Compulsive behavior is repetitive and ritualistic however impulsive behavior is spontaneous. As an example, putting hands in a flame to see if it's still on is an act of impulsiveness, while checking the stove frequently to ensure it's off is a regular habit. Researchers aren't sure why men are more aggressive. Researchers speculate that hormonal changes and genetics during adolescence and adulthood as well as the environment could be the cause. Agitation Stress or a medical condition can trigger a feeling restlessness and irritation. It can cause someone to feel anxious, excited, or tense, and it could lead to aggression or suicidal behaviors. People who are anxious might have trouble sleeping and have problems with their relationships and at work. If someone feels anxious often, they should talk to their doctor. The doctor may want them to consider therapy or medication. It is also recommended to visit the hospital if they have chest pain or breathing problems which could indicate an attack on the heart. Sometimes agitation can be an indication of depression. Depression can trigger feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair. Some people who are depressed might suffer from agitation. This is usually accompanied by anxiety and restlessness. This is referred to as an agitated depression. Experts are still learning about the ways in which this type of depression is different from other forms of depression. Sometimes, agitation may be an indication of a mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. These conditions can render an individual unable to discern between what is real and what isn't. People with these conditions may feel as if they can't stay still, and may move around or shake their hands. Agitation is also a side effect of certain medications, including antipsychotic drugs. People who take these medicines should consult with their doctor when they experience frequent agitation. In some instances doctors may prescribe the patient a different medication that does not have this side effect. In addition to these medicines one can also reduce their anxiety by avoidance of stressful situations, eating a healthy food, and getting enough rest. Depression Depression in women is a serious mental health problem that can trigger feelings of sadness, hopelessness and worthlessness. It can also cause problems with sleeping, eating and thinking clearly. It is crucial for women to get treatment for depression as soon as they notice the first symptoms of the disease. This can prevent the symptoms from becoming worse and may even lead to an Relapse. According to research studies, women are more susceptible to depression than men. It is often thought that this is due to the variety of roles women play in life, such as being a mother and spouse, which can create stress or lead to burnout. Women are also more likely to experience hormonal changes that could lead to depression, such as during pregnancy or after menopause. It is also possible that certain women are more at risk for depression because of a previous experience with the condition or an ancestor's history of it. This is also true for women who are self-conscious or who have struggled with sexuality or body image issues. Some of the specific signs that are present in women suffering from depression include a lack of energy as well as sleeplessness and thoughts of dying or suicide. In addition women who suffer from depression can also feel a sense of guilt or shame. Women are more likely to blame themselves for their depressed mood and this may be exacerbated because they have to care for their children and loved ones. Antidepressant medication can ease these symptoms. However, it's crucial to seek out professional advice from a medical professional.