Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD are frequently depressed. This can lead to a incorrect diagnosis. Women with ADD are also more likely to become annoyed when waiting, whether in line for customer service or while standing on hold.
ADD symptoms in females can change with the fluctuation of hormones during puberty, menstrual cycles and during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. They can also be covered by estrogen, and could be less obvious in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattention ADD typically have difficulty focusing on tasks, and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentive ADD can also cause issues with time management, as well as an inability of following the directions given to them. Women who suffer from ADD have a higher risk of developing depression than those without the disorder. However, the two disorders can coexist.
Unlike children with hyperactive ADD adults with the non-hyperactive type of ADD tend to be more difficult for teachers and parents to diagnose, because their symptoms are more subtle. They may have difficulty finishing homework or schoolwork, and may not attend important classes and are incapable of paying attention to meetings at work. These adults could also have a difficult time finding an employment or maintaining their current one.
Inattention ADD affects more girls and women than boys. A lot of times, these girls and women are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when they reach puberty or suffer mood swings that are associated with PMS and perimenopause. Doctors tend to look for more overt behavior-related signs of ADD in males and not recognize the symptoms in females or girls, especially during this time.
Women with inattentive ADD are more likely to become frustrated due to their lack of concentration, which could lead to anger or frustration. These women may also be more likely to internalize their anger and behave in ways which could harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her as she is working on a project, for example she could scream 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
Life is full of fluctuations and ups. If your mood fluctuations are extreme, they can disrupt your daily activities and make you feel like you're on an emotional roller coaster. Extremely frequent and extreme mood swings may be an indication of a mental health condition.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly switch from feeling cheerful, upbeat or positive to feeling depressed or angry in a short time. These changes can be caused by a variety of causes, including diet and blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances, and stress. Changes in mood can also be a result of certain drugs and substances.
If you experience frequent and intense mood changes then it's time to talk to your doctor. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, you may be able to manage them using a variety of treatments, including therapies, medication or lifestyle changes.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common mood swing that is common in women who are between 1 and two weeks prior to their period. These symptoms can include fatigue and changes in appetite. They can also trigger constipation, depression, and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood changes are more intense during this period keep a detailed record to see if it is possible to track them to their source. This will make you feel more confident in bringing up your concerns with your doctor, and it can also provide some validation of how you are feeling.
Making changes to your diet and getting more sleep can help reduce mood swings. If signs of adult add taking a medication that causes these symptoms adjusting your dose or trying a different one could help ease your symptoms. The fluctuation in mood can be the result of a variety of psychological and medical conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to make quick decisions and act without considering the consequences. A persistent pattern of problems with impulse control may be a sign that you have ADD or other disorders. An individual who is impulsive might have difficulty saving money, spend more money than they can afford, or divulge personal information to other people without considering the consequences. They may also struggle when it comes to activities which require careful planning, like driving or working in law enforcement.
A certain amount of impulsivity is normal in children and teens, but it's not uncommon for adults to struggle with this symptom too. If you're having issues with your work or relationships due to your impulsive behavior it's important that you seek medical help.
Numerous factors can cause impulsive behavior. This includes the brain's structure, genetics chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. A history of emotional distress or trauma can contribute to impulsive behavior, as can having a family member who suffers from a mental health issue. Certain medications, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs, can also increase someone's impulsiveness.
It is also crucial to distinguish between impulsive and compulsive behaviors that are repetitive and ritualistic. For instance, checking whether the oven is turned off frequently is a compulsive behavior, whereas buying something at the whim of a is an impulsive behavior. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD characteristic that is prevalent, especially for girls experiencing PMS or puberty and also during menopausal as estrogen levels begin to decrease. Women can also show symptoms of ADD by appearing disengaged during conversations or unable to complete tasks like washing. In some instances, a woman's impulsiveness and inattention could lead to her being misdiagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder, which can be treated with the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel anxious and nervous at times, like when you are preparing for an exam or public speaking engagement. If the feelings are severe and constant, and affect your daily activities and last longer than is reasonable it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. You may also feel physical symptoms, such as a pounding pulse or the sensation of choking or a heart attack.
Women who suffer from ADD are especially susceptible to the emotional turmoil and downs that are associated with anxiety. They can easily become frustrated and are overly sensitive to minor irritations. They can be very angry at a minor mistake or being in a queue for a long time. They could flee, avoid the problem or even drop the task completely.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to threats or dangers, and it's designed to prepare your body and mind to defend yourself. When anxiety becomes a problem, it can make people feel weak.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The type of therapy you receive depends on the underlying cause. However both behavioral and cognitive methods can help you manage your worries and emotions.
Get enough rest and eat healthy to ease anxiety. Avoid caffeine and stimulants that can cause mood fluctuations. Exercise, specifically vigorous aerobic exercise, releases brain chemicals that cut stress. Join a support group or make a call or visit friends. Being with others can decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can show you techniques to calm down through guided imagery or gradual exposure to uncomfortable scenarios.