Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD are usually depressed. This can lead to misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women who suffer from ADD also are more likely to be unhappy when waiting for long periods of time, such as when standing in line or on hold to get customer service.
ADD symptoms can change with hormonal changes in females during puberty, the menstrual cycle, and menopausal perimenopausal cycles. They can be concealed or exacerbated by estrogen and are less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattention ADD are often troubled by their difficulty in staying focused on their work and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentive ADD symptoms can also cause problems with managing time and a failure to follow through on instructions. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to suffer from depression than those without the disorder, even though the two conditions can coexist.
Teachers and parents may find it more difficult to diagnose adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms tend to be less obvious. They might not be able to finish their schoolwork or homework and may not attend important classes in classes. They also may not be attentive to meetings at work. Adults who struggle may also struggle to find work or keep a current job.
Inattentional ADD is more common in women and girls as opposed to the hyperactive ADD which is more common in boys and men. Women and girls are often misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression when they reach puberty or if they experience mood swings that are associated with PMS or perimenopause. Doctors usually look for more explicit behavioral characteristics of ADD in males, but do not be able to recognize these in girls or females, especially during this time.
Women who are inattentional ADD are more likely to be frustrated due to their lack of focus, which can result in anger or frustration. signs of adhd in adults are also more likely to dwell on their frustration, and act out in ways that could hurt their relationships. If someone interrupts her as she is working on a project for instance she might scream out of the room. Inability to stay focused may cause her to make careless errors that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of changes and ups. If your mood fluctuations are extreme, they can affect your daily routine and cause you to feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. The frequent and severe mood swings could be an indication of a mental health issue.
Mood swings occur the time when you suddenly shift from feeling cheerful, upbeat or optimistic to feeling sad or angry in just a few minutes. These changes can be triggered by a variety of causes such as diet and blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances and stress. Certain medications and substances can also trigger mood changes.
Many people experience occasional mood swings However, if you experience frequent and severe mood swings, it may be time to speak with your doctor. Depending on the cause various treatments can help you manage your symptoms, such as psychotherapy, medication or other treatments for lifestyle.
Women can experience mood swings 1 to 2 weeks before their period as a result of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). signs of adhd adults include fatigue as well as changes in appetite. They can also cause anxiety, bloating, depression and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood fluctuations are more intense during this time keep a detailed record to see if you can trace them back to the source. This will help you feel more confident bringing them up to your doctor. It will also give you some confirmation of the way you're feeling.
Changing your diet and getting more sleep can help decrease mood swings. If you are taking medication that causes these symptoms, adjusting your dose or trying another medication may alleviate your symptoms. The fluctuation in mood can be an indication of a variety of medical and psychological disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and depression.
4. Impulsivity
The term "impulsivity" refers to the tendency to make quick decisions and act without thinking about the consequences. While some of the impulsive behavior is normal, a persistent pattern of issues with impulse control may be an indication of ADD or a different condition. For instance, someone who is impulsive might have difficulty saving money, or spend more than they can afford to, or disclose personal information without thinking about the impact. They may also struggle when it comes to activities that require careful planning, like driving or working in the field of law enforcement.
An impulsive streak is natural in teens and children, but it's not uncommon for adults to suffer from this issue too. It's important to seek medical attention if you're having trouble with your work or relationships because of impulsive actions.
There are many causes of an impulsive behaviour, including genetics, brain structure and chemical imbalances, as well environmental factors. A history of trauma or emotional distress can also contribute to the impulsive behavior, as could an individual in the family with mental illness. Certain medications, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs can also cause an increase in impulsiveness.
It's important to distinguish from compulsive and impulsive behaviors that is repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, for example, checking the oven frequently, are compulsive, while the more impulsive actions, like buying something on impulse, are an impulsive. Impulsiveness is a female ADD characteristic that is prevalent especially in girls who are going through puberty or PMS and also during menopausal as estrogen levels begin to decline. Women can also show signs of ADD by appearing distant during conversations or having trouble completing tasks like washing. In some instances the woman's impulsiveness or inattention may result in being misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression, which may be treated with the correct medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to be nervous and worried at times, such as when you're preparing to take an exam or speaking engagement. If the feelings are severe and constant, and interfere with your daily activities, and last for longer than you'd expect it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms, such as an intense pulse or the feeling of choking or a heart attack.
Women suffering from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional ups and downs associated with anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and are extremely sensitive to minor irritations. For instance, a minor error or being put on hold for long periods of time can make these women very angry. They might flee or avoid a problem, or even abandon the task.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to danger or threat, and it's designed to prepare your body and mind to fight. When anxiety is a major factor, it can make people debilitated.
There are a variety of treatment options for anxiety disorders, which include therapy and medication. The type of therapy you will receive is dependent on the underlying cause. However, both cognitive and behavioral methods can help you manage your worries and emotions.
Get enough rest and eat healthy to decrease anxiety. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which can cause mood swings. Exercise, especially vigorous aerobic exercise, triggers brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join sign of adhd in adults or reach out to friends in person or via the phone. Being with others can help alleviate loneliness and decrease anxiety. A therapist can show you techniques to calm yourself by using guided imagery or gradual exposure to situations that make you uncomfortable.