Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD are frequently depressed. This can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Women with ADD are also more likely to get frustrated while waiting, whether it is in line for customer service or waiting on hold.
ADD symptoms in females can vary with hormone fluctuations during puberty, menstrual cycles and during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. They can be concealed or worsened by estrogen and are less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattention ADD frequently have trouble staying focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD symptoms can also cause problems with time management and an inability to follow through on instructions. Women with ADD are more at risk of developing depression than those who are not affected by the disorder. However, the two disorders can coexist.
Unlike children with hyperactive ADD adults with the non-hyperactive subtype of ADD tend to be more difficult for parents and teachers to diagnose, because their symptoms are more subtle. They might not be able to finish their homework or schoolwork and may miss important lectures in classes. They might also not pay attention during meetings at work. These adults could be unable to find jobs or keeping their current one.
Inattentive ADD affects more girls and women than boys. Women and girls may be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression when they reach puberty or when they experience mood swings linked with PMS or perimenopausal. Doctors tend to look for more obvious behavioral characteristics of ADD in males, but do not recognize them in females or girls especially during this period.
Women with inattention ADD might be frustrated with their lack of focus. This can cause anger and frustration. They are also more likely to dwell on their anger and may behave in ways that can harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her as she is working on a project, for example, she may storm out of the room. Inability to remain focused on a particular task may result in her making careless mistakes later regretted.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a natural part of life. If your mood fluctuations are extreme, they may disrupt your daily activities and make you feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. Extremely frequent and extreme mood swings can be an indication of a mental health issue.
Mood swings occur the time when you suddenly shift from feeling upbeat, happy or optimistic to feeling sad or angry in an hour. These changes can be triggered by a variety of causes, including diet and blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances and stress. Certain drugs and substances can also cause mood changes.
Many people experience occasional mood changes However, if you experience frequent and severe mood swings, it may be time to speak with your doctor. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, you can manage them with a variety options, including treatment, medication, or lifestyle adjustments.
Women often experience mood shifts between 1 and 2 weeks prior to their period, as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue and changes in appetite. They can also cause constipation, depression and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood swings are more intense during this time, keep a detailed log to see if you can track them to their source. This will help you feel more confident in bringing questions to your doctor. It could also provide some confirmation of how you feel.
Change your diet, getting more sleep and exercising as well as practicing relaxation techniques can all aid in reducing mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms changing your dosage or trying a different one may ease the symptoms. The fluctuation in mood can be an indication of a variety of medical and psychological disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
It is the tendency to act quickly and without considering the consequences. An ongoing pattern of problems with impulse control may be a sign that you have ADD or other issues. For instance, a person who is impulsive could have difficulty saving money, or spend more than they are able to, or disclose personal information without considering the consequences. They may also struggle when it comes to activities that require careful planning, like driving or working in the law enforcement field.
It's common for children and teens to be impulsive. However, it's not uncommon for adults as well. It is essential to seek medical attention if having trouble with your work or relationships due to impulsive actions.
Numerous factors can cause the impulsive behavior. This includes the brain's structure, genetics chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. A history of emotional trauma or distress can also contribute to impulsive behaviors, as can the presence of a family member suffering from mental illness. Certain medications, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs, can also increase someone's impulsiveness.
It's also important to distinguish impulsive behavior from compulsive behaviors that are repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, such as checking the oven repeatedly are compulsive, whereas the more impulsive actions, like buying something on impulse, are an impulsive. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD characteristic that is prevalent especially in girls who are going through puberty or PMS as well as during menopausal cycles as estrogen levels begin to drop. Women can also show symptoms of ADD by appearing distant in conversations or unable to complete chores like washing. In some instances, a woman's impulsiveness and inattention can lead to being misdiagnosed as having depression or bipolar disorder, which may be treated with the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to be anxious or worried from time moment, for instance, when you're preparing for a public speaking engagement or test. If these feelings become frequent and extreme, interfere with daily activities and last longer than what's normal, you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. You may also feel physical symptoms, such as a pounding heart or the feeling of choking or a heart attack.
Women who suffer from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional fluctuations that come with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and become extremely sensitive to minor aggravations. For example, a small error or being put on hold for long periods of time could make these women extremely angry. They might flee or avoid a problem, or even stop the work.
Anxiety is a natural response to danger or threat, a response designed to prepare the body and mind for battle. However, when it becomes overwhelming, people can become debilitated and unable to function normally.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The type of therapy depends on the cause, however both cognitive and behavioral approaches can help you learn to control your anxieties and emotions.
Eat healthy and sleep enough to reduce anxiety. Avoid caffeine and stimulants that can trigger mood fluctuations. Exercise, especially brisk aerobic exercise, helps release brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support group or make contact with friends. Being with symptoms of adhd adult can decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can guide you through ways to relax through guided imagery or gradual exposure to situations that make you uncomfortable.