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 frustrated while waiting, whether in line for customer service or waiting 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 apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women suffering from inattention ADD typically have difficulty focusing on tasks, and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattention ADD symptoms can also be characterized by difficulties with managing time and a failure to follow through on instructions. Women who suffer from ADD are more at risk of developing depression than women who do not suffer from the disorder. However both disorders 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 may struggle to finish homework or schoolwork and could not attend important classes as well as being not able to concentrate in meetings at work. Adults who struggle may also struggle to find a job or maintain their current position.
Inattentive ADD is more common in girls and women, as compared to the hyperactive ADD that is more prevalent in males and boys. These girls and women are often misdiagnosed with 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 identify them in girls and women, particularly during these times.
Women who are inattentional ADD are more likely to become frustrated by their inability to concentration, which could cause anger or even frustration. They may also be more likely to feel anger and may behave in ways that could damage their relationships. For example, if someone interrupts her while she is trying to complete the task, she may storm off and quit the room. Her inability to stay focused on a task might even result in her making careless mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a normal part of life. If your mood swings are severe, it can affect your daily activities. It could feel like you are on an emotional rollercoaster. The frequent and severe mood swings could be an indication of a mental health condition.
Mood swings occur the time when you suddenly shift from feeling upbeat, happy or optimistic to feeling sad or angry in just a few minutes. These mood swings can be caused by a variety of factors, including blood sugar peaks and valleys sleep disturbances, stress, and weather conditions. The mood changes could also be a side effect of certain medications and substances.
Many people experience occasional mood fluctuations, but if you have frequent and severe mood swings, it could be time to consult your doctor. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, you can manage them with a variety treatments, including therapies, medication or lifestyle modifications.
Women often experience mood shifts 1 to 2 weeks before their period as a result of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). attention deficit disorder symptoms adults include fatigue, changes in appetite, depression, bloating and other discomforts. Keep a journal to track your mood changes. This will help you feel more confident in taking them to your doctor and give you some confirmation of your current state of mind.
Altering your diet and getting more rest can reduce the frequency of mood swings. If you are taking medication that causes these symptoms, changing the dosage or experimenting with a different medication may reduce the symptoms. Mood swings are an indication of a variety of mental and medical disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as bipolar disorder, and depression.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to act quickly without considering the consequences. While some of the impulsive behavior is normal, a pattern of problems with impulse control may be a sign of ADD or another condition. For instance, someone who is impulsive could have trouble saving money, spend more than they are able to, or divulge personal information without considering the consequences. They may also have issues in activities that require planning, such as driving or working in the law enforcement field.
A certain amount of impulsivity is natural in teens and children, but it's not uncommon for adults to experience this issue too. It's important to seek medical attention if you are struggling with your work or relationships due to impulsive actions.
There are many reasons for impulsive behavior, including genetics, brain structure and chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. A history of emotional distress or trauma may contribute to an impulsive behaviour, as could having a family member that suffers from a mental health disorder. Certain medications, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs can also cause an increase in impulsiveness.
It's also important to differentiate impulsive behavior from compulsive behaviors that are routine and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, such as checking the oven frequently are compulsive, whereas impulse-driven behaviors, like buying something on impulse are an impulsive. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD symptom, particularly in girls who are the period of puberty, PMS and menopausal changes when estrogen levels decrease. Women can also show symptoms of ADD by appearing disengaged during conversations or having trouble completing chores like washing. In certain instances, a woman's impulsiveness and inattention may result in being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression, which can be treated with the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to feel anxious and worried at times, like when you're preparing for an exam or public speaking event. If these feelings become frequent and intense, cause problems with daily activities and last longer than what's reasonable, you may have an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms, such as a pounding heart or the sensation of choking or a heart attack.
Women suffering from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional swings and downs that come with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and become extremely sensitive to minor aggravations. They can be extremely angry over a small mistake or being on hold for a long time. They might flee or avoid a problem, or even stop the work.
Anxiety is the natural response to threats or dangers and is designed to prepare your body and your mind to fight. However, when it gets too much individuals can be afflicted and in a state of disfunction.
There are a variety of treatments for anxiety disorders, which include medication and therapy. The kind of therapy you will receive is dependent on the underlying cause. However both behavioral and cognitive methods can help you manage your worries and emotions.
To reduce your anxiety, eat healthy and get enough sleep. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, that can trigger mood swings. Exercise, especially intense aerobic exercise, triggers brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support group, or reach out to friends in person or via the phone. Being with others can decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can teach you ways to relax by using guided visualization or gradual exposure to stressful situations.