Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD often experience depression. This can lead to a mistaken diagnosis. Women with ADD also are more likely to be annoyed by waiting, for example, when standing in line or on hold to get customer service.
ADD symptoms can change with hormonal fluctuations in females throughout puberty, the menstrual cycle, and menopausal perimenopausal cycles. They may be disguised or exacerbated by estrogen and are less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who have inattention ADD are often troubled by their difficulty staying focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentive ADD can also cause problems with time management and an inability of following through on instructions. Women with ADD have a higher risk of developing depression than those who are not affected by the disorder. However both disorders can coexist.
Teachers and parents may have a harder time trying to diagnose adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms tend to be subtler. They might not be able to complete their schoolwork or homework and could not attend important classes in classes. They might also not be attentive to meetings at work. Adults may also be struggling to find a job or maintain their current position.
Inattentive ADD is more prevalent in females and girls than males. Women and girls may be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety once they reach puberty or if they experience mood swings linked with PMS or perimenopause. This is because doctors look for the more obvious behavior characteristics of ADD in boys but fail to identify them in girls and women, especially during these periods.
Women with inattentive ADD are more likely to become frustrated by their inability to focus, which can cause anger or even frustration. These women can also be more likely to dwell on their anger and can behave in ways that may harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her while she is working on a project, for example she could scream out of the room. Inability to remain focused on a particular task may result in her making careless mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of ups and downs. If your mood fluctuations are extreme, they may disrupt your daily activities and cause you to feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. Frequent and severe mood changes can indicate an underlying mental health condition that requires treatment.
Mood swings can occur when you suddenly shift from feeling upbeat or happy to sad or angry in just a few minutes. These changes can be caused by a myriad of factors such as diet and blood sugar fluctuation, sleep disturbances and stress. Changes in mood can also be a result of certain medications and substances.
Many people experience occasional mood swings However, if you experience frequent and severe mood swings, it could be time to speak with your doctor. Based on the reason there are a variety of treatments that can aid in managing your symptoms, such as medication, psychotherapy or other treatments for lifestyle.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common mood swing that is common in women 1 to two weeks prior to their period. These symptoms include fatigue as well as changes in appetite. They can also trigger anxiety, bloating, depression, and other discomforts. Keep a detailed diary to track your mood changes. This will help you feel more confident about making an appointment with your doctor. It will also help you understand the way you're feeling.
Making changes to your diet, getting more sleep, exercising and doing relaxation exercises can all aid in reducing mood swings. If you're taking medications that cause these symptoms, changing the dosage or experimenting with a different medication may ease your symptoms. Mood shifts can be a symptom of a variety of psychological and medical disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to act quickly and without thinking about the consequences. While adults with adhd symptoms is normal, a persistent pattern of problems with impulse control could be an indication of ADD or another condition. An individual who is impulsive may have difficulty saving money, spending more than they can afford, or divulge personal information to others without thinking about the consequences. They might also have difficulty in activities that require planning, such as driving or working in the law enforcement field.
It's not uncommon for children and teens to be impulsive. However, it's not uncommon for adults as well. It is essential to seek medical attention if you are experiencing difficulties with your job or relationships due to the impulsiveness of your actions.
There are many causes of an impulsive behaviour, including the brain structure, genetics, chemical imbalances, as well as environmental conditions. A background of emotional or physical trauma can trigger impulsive behaviors, as can an individual in the family with mental disorders. Certain medications, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs can also increase someone's impulsiveness.
It's also important to differentiate between impulsive and compulsive behaviors that are routine and ritualistic. For instance, checking whether the oven is turned off frequently is a habitual behavior, whereas buying something on a whim is an impulsive act. The tendency to be impulsive is a common female ADD symptoms, particularly during puberty, PMS and through menopausal periods when estrogen levels decrease. Women may also exhibit symptoms of ADD by appearing disengaged during conversations or unable to complete tasks like washing. In certain instances women's impulsiveness and inattention can lead to being misdiagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder, which may be treated with the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel anxious or anxious from time to occasion, like when you're getting ready for a public speaking event or test. If the feelings are severe and constant, and interfere with your daily activities and last longer than is reasonable it's possible you have an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms, such as an accelerating heartbeat or feeling like you're choking or having a heart attack.
Women suffering from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional swings and downs associated with anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and irritable to minor aggravations. They can get very angry at a minor error or being held for a long time. They may flee and avoid the issue or abandon the task completely.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to threat or danger and is a reaction designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. However, when it becomes overwhelming individuals can be afflicted and unable to function normally.
There are a variety of treatment options for anxiety disorders, including therapy and medication. The type of therapy you receive is contingent on the underlying cause. However both behavioral and cognitive approaches can help control your emotions and worries.
To reduce your anxiety, eat well and get enough sleep. Avoid stimulants and caffeine that can cause mood fluctuations. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise done at a rapid pace, releases brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join a support network or make a call or visit friends. Being with other people can reduce anxiety and ease loneliness. A therapist can teach you methods to relax yourself by using guided imagery or gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations.