Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD frequently experience depression. This could lead to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women with ADD are also more likely to become annoyed when waiting, whether it is waiting in line to get customer service or waiting on hold.
ADD symptoms can change in response to hormonal fluctuations in females throughout puberty, menstrual cycle and menopausal perimenopausal cycles. They can also be covered by estrogen, and could be less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattentive ADD often have difficulty focusing on tasks, and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattention ADD symptoms also include trouble with managing time and a failure to follow instructions. Women with ADD have a higher chance of developing depression than those who do not suffer from the disorder. However, the two disorders can coexist.
In signs of adhd in adults to children with hyperactive ADD, adults with the non-hyperactive subtype of ADD tend to be more difficult for teachers and parents to identify, as their symptoms are less obvious. They may have trouble finishing homework or schoolwork and could miss important class lectures as well as being incapable of paying attention to meetings at work. These adults may also struggle to find work or maintain their current position.
Inattentional ADD is more common in women and girls as opposed to the hyperactive ADD which is more common in males and boys. In many cases, women and girls are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when they go through puberty or experience the mood swings that accompany PMS and perimenopause. This is because doctors search for the more obvious behavior characteristics of ADD in boys but fail to identify them in girls and women, especially during these periods.
Women who are inattentional ADD are more likely to be frustrated due to their lack of concentration, which could lead to anger or frustration. They may also be more likely to feel anger, and express it in ways that could hurt their relationships. For instance, if someone interrupts her while she is trying to complete the task, she may get angry and leave the room. Her inability to stay focused on a task might even cause her to make impulsive mistakes that she later regrets.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of changes and ups. If your mood swings are intense, it can affect your daily activities. You might feel as if you're on an emotional rollercoaster. The frequent and extreme mood swings can be a sign of an underlying mental health problem that requires treatment.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly switch from feeling cheerful or happy to feeling angry or sad within a short period of time. These changes can be caused by a myriad of factors that include diet, blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances and stress. The mood changes could also be a result of certain medications and substances.
If you are experiencing frequent and severe mood changes then it's time to talk to your doctor. Depending on the cause there are a variety of treatments that can assist you in managing your symptoms, such as psychotherapy, medication, or other treatments for lifestyle.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common mood swing that occurs in women between 1 and two 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 detailed journal to track your mood changes. This will help you feel more confident about making an appointment with your doctor and can provide some validation for your current state of mind.
Making changes to your diet and getting more sleep can reduce the frequency of mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms changing your dosage or trying a different one might help alleviate the symptoms. The fluctuation in mood can be an indication of a variety of psychological and medical conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a tendency to act quickly and without thinking about the consequences. An ongoing pattern of impulse control problems can be an indication that you suffer from ADD or other issues. Someone who is impulsive might have difficulty saving money, spend more money than they can afford, or divulge personal information to others without thinking about the consequences. They might also have difficulty with activities that require planning such as driving or working in law enforcement.
It's not uncommon for teens and children to be impulsive. However, it's not unusual for adults, too. If you're experiencing problems with your work or relationships because of your impulsive behavior, it's crucial to seek medical attention.
There are a variety of causes for the impulsive behavior, such as genetics, brain structure and chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. A history of emotional or physical trauma can be a contributing factor to impulsive behaviors, as can the presence of a family member suffering from a mental disorder. Certain medications, including stimulant drugs and antidepressants, can also boost the impulsiveness of a person.
It is important to differentiate between impulsive behavior and compulsive behavior, which is a repetitive and ritualistic. For instance, checking if the oven is on or off is a compulsive behavior, while buying something at the whim of a is an impulsive behavior. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD characteristic that is prevalent, especially for girls going through puberty or PMS, and during menopause, when estrogen levels start to drop. Women may also exhibit symptoms of ADD by appearing distant in conversations or unable to complete chores like washing. In some instances women's impulsiveness and inattention could lead to them being misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression. This condition may be treated with the proper medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to be anxious and worried at times, like when you're preparing for an exam or speaking engagement. However, if these feelings are frequently and severe, interfere with your daily routine and last longer than is reasonable, you may have an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms, like an accelerating heartbeat or the feeling that you're choked or having a heart attack.
Women who suffer from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional turbulences that come with anxiety. signs of adhd adults can get easily frustrated and irritable to minor annoyances. For instance, a tiny error or being put on hold for long periods of time can make these women very angry. They may flee and avoid the issue or even drop the task altogether.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to danger or threat, a response designed to prepare the body and mind for battle. When anxiety takes over it can leave people weak and weakened.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The kind of therapy you receive depends on the underlying cause. However both behavioral and cognitive methods can help you manage your worries and emotions.
To lessen anxiety, eat well and get enough rest. Avoid caffeine and stimulants that can trigger mood swings. Exercise, specifically intense aerobic exercise, releases brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support group or reach out to friends in person or via the phone. Being around others can help decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can teach you methods to relax yourself through guided visualization or gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations.