Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD are usually depressed. This can lead to misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women with ADD are also more likely to become frustrated while waiting, whether waiting in line to get customer service or waiting on hold.
ADD symptoms can change with hormonal fluctuations in females during puberty, menstrual cycle and menopausal perimenopausal cycles. They can also be covered by estrogen and may be less obvious in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattentive ADD are often troubled by their difficulty in staying focused on their work and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD can also cause issues with time management, as well as the inability to follow through on instructions. Women with ADD are also more likely to develop depression than those who don't have the disorder, but the two can coexist.
Unlike children with hyperactive ADD adults with the non-hyperactive form of ADD tend to be more difficult for parents and teachers to identify, as their symptoms are more subtle. signs and symptoms of adhd in adults may have difficulty finishing homework or schoolwork and might be absent from important lectures and are incapable of paying attention to meetings at work. These adults may be unable to find jobs or keeping their current one.
Inattentive ADD affects more girls and women than boys. Women and girls can be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety when they reach puberty, or if they experience mood swings linked with PMS or perimenopausal. This is because doctors look for the more obvious behavioral traits of ADD in boys, but don't detect them in girls or women, particularly during these phases.
Women with inattentive ADD are more likely to be frustrated by their inability to concentration, which could lead to anger or frustration. These women are also more likely to internalize their frustration, and act out in ways which could harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her while she is completing a task for instance she might scream out of the room. Inability to remain focused on a task could result in her making careless mistakes that she later regrets.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of ups and downs. If your mood swings are intense and affecting your daily routine. It could feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. Frequent and severe mood swings can be a sign of a mental health problem.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly shift from feeling cheerful or happy to feeling angry or sad within an extremely short time. These mood swings can be caused by many different things, including blood sugar peaks and valleys sleep disturbances, stress or weather conditions. The mood changes could also be a side effect of certain medications and other substances.
If you are experiencing frequent and severe mood changes, it's time to consult your doctor. Depending on the cause there are a variety of treatments that can assist you in managing your symptoms, including psychotherapy, medication or other lifestyle treatments.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a frequent mood swing that is common in women 1 to two weeks prior to their period. These symptoms can include fatigue, changes in appetite as well as depression, bloating, and other discomforts. Keep a journal to keep track of the changes in your mood. This will help you feel more confident in bringing concerns to your doctor, and it will also give you a sense of validation of how you're feeling.
Altering your diet and getting more sleep can help reduce mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms, changing your dose or trying another medication could reduce the symptoms. The mood swings could be a symptom of a variety of medical and psychological disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to act quickly and without considering the consequences. An ongoing pattern of issues with impulse control could be a sign that you have ADD or other conditions. Someone who is impulsive could be unable to save money, spend more money than they can afford, or divulge personal information to others without thinking about the consequences. They may also have trouble with activities that require planning like driving or working in law enforcement.
A certain amount of impulsivity is common in children and teens However, it's not uncommon for adults to experience this condition too. It's important to seek medical attention if you're struggling with your work or relationships due to your an impulsive behavior.
Many factors can contribute to impulsive behavior. These include the brain's structure, genetics as well as chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. An emotional stress history or trauma can contribute to impulsive behavior, as can having a family member that suffers from a mental health disorder. Certain medications can increase the impulsiveness of a person including antidepressants as well as stimulant drugs.
It's also important to differentiate between impulsive and compulsive behaviors that are routine and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, such as checking the oven repeatedly, are compulsive, while impulse-driven behaviors, like purchasing something on impulse, are an impulsive. Impulsiveness is a female ADD symptom that is common particularly for girls experiencing PMS or puberty and also during menopausal as estrogen levels begin to decrease. A lack of interest in conversations or unable to finish tasks like laundry are also signs of ADD in women. In some instances, women's impulsiveness or inattention can lead them to be incorrectly diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. This condition can be treated with the proper medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to be anxious or anxious from time to time, such as when you're prepping for a public speaking opportunity or test. However, if these feelings are frequent and intense, cause problems with your daily activities and last longer than what's normal, you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. There are also physical symptoms, such as a pounding heartbeat or the sensation that you're in a choke or suffering from an attack on your heart.
Women suffering from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional turbulences that come with anxiety. They can easily become frustrated and are extremely sensitive to minor irritations. For example, a small mistake or being placed on hold for long periods of time can make these women very angry. They may storm off, avoid a problem or even abandon the task.
Anxiety is a natural response to threat or danger and is a reaction designed to prepare the body and mind for battle. However, when it becomes overwhelming, people can become debilitated and in a state of disfunction.
There are a myriad of treatment options for anxiety disorders, including medication and therapy. The kind of therapy you will receive is dependent on the root cause. However both behavioral and cognitive approaches can help control your emotions and worries.
To lessen anxiety, eat well and sleep enough. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, that can trigger mood swings. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise done at a rapid pace, helps release brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join a support group, or reach out to friends in person or on the phone. Being in the company of others can alleviate isolation and reduce anxiety. A therapist can show you techniques to calm yourself through guided visualization or gradual exposure to stressful situations.