Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD are frequently depressed. This could lead to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women with ADD are also more likely to be frustrated when waiting, whether it is in line for customer service or while standing on hold.
ADD symptoms in females can change with the fluctuation of hormones during menstrual cycles, puberty as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transitions and men. They may be disguised or exacerbated by estrogen, and are less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattention ADD typically have difficulty staying focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD can also cause problems with time management, and an inability of following the instructions. Women with ADD have a higher risk of developing depression than women without the disorder. However, the two disorders can coexist.
Parents and teachers may have a harder time trying to identify adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms tend to be less obvious. They may struggle to finish homework or schoolwork and might be absent from important lectures, as well as being incapable of paying attention to meetings at work. Adults with disabilities may also have difficulty finding a job or keeping a current one.
Inattentive ADD affects more girls and women than boys. Often, these girls and women are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression as they reach puberty or suffer the mood swings that accompany PMS and perimenopause. This is because doctors search for the more overt behavioral traits of ADD in boys but fail to identify them in girls and women, especially during these periods.
Women who are inattentional ADD are more likely to be frustrated by their inability to concentration, which could result in anger or frustration. They may also be more likely to internalize their anger, and express it in ways that can harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her while she is working, for example, she may storm out of the room. The inability to focus on a task might even result in her making careless mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a normal part of life. If your mood swings are severe they could affect your daily activities. It could feel like you are on an emotional rollercoaster. Frequent and severe mood changes can indicate an underlying mental health problem that requires treatment.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly change from feeling happy or upbeat to sad or angry in a short period of time. symptoms of adhd adults can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet and blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances and stress. Changes in mood can also be a consequence of certain medications and substances.
If you are experiencing frequent and extreme mood swings, it's time to consult your doctor. Based on the root of your symptoms, you may be able to manage them using a variety of options, including therapies, medication or lifestyle adjustments.
Women can experience mood swings 1 to 2 weeks before their period, as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue, changes in appetite as well as depression, bloating, and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood swings are more intense during this period you should keep a detailed journal to see if you can track them to their source. This will help you feel more confident in taking them to your doctor and can give you some confirmation of how you're feeling.
Change your diet, getting more sleep and exercising, as well as doing relaxation exercises can all aid in reducing mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms, altering your dosage or trying a different one may ease your symptoms. Mood swings can be a sign of many medical and psychological disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a tendency to act quickly and without considering the consequences. While some impulsive behaviors are normal, a consistent pattern of problems with impulse control can be an indication of ADD or another condition. For instance, a person who is impulsive could have trouble saving money, spending more than they are able to, or divulge personal information without considering the consequences. They may also struggle doing things that require careful planning, such as driving or working in law enforcement.
A certain amount of impulsivity is normal in teens and children, but it's not uncommon for adults to suffer from this issue too. If you're having problems in your relationships or at work because of your impulsive behavior, it's essential to seek medical help.
There are many causes of impulsive behavior, including the brain structure, genetics, chemical imbalances, as well as environmental factors. A history of emotional trauma or distress can trigger impulsive behaviors, as can the presence of a family member suffering from mental disorders. Certain medications, like stimulant drugs and antidepressants, can also boost the impulsiveness of a person.
It's important to distinguish the difference between compulsive and impulsive behavior that is routine and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, for example, checking the oven repeatedly are compulsive. On the other hand, the more impulsive actions, like buying something on impulse are impulsive. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD characteristic that is prevalent, especially in girls who are going through puberty or PMS and also during menopausal when estrogen levels begin to decline. Women can also show symptoms of ADD by appearing disengaged during conversations or having difficulty completing chores like washing. In some instances the woman's impulsiveness or inattention can lead to her being misdiagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder, which can be treated with the correct 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 opportunity or test. If these feelings are extreme and constant, and affect your daily activities, and last for longer than is reasonable it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms like an intense pulse or the feeling of choking, or even a heart attack.
Women with ADD are especially susceptible to the emotional ups and downs that are associated with anxiety. They can easily become frustrated and can be extremely sensitive to minor irritations. They can get very angry at a minor mistake or being in a queue for a long time. They may flee or avoid the issue, or abandon the task completely.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to threat or danger, a response designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. However, when it gets too much, people can become debilitated and unable to function normally.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The type of therapy you will receive is dependent on the cause. However, both cognitive and behavioral methods can help you manage your emotions and worries.
To reduce your anxiety, eat well and get enough rest. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can cause mood swings. Exercise, especially intense aerobic exercise, helps release brain chemicals that cut stress. Join a support network or make a call or visit friends. Being around others can help decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can teach you techniques to calm down through guided imagery or gradual exposure to uncomfortable scenarios.