Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD are often depressed. This can lead to mistaken diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to be frustrated by waiting for long periods of time, such as when waiting in line or on hold for customer service.
ADD symptoms in females can fluctuate with hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, puberty, and during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. They can also be masked by estrogen, and could be less obvious in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattentive ADD are often troubled by their inability to stay focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD can also cause problems with time management, as well as an inability of following the instructions. Women with ADD have a higher risk of developing depression than those who are not affected by the disorder. However, the two disorders can coexist.
As opposed to children with hyperactive ADD, adults with the non-hyperactive subtype of ADD tend to be more difficult for parents and teachers to recognize, since their symptoms are less obvious. They may have trouble finishing homework or schoolwork and might be absent from important lectures and are incapable of paying attention to meetings at work. These adults could also have difficulty finding an employment or maintaining their current one.
Inattention ADD affects more girls and women than boys. Women and girls may be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression when they reach puberty, or if they experience mood swings linked with PMS or perimenopausal. This is because doctors look for the more overt behavioral traits of ADD in boys and don't recognize them in girls and women, particularly during these phases.
Women with inattentive ADD are more likely to be dissatisfied by their inability to focus, which can lead to anger or frustration. They are also more likely to dwell on their anger and may behave in ways that may harm their relationships. For example, if someone interferes with her while she is trying to complete a task, she might storm off and leave the room. Her inability stay focused could result in her making mistakes she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of ups and downs. If your mood fluctuations are severe, they could interfere with your daily activities and cause you to feel like you're on an emotional roller coaster. Extremely frequent and extreme mood swings may be a sign of a mental health issue.
Mood swings are the time when you suddenly shift from feeling cheerful, upbeat or optimistic to feeling sad or angry within a short time. These changes can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet and blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances and stress. Certain drugs and substances can cause mood changes.
The majority of people experience occasional mood fluctuations, but if you have frequent and severe mood swings, it could be time to talk to your doctor. According to the reason various treatments can aid in managing your symptoms, including psychotherapy, medication or other treatments for lifestyle.
Women can experience mood swings 1 to 2 weeks before their periods as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue, changes in appetite as well as depression, bloating, and other aches. Keep a journal to keep track of your mood fluctuations. This will help you feel more confident in bringing them up to your doctor and can provide some validation for the way you're feeling.
Changing your diet, getting more sleep, exercising and using relaxation techniques can all help reduce mood swings. If you're taking a medication that is causing these symptoms, adjusting your dosage or trying a different drug may help reduce the symptoms. sign of adhd in adults can be a sign of many psychological and medical conditions like 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 impulsive behavior is normal, a consistent pattern of problems with impulse control can be a sign of ADD or a different condition. An individual who is impulsive could have difficulty saving money, spending more than they can afford, or divulge personal information to other people without considering the consequences. They may also have trouble when it comes to activities that require careful planning, like driving or working in law enforcement.
It's not uncommon for children and teens to be impulsive, but it is not uncommon for adults, too. It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing difficulties with your job or relationships due to your impulsive actions.
There are many causes of an impulsive behaviour, including the brain structure, genetics, chemical imbalances, and environmental factors. A background of emotional or physical trauma can also contribute to the impulsive behavior, as could an individual in the family with mental disorders. Certain medications can also increase a person's impulsiveness including antidepressants as well as stimulant drugs.
It's also important to differentiate impulsive behavior from compulsive behaviors that are repetitive and ritualistic. For instance, checking if the oven is on or off is a habitual behavior, whereas purchasing something on the spur of the moment is an impulsive action. The tendency to be impulsive is a female ADD characteristic that is prevalent, especially for girls going through puberty or PMS, and during menopause when estrogen levels begin to decline. A lack of interest in conversations or having trouble finishing tasks like laundry are indications of ADD in women. In certain instances the woman's impulsiveness or inattention may result in her being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression which can be treated with the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel anxious or worried from time 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 longer than you think is appropriate, you could have an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms, like heartbeats that are pounding or feeling like you're choked or having an attack on your heart.
Women with ADD are more prone to the emotional ups and downs that come with anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and become extremely sensitive to minor irritations. For instance, a minor mistake or being placed on hold for long periods of time could make these women extremely angry. They could flee or avoid a problem, or even quit the job.
Anxiety is a natural response to threats or dangers and is designed to prepare your body and mind to defend yourself. When anxiety is a major factor it can cause people to become weak and weakened.
There are a variety of treatments for anxiety disorders, including therapy and medication. The kind of therapy you choose will depend on the cause, however both cognitive and behavioral methods can aid you in reducing your anxiety and feelings.
Get enough rest and eat healthy to ease anxiety. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which can exacerbate mood swings. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise at a brisk pace, triggers brain chemicals which reduce stress. Join a support group, or contact friends in person or via the phone. Being around others can help ease feelings of isolation and reduce anxiety. A therapist can guide you through methods to relax yourself through guided visualization or gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations.