Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD frequently experience depression. This can lead to misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to become annoyed when waiting, whether it is in line for customer service or while standing on hold.
ADD symptoms in females can vary with hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles, puberty, and in perimenopause and menopause. They can be concealed or exacerbated by estrogen, and are less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattention ADD are often troubled by their inability to stay focused on tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattention ADD symptoms can also cause problems with time management and an inability to follow instructions. Women with ADD have a higher chance of developing depression than women without the disorder. However both disorders can coexist.
In contrast to children with hyperactive ADD adults with the non-hyperactive type of ADD tend to be more difficult for parents and teachers to recognize, since their symptoms are more subtle. They may have difficulty finishing homework or schoolwork and could be absent from important lectures and are unable to pay attention in meetings at work. These adults could be unable to find jobs or keeping their current one.
Inattentional ADD is more common in women and girls as compared to the hyperactive ADD which is more common in men and boys. In many cases, girls and women are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety as they reach puberty or suffer mood swings that are associated with PMS and perimenopausal. Doctors tend to look for more explicit behavioral characteristics of ADD in males, and do not recognize these in girls or females, especially during this time.
Women with inattentive ADD may become frustrated by their lack of concentration. This can result in anger and frustration. They are also more prone to internalizing their anger and can behave in ways that may harm their relationships. For example, if someone interrupts her while trying to finish the task, she may quit and quit the room. Inability to stay focused may result in her making careless errors that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of fluctuations and ups. If your mood swings are severe and affecting your daily routine. It could feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. Extremely frequent and intense mood fluctuations can indicate an underlying mental health issue that requires treatment.
Mood swings happen when you suddenly switch from feeling happy, upbeat or positive to feeling depressed or angry in an hour. These mood swings can be caused by many different things like diet, blood sugar peaks and valleys sleep disturbances, stress or weather conditions. Certain medications and substances can also trigger mood changes.
Most people have occasional mood changes, but if you have frequent and severe mood swings, it might be time to speak with your doctor. Depending on the cause, a variety of treatments can help you manage your symptoms, such as psychotherapy, medication or other treatments for lifestyle.
Women are often experiencing mood changes up to two weeks prior to their period, as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue, fluctuations in appetite as well as depression, bloating, and other aches. Keep a detailed diary to track your mood changes. This will help you feel more comfortable bringing concerns to your doctor. It could also provide some confirmation of how you are feeling.
Changing your diet and getting more rest can help reduce mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms, changing the dosage or experimenting with a different medication may reduce the symptoms. The mood swings could be a symptom of a variety of medical and psychological disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a tendency to act quickly and without thinking about the consequences. While some impulsive behaviors are normal, a persistent pattern of problems with impulse control may be an indication of ADD or another condition. An individual who is impulsive might be unable to save money, spending more than they can afford, or divulge personal information to others without considering the consequences. They might also have difficulty with activities requiring careful planning, such as driving or working in the field of law enforcement.
It's not uncommon for teens and children to be impulsive. However, it's not uncommon for adults too. If you're having problems with your work or relationships due to impulsive behavior, it's essential to seek medical assistance.
Numerous factors can cause the impulsive behavior. This includes the brain's structure, genetics as well as chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. A history of emotional or physical trauma can trigger impulsive behaviors, as can an individual in the family with mental illness. Certain medications can also contribute to the person's impulsiveness like antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It's important to distinguish from compulsive and impulsive behaviors that is routine and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, for example, checking the oven frequently, are compulsive, while impulsive behaviors, such as purchasing something on impulse, are impulsive. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD characteristic that is prevalent especially in girls who are experiencing PMS or puberty and also during menopausal as estrogen levels begin to decrease. Women can also show symptoms of ADD by appearing disengaged during conversations or having difficulty completing tasks such as laundry. In some cases the woman's impulsiveness or inattention may result in being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression, which can be treated with the correct medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel anxious and worried at times, for example when you're preparing to take an exam or public speaking event. If these feelings become frequent and intense, cause problems with your daily activities and last longer than reasonable, you may have an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms like an intense pulse or the feeling of choking or having a heart attack.
Women who suffer from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional ups and downs that are associated with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and are overly sensitive to minor irritations. They can get very angry at a minor mistake or being in a queue for a long period of time. They may storm off, avoid a problem or even stop the work.
Anxiety is a natural response to threat or danger that is designed to prepare the body and mind for battle. When anxiety is a major factor it can leave people weak and weakened.
There are a variety of treatment options for anxiety disorders, which include medication and therapy. The kind of therapy you will receive is dependent on the cause. However, both cognitive and behavioral methods can help you manage your emotions and worries.
To ease anxiety, eat well and get enough rest. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can cause mood swings. Exercise, particularly vigorous aerobic exercise, triggers brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join adult adhd symptoms or connect with friends in person or over the phone. Being around others can help decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can help you learn strategies to relax through guided imagery or gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations.