Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD often experience depression. This can lead to a misdiagnosis. Women with ADD also are more likely to be annoyed by waiting, for example, when waiting in line or on hold to get customer service.
ADD symptoms can change with hormonal fluctuations in females during puberty, menstrual cycle, and menopausal or perimenopausal changes. They may be disguised or exacerbated by estrogen, and are less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattention ADD often have difficulty focusing on tasks, and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentional ADD can also cause issues with time management, as well as a lack of ability to follow the directions given to them. Women who suffer from ADD are more at risk of developing depression than women who do not suffer from the disorder. However, the two disorders can coexist.
As opposed to children with hyperactive ADD adults who suffer from the non-hyperactive form of ADD tend to be more difficult for teachers and parents to recognize, since their symptoms are less obvious. They might not be able to complete their schoolwork or homework, and they might be absent from important lectures in class. They might also not be attentive during meetings at work. These adults may also struggle to find a job or keep a current job.
Inattentive ADD is more prevalent in girls and women than boys. In many cases, girls and women are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety as they enter puberty or experience mood swings that are associated with PMS and perimenopause. Doctors are more likely to look for more overt behavioral characteristics of ADD in males and not recognize them in females or girls especially during this period.
Women with inattentive ADD are more likely to be dissatisfied by their inability to focus, which can cause anger or even frustration. These women can also be more likely to feel anger and may behave in ways that could damage their relationships. For instance, if someone interferes with her while she is trying to complete an assignment, she could storm off and leave the room. Inability to remain focused on a task might even cause her to make impulsive mistakes that she later regrets.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of fluctuations and ups. If your mood fluctuations are severe, they could affect your daily routine and make you feel like you're riding an emotional roller coaster. The frequent and severe mood swings could be an indication of a mental health issue.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly switch from feeling cheerful or happy to sad or angry in just a few minutes. These mood swings can be caused by a variety of causes like blood sugar peaks and valleys sleep disturbances, stress or weather conditions. Certain drugs and substances can also cause mood changes.
Most people have occasional mood fluctuations, but if you have frequent and severe mood swings, it may be time to speak with your doctor. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, you can manage them with a variety treatments, including therapies, medication or lifestyle adjustments.
Women are often experiencing mood changes between 1 and 2 weeks prior to their periods as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue as well as changes in appetite. They can also trigger depression, bloating and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood changes are more intense during this period you should keep a detailed journal to determine if you are able to track them to their source. This will help you feel more confident about bringing them up to your doctor. It will also provide some validation for the way you're feeling.
Altering your diet and getting more sleep can help decrease mood swings. If you're taking medication that causes these symptoms, changing your dosage or experimenting with a different medication may ease the symptoms. Mood swings can be a sign of many medical and psychological disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
The term "impulsivity" refers to the tendency to make hasty decisions and act without thinking about the consequences. While some impulsive behavior is normal, a persistent pattern of problems with impulse control could be a sign of ADD or a different condition. For example, a person who is impulsive might struggle to save money, spend more than they can afford to, or divulge personal information without thinking about the consequences. They might also have difficulty doing things which require careful planning, such as driving or working in law enforcement.
A certain amount of impulsivity is common in teenagers and children however it's not unusual for adults to struggle with this condition too. It is important to seek medical attention if you are having trouble with your work or relationships due to your impulsive actions.
There are many reasons for an impulsive behaviour, including the brain structure, genetics, chemical imbalances, and environmental factors. adhd signs in adults of emotional distress or trauma can contribute to the impulsive behavior, and so can having a family member that suffers from a mental health disorder. Certain medications can also increase the person's impulsiveness including antidepressants as well as stimulant drugs.
It is important to differentiate between the difference between compulsive and impulsive behavior, which is repetitive and ritualistic. For example, checking whether the oven is on or off is a habitual behavior, while buying something on a whim is an impulsive act. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD sign, especially during the period of puberty, PMS and menopausal changes when estrogen levels decrease. Women may also exhibit symptoms of ADD by appearing distant in conversations or having difficulty completing chores like washing. In some instances women's impulsiveness and inattention could lead to her being misdiagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder, which may be treated with the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to feel anxious and worried at times, for example when you're preparing to take an exam or speaking engagement. If your feelings are intense and persistent, and they disrupt your daily routine and last longer than is reasonable it's possible you have an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms, like an accelerating heartbeat or feeling like you're choking or having an attack of the heart.
Women who suffer from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional ups and downs that are associated with anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and overly sensitive to even minor irritations. For instance, a minor error or being put on hold for long periods of time could make these women extremely angry. They may flee and avoid the issue or abandon the task completely.
Anxiety is a natural response to danger or threat and is a reaction designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. But when it takes over, people can become debilitated and in a state of disfunction.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The kind of therapy you will receive is dependent on the root cause. However both behavioral and cognitive strategies can help you control your worries and emotions.
To reduce your anxiety, eat healthy and sleep enough. Avoid stimulants and caffeine that can trigger mood fluctuations. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise at a brisk pace, releases brain chemicals which reduce stress. Join a support network or call or visit friends. Being with others can decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can teach you ways to relax by using guided visualization or gradual exposure to stressful situations.