Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD are frequently depressed. This could lead to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women with ADD are also more likely to be frustrated 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 during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. They may also be concealed by estrogen and may be less obvious in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who have inattentive ADD are often troubled by their difficulty in staying focused on their work and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD symptoms can also be characterized by difficulties with managing time and a failure to follow through on instructions. Women with ADD have a higher risk of developing depression than those who are not affected by the disorder. However the two disorders may coexist.
Unlike children with hyperactive ADD adults who suffer from the non-hyperactive subtype of ADD tend to be more difficult for parents and teachers to identify, as their symptoms are less obvious. They may struggle to finish homework or schoolwork, and may be absent from important lectures and are unable to pay attention in meetings at work. Adults who struggle may also struggle to find a job or keep their current job.
Inattentive ADD is more prevalent in women and girls as compared to the hyperactive ADD seen more often in males and boys. Often, these women and girls are not diagnosed with depression or anxiety as they enter puberty or experience the mood swings that accompany PMS and perimenopausal. Doctors are more likely to look for more obvious behavioral characteristics of ADD in males, and do not recognize these in girls or females particularly during this time.
Women with inattention ADD can be frustrated with their lack of focus. This can cause anger and frustration. These women can also be more likely to dwell on their frustration and may act out in ways that could damage their relationships. If someone interrupts her while she is working on a project for instance she might scream out of the room. Inability to remain focused on a task could cause her to make impulsive mistakes later regretted.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of changes and ups. However, if your mood swings are extreme, they may affect your daily routine and cause you to feel like you're riding an emotional roller coaster. Extremely frequent and extreme mood swings can be a sign of a mental health condition.
Mood swings happen when you suddenly change from feeling cheerful or happy to feeling angry or sad within a short period of time. These mood swings can be caused by a variety of factors like blood sugar peaks and valleys sleep disturbances, stress or weather conditions. Certain drugs and substances can cause mood changes.
The majority of people experience occasional mood changes, but if you have frequent and severe mood swings, it may be time to consult your doctor. Depending on the reason for your symptoms, you may be able to manage them using a variety of options, including therapies, medication or lifestyle modifications.
Women are often experiencing mood changes between 1 and 2 weeks prior to their periods as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms can include fatigue, changes in appetite as well as depression, bloating, and other aches. Keep a detailed journal to keep track of your mood fluctuations. This will make you feel more confident about bringing them up to your doctor. It will also help you understand the way you're feeling.
Changing your diet, obtaining more sleep, exercising and using relaxation techniques can all help reduce mood swings. If you are taking medications that cause these symptoms, adjusting the dosage or experimenting with a different medication may ease your symptoms. The mood swings could be a sign of a range of psychological and medical disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is the tendency to make quick decisions and act without thinking about the consequences. While some impulsive behavior is normal, a persistent pattern of issues with impulse control could be an indication of ADD or a different condition. An individual who is impulsive might have difficulty saving money, spend more money than they can afford, or divulge personal information to other people without considering the consequences. They may also struggle when it comes to activities that require planning like driving or working in law enforcement.
An impulsive streak is normal in children and teens However, it's not uncommon for adults to suffer from this condition too. It's important to seek medical attention if having trouble with your work or relationships due to impulsive actions.
Many factors can trigger impulsive behavior. These include the brain's structure, genetics as well as chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. A background of emotional trauma or distress can trigger the impulsive behavior, as could an individual in the family with mental illness. symptoms of adult add can also increase a person's impulsiveness like antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It's important to distinguish the difference between compulsive and impulsive behavior, which is routine and ritualistic. For instance, checking whether the oven is off repeatedly is a compulsive habit, while buying something on a whim is an impulsive behavior. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD symptom that is common particularly for girls going through puberty or PMS and also during menopausal when estrogen levels begin to decline. Women can also show signs of ADD by appearing distant during conversations or having difficulty completing chores like washing. In certain cases, women's impulsiveness or inattention can lead them to be misdiagnosed as having depression or bipolar disorder. This condition can be treated with the proper medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel anxious and worried at times, like when you're preparing to take an exam or speaking engagement. However, if these feelings are frequently and severe, interfere with your daily activities and last longer than is normal, you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms, like a pounding heartbeat or the sensation that you're in a choke or suffering from an attack of the heart.
Women suffering from ADD are more susceptible to the emotional fluctuations associated with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and are extremely sensitive to minor irritations. For instance, a minor mistake or being placed on hold for long periods of time can make these women extremely angry. They might storm off or avoid the issue, or even drop the task altogether.
Anxiety is a natural response to danger or threat, and it's designed to prepare your body and mind to defend yourself. But when it takes over, people can become debilitated and incapable of functioning normally.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The type of therapy depends on the cause, but both cognitive and behavioral approaches can assist you in controlling your worries and emotions.
To lessen anxiety, eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep. Avoid stimulants and caffeine which can cause mood swings. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise done at a rapid pace, triggers brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support group or contact friends in person or over the phone. Being around others can help reduce anxiety and help to alleviate loneliness. A therapist can show you techniques to calm down by using guided imagery or gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations.