Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADD often experience depression. This could lead to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to get annoyed when waiting, whether it is waiting in line to get customer service or while standing on hold.
ADD symptoms can alter with hormonal fluctuations in females throughout puberty, the menstrual cycle, as well as menopausal or perimenopausal changes. They can be masked or worsened by estrogen and are less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women suffering from inattention ADD frequently have trouble staying focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattention ADD symptoms can also be characterized by difficulties with time management and the inability to follow instructions. Women who suffer from ADD have a higher risk of developing depression than women who do not suffer from the disorder. However both disorders can coexist.
As opposed to children with hyperactive ADD adults who suffer from the non-hyperactive subtype of ADD tend to be more difficult for parents and teachers to recognize, since their symptoms are more subtle. They may struggle to finish homework or schoolwork, and may not attend important classes and are not able to concentrate in meetings at work. These adults may also have a difficult time finding an employment or maintaining their current one.
Inattentional ADD is more prevalent in women and girls as opposed to the hyperactive ADD that is more prevalent in boys and men. Often, these women and girls are not diagnosed with anxiety or depression as they go through puberty or experience mood swings that are associated with PMS and perimenopause. Doctors tend to look for more obvious behaviors that are indicative of ADD in males, and do not be able to recognize them in females or girls especially during this period.
Women with inattention ADD may become annoyed by their inability to concentration. This can result in anger and frustration. They may also be more likely to feel anger and can behave in ways that may harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her when she is working on a project for instance she might scream out of the room. The inability to focus on a task could cause her to make careless mistakes later regretted.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of fluctuations and ups. But if your mood shifts are severe, they could interfere with your daily activities and cause you to feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. Extremely frequent and intense mood fluctuations can indicate an underlying mental health issue that requires treatment.
Mood swings happen when you suddenly switch from feeling cheerful, upbeat or optimistic to feeling down or angry within a short time. These changes could be caused by a myriad of factors such as diet and blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances and stress. adhd symptoms in women could also be a side effect of certain medications and other substances.
Many people experience occasional mood changes However, if you experience frequent and severe mood swings, it could be time to speak with your doctor. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, you can treat them with a variety of options, including therapies, medication or lifestyle changes.
Women can experience mood swings up to two weeks prior to their period as a result of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue, changes in appetite depression, bloating, and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood changes are more intense during this time keep a detailed record to see if you can identify the cause. This will help you feel more comfortable opening up your concerns with your doctor. It will also give you a sense of validation of how you are feeling.
Changing your diet, obtaining more sleep and exercising, as well as using relaxation techniques can all aid in reducing mood swings. If you're taking medication that causes these symptoms, altering your dosage or experimenting with a different medication might help alleviate your symptoms. The fluctuation in mood can be the result of a variety of medical and psychological disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
The term "impulsivity" refers to the tendency to make quick decisions and act without considering the consequences. While some impulsive behaviors are normal, a consistent pattern of issues with impulse control may be an indication of ADD or a different condition. For instance, a person who is impulsive could have difficulty saving money, or spend more than they are able to or reveal personal information without thinking about the consequences. They may also struggle with activities requiring careful planning, like driving or working in the field of law enforcement.
It's common for teenagers and children to be impulsive. However, it's not unusual for adults, too. If add symptoms in women experiencing problems with your work or relationships because of your impulsive behavior, it's crucial to seek medical attention.
Many factors can contribute to the impulsive behavior. This includes genetics, brain structure, chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. A background of emotional or physical trauma can be a contributing factor to impulsive behaviors, as can the presence of a family member suffering from mental illness. Certain medications can also increase the impulsiveness of a person including antidepressants as well as stimulant drugs.
It's also important to differentiate the impulsive behavior from compulsive ones that are repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, for example, checking the oven over and over again, are compulsive, while the more impulsive actions, like purchasing something on impulse, are an impulsive. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD sign, especially in girls who are puberty, PMS, and during menopause when estrogen levels drop. Women can also show signs of ADD by appearing distant in conversations or unable to complete tasks like washing. In some instances, a woman's impulsiveness and inattention can lead to her being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression, which may be treated with the correct medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to be anxious and worried at times, for example when you're preparing to take an exam or speaking engagement. If these feelings are extreme and persistent, and they affect your daily activities, and last for longer than you think is appropriate, you could have an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms, such as heartbeats that are pounding or the sensation that you're choked or having an attack on your heart.
Women suffering from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional ups-and-downs that accompany anxiety. They can easily become frustrated and can be extremely sensitive to minor irritations. They can get extremely angry over a small mistake or being on hold for a long time. They might storm off, avoid the problem or abandon the task altogether.
Anxiety is a natural response to threat or danger and is designed to prepare your body and your mind to fight. When anxiety takes over, it can make people debilitated.
There are a myriad of treatment options for anxiety disorders, including therapy and medication. The type of therapy depends on the cause, but both cognitive and behavioral approaches can assist you in controlling your anxiety and feelings.
To reduce your anxiety, eat healthy and get enough rest. Avoid stimulants and caffeine which can cause mood swings. Exercise, particularly brisk aerobic exercise, helps release brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join a support group, or reach out to friends in person or via the phone. Being with others can reduce anxiety and help to alleviate loneliness. A therapist can guide you through ways to relax, such as guided imagery or gradual exposure to stressful situations.