Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD are frequently depressed. This could lead to a incorrect diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to be frustrated while waiting, whether in line for customer service or while standing on hold.
ADD symptoms in females can vary with hormone fluctuations during puberty, menstrual cycles and in perimenopause and menopause. They may be disguised or exacerbated by estrogen, and are less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who have inattentive ADD are often plagued by their difficulty in staying focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattention ADD symptoms also include trouble with time management and the inability to follow through on instructions. Women with ADD have a higher chance of developing depression than women without the disorder. However both disorders can coexist.
Teachers and parents may find it more difficult to recognize adults suffering from non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are subtler. They may struggle to finish homework or schoolwork, and may miss important class lectures and are not able to concentrate in meetings at work. These adults may be unable to find jobs or keeping their current one.
Inattentional ADD is more prevalent in women and girls as compared to the hyperactive ADD which is more common in men and boys. Women and girls are often misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety once they reach puberty, or when they experience mood swings linked with PMS or perimenopausal. This is because doctors search for the more obvious behavioral traits of ADD in boys and don't identify them in girls and women, particularly during these periods.
Women who are inattentive ADD can be frustrated by their lack of focus. This can result in anger and frustration. They may also be more likely to internalize their frustration, and act out in ways that could hurt their relationships. If someone interrupts her as she is completing a task for instance she might scream out of the room. Inability to stay focused may result in her making mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a natural part of life. If your mood fluctuations are severe, they could affect your daily routine and make you feel like you're on an emotional roller coaster. The frequent and severe mood swings could be a sign of a mental health issue.
Mood swings happen when you suddenly shift from feeling happy or upbeat to feeling angry or sad within just a few minutes. These mood swings can be caused by a variety of causes, including diet, blood sugar peaks and valleys sleep disturbances, stress and weather conditions. The mood changes could also be a result of certain medications and other substances.
Many people experience occasional mood changes, but if you have frequent and extreme mood swings, it might be time to speak with your doctor. Depending on symptoms of adult add , a variety of treatments can aid in managing your symptoms, including psychotherapy, medication, or other treatments for lifestyle.
Women often experience mood shifts up to two weeks prior to their periods as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms can include fatigue and changes in appetite. They can also cause anxiety, bloating, depression and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood changes are more intense during this period, keep a detailed log to determine if you are able to track them to their source. This will make you feel more confident in taking them to your doctor and can provide some validation for how you're feeling.
Changing your diet and getting more sleep can help reduce mood swings. If you're taking medication that causes these symptoms, changing the dosage or experimenting with a different drug may help ease your symptoms. Changes in mood can be a sign of a range of medical and psychological disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a tendency to act rapidly and without thinking about the consequences. A persistent pattern of impulse control problems can be a sign that you have ADD or other disorders. For instance, someone who is impulsive could struggle to save money, spend more than they can afford to, or divulge personal information without thinking about the impact. They may also have trouble doing things that require planning such as driving or working in law enforcement.
An impulsive streak is natural in teens and children, but it's not uncommon for adults to suffer from this condition too. It is essential to seek medical attention if you are having trouble with your work or relationships because of impulsive actions.
Numerous factors can cause the impulsive behavior. These include genetics, brain structure, chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. A history of emotional trauma or distress can be a contributing factor to the impulsive behavior, as could an individual in the family with mental illness. Certain medications, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs, can also increase someone's impulsiveness.
It's also important to differentiate impulsive behavior from compulsive behaviors that are routine and ritualistic. For example, checking whether the oven is off repeatedly is a habitual behavior and buying something at the whim of a is an impulsive behavior. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD characteristic that is prevalent especially for girls going through puberty or PMS, and during menopause when estrogen levels begin to drop. Being withdrawn during conversations or having trouble finishing tasks like laundry are also indications of ADD in women. In some cases, a woman's impulsiveness and inattention could lead to being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression, which can be treated with the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to be nervous and worried at times, like when you are preparing for an exam or public speaking engagement. However, if these feelings are frequent and extreme, interfere with daily activities and last longer than what's reasonable, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. You may also feel physical symptoms like a pounding pulse or the feeling of choking, or even a heart attack.
Women with ADD are more susceptible to the emotional ups-and-downs that accompany anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and are extremely sensitive to minor irritations. These women can become very angry at a minor mistake or being on hold for a long period of time. They could flee, avoid a problem or even quit the job.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to threat or danger and is designed to prepare your body and mind to fight. When anxiety takes over it can leave people feel weak.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include medication and therapy. The kind of therapy you receive depends on the root cause. However both behavioral and cognitive approaches can help control your emotions and worries.
Sleep well and eat a balanced diet to decrease anxiety. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger mood swings. Exercise, particularly vigorous aerobic exercise, releases brain chemicals that cut stress. Join an online support group or reach out to friends in person or on the phone. Being with other people can reduce anxiety and help to alleviate loneliness. A therapist can guide you through methods to relax yourself, such as guided imagery or gradual exposure to situations that make you uncomfortable.