Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD often experience depression. This can lead to misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women with ADD are also more likely to get frustrated while waiting, whether waiting in line to get customer service or waiting on hold.
ADD symptoms in females can change with the fluctuation of hormones during menstrual cycles, puberty, and in perimenopause and menopause. They can be concealed or exacerbated by estrogen, and are less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattentive ADD often have difficulty focus on tasks, and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD can also cause problems with time management, and an inability of following through on instructions. Women with ADD are also more likely to be depressed than those who do not suffer from the disorder, even though the two can coexist.
Unlike children with hyperactive ADD adults with the non-hyperactive form of ADD tend to be more difficult for teachers and parents to identify, as their symptoms are more subtle. They may not be able to finish their schoolwork or homework and could not attend important classes in classes. They might also not be attentive when they attend meetings at work. These adults could be unable to find a job or keeping a current one.
Attention-deficit ADD is more prevalent in women and girls than boys. A lot of times, these girls and women are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression as they reach puberty or suffer mood swings that are associated with PMS and perimenopausal. This is because doctors look for the more obvious behavioral characteristics of ADD in boys, but don't recognize them in girls and women, especially during these phases.
Women who are inattentive ADD may become frustrated with their lack of concentration. This can result in anger and frustration. They may also be more likely to internalize their anger and behave in ways that can harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her as she is completing a task for instance she might scream out of the room. Inability to remain focused on a task could cause her to make careless mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of fluctuations and ups. If your mood fluctuations are extreme, they may affect your daily routine and make you feel like you're on an emotional roller coaster. The frequent and extreme mood swings can indicate an underlying mental health condition that requires treatment.
Mood swings happen when you suddenly switch from feeling upbeat or happy to feeling angry or sad within a short period of time. These changes can be triggered by a myriad of factors such as diet and blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances and stress. Mood changes can also be a consequence of certain medications and substances.
Many people experience occasional mood fluctuations, but if you have frequent and severe mood swings, it might be time to speak with your doctor. According to the reason, a variety of treatments can help you manage your symptoms, such as psychotherapy, medication, or other lifestyle therapies.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common mood swing that is common in women who are between 1 and 2 weeks before their period. These symptoms include fatigue and changes in appetite. They can also trigger depression, bloating, and other discomforts. Keep a journal to keep track of the changes in your mood. This will make you feel more confident in bringing them up to your doctor and can provide some validation for the way you're feeling.
Altering your diet and getting more sleep can help reduce mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms altering your dosage or trying a different one could help ease the symptoms. The mood swings could be a symptom of a variety of psychological and medical disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to act quickly without thinking about the consequences. While some of the impulsive behavior is normal, a pattern of issues with impulse control may be an indication of ADD or another condition. For example, a person who is impulsive may have difficulty saving money, spending more than they can afford to, or disclose personal information without thinking about the consequences. They might also have difficulty with activities that require careful planning, like driving or working in law enforcement.
It's normal for children and teens to be impulsive. However, it is not uncommon for adults as well. It is important to seek medical attention if experiencing difficulties with your job or relationships due to your an impulsive behavior.
There are many causes of an impulsive behaviour, including genetics, brain structure and chemical imbalances, and environmental factors. A background of emotional trauma or distress can be a contributing factor to the impulsive behavior, as could an individual in the family with mental illness. Certain medications, including antidepressants and stimulant drugs, can also cause an increase in impulsiveness.
It's also important to distinguish between impulsive and compulsive behaviors that are repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, for example, checking the oven over and over again are compulsive. On the other hand, impulse-driven behaviors, like buying something on impulse, are impulsive. The tendency to be impulsive is a common female ADD sign, especially in girls during puberty, PMS, and during menopausal changes when estrogen levels decrease. Appearing aloof during conversations or having trouble finishing chores like washing laundry are also signs of ADD in women. In some instances women's inattention or impulsiveness can cause them to be incorrectly diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. This disorder can be treated with the appropriate medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel anxious and worried at times, like when you're preparing to take an exam or public speaking engagement. But if these feelings are frequent and intense, cause problems with your daily routine and last longer than reasonable, you may have an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms such as a pounding heart or the feeling of choking or a heart attack.
Women suffering from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional turbulences that come with anxiety. They can get easily frustrated and overly sensitive to even minor irritations. These women can become extremely angry over a small mistake or being in a queue for a long period of time. adhd adult symptoms could flee or avoid a problem, or even stop the work.
Anxiety is a natural response to threat or danger that is designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. When anxiety becomes a problem it can leave people weak and weakened.
There are a myriad of treatment options for anxiety disorders, including therapy and medication. The type of therapy you choose depends on the root cause, however both cognitive and behavioral approaches can aid you in reducing your worries and emotions.
Get enough rest and eat healthy to ease anxiety. Avoid caffeine and stimulants that can cause mood fluctuations. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise done at a rapid pace, helps release brain chemicals which reduce stress. Join a support network or call or visit friends. Being around others can help decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can guide you through techniques to calm yourself by using guided visualization or gradual exposure to stressful situations.