Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD often suffer from depression. This could lead to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women with ADD are also more likely to become annoyed when waiting, whether in line for customer service or waiting on hold.
ADD symptoms in females can vary with hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles, puberty and in perimenopause and menopause. They may also be concealed by estrogen and may be less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who have inattention ADD are often troubled by their difficulty staying focused on their work and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentive ADD symptoms also include trouble with time management and an inability to follow instructions. Women with ADD are also more likely to develop depression than those who don't have the disorder, even though both conditions can coexist.
Teachers and parents may have a harder time trying to recognize adults suffering from non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are less obvious. They might not be able to complete their homework or schoolwork, and they might be absent from important lectures in classes. They may also not pay attention during meetings at work. These adults could also have a difficult time finding an employment or maintaining their current one.
Inattentional ADD is more common for women and girls, as opposed to the hyperactive ADD that is more prevalent in males and boys. Women and girls may be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety once they reach puberty, or when they experience mood swings associated with PMS or perimenopause. This is because doctors look for the more obvious behavior characteristics of ADD in boys, but don't detect them in girls or women, especially during these times.
Women who are inattentive ADD might be frustrated by their lack of concentration. This can lead to anger and frustration. They may also be more likely to dwell on their anger, and express it in ways that could hurt their relationships. If someone interrupts her while she is working on a project for instance she might scream out of the room. The inability to focus on a task might even cause her to make careless mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are an inevitable part of life. But if your mood shifts are extreme, they can disrupt your daily activities and cause you to feel like you're on an emotional roller coaster. Extremely frequent and intense mood fluctuations can be a sign of an underlying mental health issue that requires treatment.
symptoms of add in adults occur when you suddenly go from feeling upbeat, happy or positive to feeling depressed or angry within a short time. These changes can be caused by a variety of factors such as diet and blood sugar fluctuation, sleep disturbances and stress. Certain medications and substances may cause mood changes.
Most people have occasional mood swings, but if you have frequent and severe mood swings, it could be time to speak with your doctor. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, you can manage them using a variety of treatments, including therapies, medication or lifestyle adjustments.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common mood swing that is common in women 1 to 2 weeks prior to their period. These symptoms include fatigue as well as changes in appetite. They can also cause depression, bloating, and other discomforts. Keep a detailed diary to track your mood changes. This will help you feel more confident in taking them to your doctor and provide some validation for how you're feeling.
Making changes to your diet, getting more sleep and exercising, as well as using relaxation techniques can all help to reduce mood swings. If you are taking medications that cause these symptoms, adjusting your dosage or trying a different medication could reduce the symptoms. Mood shifts can be a symptom of a variety of psychological and medical disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
It is the tendency to act quickly without thinking about the consequences. While some impulsive behavior is normal, a persistent pattern of issues with impulse control may be a sign of ADD or a different condition. For instance, a person who is impulsive could have difficulty saving money, or spend more than they can afford to, or divulge personal information without considering the implications. They might also have difficulty with activities that require careful planning, such as driving or working in law enforcement.
A certain amount of impulsivity is natural in teens and children however it's not unusual for adults to suffer from this issue too. If you're having issues with your job or relationships because of your impulsive behavior, it's important that you seek medical assistance.
There are many causes of an impulsive behaviour, including the brain structure, genetics, chemical imbalances, as well environmental conditions. An emotional stress history or trauma can contribute to an impulsive behaviour, as could having a parent who suffers from a mental illness. Certain medications can increase the person's impulsiveness, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It's also important to differentiate impulsive behavior from compulsive behaviors, which are repetitive and ritualistic. For instance, checking if the oven is on or off is a habitual behavior, whereas purchasing something on the spur of the moment is an impulsive action. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD symptom that is common especially for girls going through puberty or PMS as well as during menopausal cycles as estrogen levels begin to drop. A lack of interest in conversations or having trouble finishing tasks like laundry are also symptoms of ADD in women. In certain cases women's impulsiveness and inattention can lead them to be mistakenly diagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression. This condition may be treated with the appropriate medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel nervous or anxious from time to occasion, like when you're preparing for a public speaking engagement or test. If these feelings are extreme and persistent, and they disrupt your daily routine and last longer than you'd expect it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. You may also feel physical symptoms such as an intense pulse or the feeling of choking or having a heart attack.
Women suffering from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional swings and downs that are associated with anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and overly sensitive to even minor irritations. For example, a small error or being put on hold for long periods of time can cause these women to become extremely angry. They could flee or avoid the issue, or even abandon the project altogether.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to threats or dangers and is designed to prepare your body and your mind to fight. But when it takes over the body, people can become weak and unable to function normally.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The type of therapy you receive depends on the root cause. However, both cognitive and behavioral methods can help you manage your anxiety and worry.
Get enough rest and eat healthy to ease anxiety. Avoid stimulants and caffeine which can trigger mood fluctuations. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise at a fast pace, releases brain chemicals which reduce stress. Join a support group or reach out to friends in person or on the phone. Being around others can ease feelings of loneliness and decrease anxiety. A therapist can teach you techniques to calm yourself, such as guided imagery or gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations.