Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD are frequently depressed. This could lead to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women with ADD also are more likely to be frustrated by waiting for long periods of time, such as when waiting in line or waiting for customer service.
ADD symptoms in females can vary with hormone fluctuations during puberty, menstrual cycles as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transitions and men. They can also be covered by estrogen, and could be less obvious in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattentive ADD are often plagued by their difficulty staying focused on their work and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentional ADD can also cause issues with time management, and the inability to follow the instructions. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to be depressed than those who don't have the disorder, but both conditions can coexist.
Parents and teachers may find it more difficult to recognize adults suffering from non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms tend to be subtler. They might not be able to finish their homework or schoolwork, and they might not attend important classes in classes. They may also not pay attention during meetings at work. These adults could also have a difficult time finding a job or keeping a current one.
Inattentional ADD is more prevalent for women and girls, as opposed to the hyperactive ADD that is more prevalent in boys and men. The girls and women with it are often misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression when they reach puberty, or when they experience mood swings that are associated with PMS or perimenopause. Doctors are more likely to look for more obvious behavioral characteristics of ADD in males and not recognize them in females or girls especially during this period.
Women with inattention ADD might be frustrated by their lack of concentration. This can lead to anger and frustration. These women can also be more likely to dwell on their frustration and may act out in ways that can harm their relationships. For example, if someone interferes with her while she is trying to finish an assignment, she could quit and quit the room. The inability to focus on a task could cause her to make impulsive mistakes later regretted.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a natural part of life. However, if your mood swings are severe, they could disrupt your daily activities and cause you to feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. Extremely frequent and intense mood fluctuations could be an indication of an underlying mental health issue that requires treatment.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly change from feeling cheerful or happy to sad or angry in an extremely short time. These changes can be triggered by a variety of factors, including diet, blood sugar peaks and valleys, sleep disturbances, stress and weather conditions. Certain medications and substances may cause mood changes.
Most people have occasional mood changes however if you experience frequent and severe mood swings, it could be time to consult your doctor. Based on the reason there are a variety of treatments that can assist you in managing your symptoms, including medication, psychotherapy or other lifestyle treatments.
Women are often experiencing mood changes up to two weeks prior to their periods as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms can include fatigue, changes in appetite depression, bloating, and other aches. If you notice that your mood swings are more intense during this time keep a detailed record to see if it is possible to track them to their source. This will help you feel more confident in bringing them up to your doctor. It will also provide some validation for how you're feeling.
Changing your diet, getting more rest, exercising and doing relaxation exercises can all help to reduce mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms changing your dosage or trying a different drug might help alleviate your symptoms. Changes in mood can be a symptom of a variety of medical and psychological disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
It is the tendency to act quickly without thinking about the consequences. While some of the impulsive behavior is normal, a consistent pattern of issues with impulse control may be a sign of ADD or another condition. Someone who is impulsive might have difficulty saving money, spending more than they could afford, or disclose personal information to others without considering the consequences. They may also struggle when it comes to activities that require careful planning, like driving or working in the law enforcement field.
It's not uncommon for teens and children to be impulsive, but it is not uncommon for adults, too. If you're experiencing problems with your job or relationships due to impulsive behavior, it's essential to seek medical help.
Many factors can trigger impulsive behavior. This includes the brain's structure, genetics chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. An emotional stress history or trauma can contribute to impulsive behavior, as can having a parent who suffers from a mental illness. Certain medications can also contribute to the person's impulsiveness, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It is important to differentiate between from compulsive and impulsive behaviors, which is routine and ritualistic. Compulsive behavior, like checking the oven over and over again are compulsive. On the other hand, the more impulsive actions, like buying something on impulse are impulsive. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD sign, especially during the period of puberty, PMS and menopausal changes when estrogen levels decrease. Women can also show symptoms of ADD by appearing distant during conversations or having trouble completing tasks such as laundry. In some instances, women's impulsiveness or inattention could lead to them being incorrectly diagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression. This disorder can be treated by the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel nervous or worried from time moment, for instance, when you're prepping for a public speaking event or test. 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 experience physical symptoms like an intense pulse or the feeling of choking or having a heart attack.
Women suffering from ADD are more prone to the emotional swings and downs that come with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and irritable to minor annoyances. For example, a small mistake or being placed on hold for long periods of time could make these women very angry. They may storm off or avoid a problem, or even abandon the task.
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 individuals can be afflicted and in a state of disfunction.
There are symptoms of add in adults of treatments for anxiety disorders, which include therapy and medication. The kind of therapy you receive is contingent on the cause. However both behavioral and cognitive methods can help you manage your worries and emotions.
Get enough rest and eat healthy to reduce anxiety. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which can exacerbate mood swings. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise done at a rapid pace, helps release brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join an online support group or reach out to friends in person or via the phone. Being in the company of others can ease feelings of isolation and reduce anxiety. A therapist can teach you techniques to calm down, such as guided images or gradual exposure to situations that are uncomfortable.