Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD are frequently depressed. This can lead to a misdiagnosis for bipolar disorder. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to be annoyed by waiting for long periods of time, such as when waiting in line or waiting to get customer service.
ADD symptoms can alter with hormonal changes in females during puberty, menstrual cycle and perimenopause or menopause. They may also be concealed by estrogen and may be less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women suffering from inattentive ADD often have difficulty focus on tasks, and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattention ADD symptoms can also cause problems with managing time and a failure to follow through on instructions. Women with ADD have a higher risk of developing depression than women who are not affected by the disorder. However the two disorders may coexist.
As opposed to children with hyperactive ADD, adults with the non-hyperactive subtype of ADD tend to be more difficult for teachers and parents to diagnose, because their symptoms are less obvious. symptoms of add in adults might not be able to complete their homework or schoolwork and may be absent from important lectures in classes. They may also not pay attention during meetings at work. Adults with disabilities may be unable to find an employment or maintaining their current one.
Inattentive ADD is more prevalent in women and girls than boys. In many cases, women and girls are not diagnosed with depression or anxiety as they go through puberty or experience the mood swings that accompany PMS and perimenopausal. This is because doctors search for the more overt behavioral characteristics of ADD in boys, but don't detect them in girls or women, particularly during these periods.
Women who are inattentive ADD may become frustrated with their lack of focus. This can cause anger and frustration. These women are also more likely to dwell on their anger, and express it in ways which could harm their relationships. For instance, if someone interrupts her while she is trying to complete a task, she might storm off and leave the room. The inability to focus on a task could cause her to make impulsive mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are an inevitable part of life. If your mood swings are extreme and affecting your daily activities. It could feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. The frequent and severe mood swings can be a sign of a mental health issue.
Mood swings occur the time when you suddenly shift from feeling upbeat, happy or positive to feeling depressed or angry within just a few minutes. These changes can be triggered by a variety of factors such as diet and blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances, and stress. The mood changes could also be a consequence of certain medications and substances.
If you experience frequent and extreme mood swings you should consult your physician. Depending on the cause there are a variety of treatments that can assist you in managing your symptoms, such as medication, psychotherapy or other lifestyle treatments.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a typical mood swing that occurs in women who are between 1 and 2 weeks prior to their period. These symptoms can include fatigue and changes in appetite. They can also trigger anxiety, bloating, depression and other discomforts. Keep a journal to track your mood changes. This will make you feel more comfortable bringing concerns to your doctor. It can also provide some validation of how you feel.
Change your diet, getting more rest and exercising, as well as practicing relaxation techniques can all help reduce mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms changing your dosage or trying a different drug may ease the symptoms. Changes in mood can 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. A persistent pattern of issues with impulse control could be a sign that you have ADD or other conditions. For instance, a person who is impulsive may struggle to save money, spending more than they are able to, or disclose personal information without thinking about the consequences. They might also have difficulty doing things that require planning such as driving or working in law enforcement.
It's normal for teens and children to be impulsive, but it is not uncommon for adults, too. It is essential to seek medical attention if you're struggling with your work or relationships due to your 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 can contribute to the impulsive behavior, and so can having a parent who suffers from a mental illness. Certain medications, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs can also boost the impulsiveness of a person.
It's important to distinguish impulsive behavior and compulsive behavior, which is routine and ritualistic. For example, checking whether the oven is turned off frequently is a compulsive behavior and buying something on a whim is an impulsive act. The tendency to be impulsive is a common female ADD symptom, particularly in girls who are puberty, PMS and through menopausal periods when estrogen levels decrease. A lack of interest in conversations or having trouble finishing tasks like laundry are signs of ADD in women. In certain instances the woman's impulsiveness or inattention can lead to being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression which can be treated with the appropriate medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to be anxious and nervous at times, for example when you are preparing for an exam or speaking engagement. If your feelings are intense and persistent, and they interfere with your daily activities and last longer than you'd expect, you could have an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms, such as a pounding heart or the feeling of choking or a heart attack.
Women suffering from ADD are especially susceptible to the emotional ups and downs associated with anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and irritable to minor irritations. They can get extremely angry over a small mistake or being on hold for a long time. They may flee, avoid the problem or abandon the task altogether.
Anxiety is a natural response to threat or danger, a response designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. However, when it gets too much the body, people can become weak and in a state of disfunction.
There are a myriad of treatment options for anxiety disorders, including therapy and medication. The type of therapy you choose depends on the cause, however both cognitive and behavioral methods can help you learn to control your worries and emotions.
Get enough rest and eat healthy to decrease anxiety. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can exacerbate mood swings. Exercise, particularly intense aerobic exercise, releases brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support group or make contact with friends. Being with other people can reduce anxiety and ease loneliness. A therapist can teach you methods to relax yourself by using guided visualization or gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations.