Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD are usually depressed. This can lead to a misdiagnosis for bipolar disorder. Women with ADD are also more likely to get annoyed when waiting, whether in line for customer service or on hold.
ADD symptoms can change in response to hormonal fluctuations in females throughout puberty, the menstrual cycle, and perimenopause or menopause. They can be concealed or exacerbated by estrogen and are less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who have inattentive ADD are often troubled by their difficulty staying focused on their work and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD symptoms can also be characterized by difficulties with managing time and a failure to follow instructions. Women with ADD have a higher risk of developing depression than women who do not suffer from the disorder. However, the two disorders can coexist.
Parents and teachers might find it more difficult to diagnose adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are less obvious. They may have trouble finishing homework or schoolwork and could miss important class lectures, as well as being incapable of paying attention to meetings at work. These adults may also have a difficult time finding jobs or keeping their current one.
Inattentional ADD is more common in girls and women, in contrast to the hyperactive ADD seen more often in men and boys. Often, these women and girls are not diagnosed with depression or anxiety as they go through puberty or experience the mood swings that accompany PMS and perimenopause. This is because doctors look for the more overt behavioral traits of ADD in boys and don't detect them in girls or women, particularly during these periods.
Women who have inattention ADD are more likely to be dissatisfied due to their lack of focus, which can result in anger or frustration. They may also be more likely to feel anger and behave in ways that could hurt their relationships. For instance, if someone interferes with her while she is trying to complete a task, she might get angry and quit the room. The inability to focus on a particular task may cause her to make careless mistakes that she later regrets.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of ups and downs. If your mood swings are intense they could affect your daily activities. You might feel as if you are on an emotional rollercoaster. Frequent and severe mood swings could be an indication of a mental health issue.
Mood swings are when you suddenly go from feeling cheerful, upbeat or positive to feeling depressed or angry in a short time. These changes can be triggered by a variety of factors, including blood sugar peaks and valleys sleep disturbances, stress and weather conditions. Certain medications and substances may also cause mood changes.
Many people experience occasional mood changes however if you experience frequent and severe mood swings, it could be time to talk to your doctor. According to the reason there are a variety of treatments that can assist you in managing your symptoms, such as psychotherapy, medication, or other lifestyle treatments.
Women are often experiencing mood changes 1 to 2 weeks before their period as a result of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms can include fatigue, changes in appetite depression, bloating, and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood fluctuations are more intense during this time keep a detailed record to determine if you are able to trace them back to the source. This will make you feel more confident about making an appointment with your doctor and provide some validation for how you're feeling.
Altering your diet and getting more rest can reduce the frequency of mood swings. If you are taking medications that cause these symptoms, changing your dosage or trying a different medication may alleviate your symptoms. Mood shifts can be a symptom of a range of medical and psychological disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to act quickly and without thinking about the consequences. While some impulsive behavior is normal, a persistent pattern of problems with impulse control may be a sign of ADD or a different condition. A person who is impulsive may struggle to save money, spend more money than they can afford, or divulge personal information to others without considering the consequences. They may also struggle in activities that require planning, like driving or working in the law enforcement field.
It's not uncommon for teenagers and children to be impulsive, however it's not unusual for adults, too. It is important to seek medical attention if you are struggling with your work or relationships because of an impulsive behavior.
There are a variety of causes for the impulsive behavior, such as genetics, brain structure and chemical imbalances, as well as environmental factors. A history of emotional trauma or distress can be a contributing factor to an impulsive behavior, just as an individual in the family with a mental disorder. Certain medications, including antidepressants and stimulant drugs, can also boost the impulsiveness of a person.
It is also crucial to distinguish between impulsive and compulsive behaviors that are routine and ritualistic. For instance, checking whether the oven is on or off is a habitual behavior and purchasing something on the spur of the moment is an impulsive behavior. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD sign, especially in girls during puberty, PMS and through menopause when estrogen levels drop. Women can also show symptoms of ADD by appearing distant in conversations or having trouble completing tasks such as laundry. In some cases women's inattention or impulsiveness can lead them to be misdiagnosed as having depression or bipolar disorder. This disorder can be treated with the proper medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel nervous or anxious from time to moment, for instance, when you're prepping for a public speaking event or test. If these feelings are extreme and frequent, and disrupt your daily routine, and last for longer than you think is appropriate it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms, such as an accelerating heartbeat or feeling like you're in a choke or suffering from an attack on your heart.
Women who suffer from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional fluctuations that come with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and overly sensitive to even minor aggravations. These women can become extremely upset over a tiny mistake or being in a queue for a long time. They may storm off to avoid a situation or even abandon the task.
adult signs of adhd is a natural reaction to threat or danger, a response designed to prepare the body and mind for battle. When anxiety takes over, it can make people debilitated.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The type of therapy you receive is contingent on the root cause. However both behavioral and cognitive approaches can help control your anxiety and worry.
To ease anxiety, eat healthy and get enough sleep. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, that can trigger mood swings. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise done at a rapid pace, helps release brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join a support network or make contact with friends. Being with others can reduce anxiety and help to alleviate loneliness. A therapist can show you methods to relax yourself through guided imagery or gradual exposure to situations that make you uncomfortable.
