Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADD frequently experience depression. This can lead to misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women with ADD also are more likely to be frustrated by waiting for long periods of time, such as when waiting in line or on hold for customer service.
ADD symptoms in females can vary with hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles, puberty, as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transitions and men. related may be disguised or exacerbated by estrogen, and are less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattentive ADD are often plagued by their inability to stay focused on their work and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattention ADD symptoms can also cause problems with time management and the inability to follow instructions. Women with ADD are more at risk of developing depression than those who do not suffer from the disorder. However both disorders can coexist.
Unlike children with hyperactive ADD adults who suffer from 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 may not attend important classes, as well as being incapable of paying attention to meetings at work. These adults may also have a difficult time finding jobs or keeping their current one.
Inattentive ADD is more prevalent in women and girls than boys. A lot of times, these girls and women are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when they reach puberty or suffer mood swings that are associated with PMS and perimenopause. Doctors tend to look for more obvious behavioral characteristics of ADD in males and not recognize these in girls or females particularly during this time.
Women who have inattention ADD are more likely to become frustrated by their inability to concentration, which could cause anger or even frustration. They may also be more prone to internalizing their anger and may behave in ways that may harm their relationships. For instance, if someone interferes with her while she is trying to complete a task, she might storm off and leave the room. The inability to focus on a task could result in her making careless mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of fluctuations and ups. But if your mood shifts are extreme, they can interfere with your daily activities and make you feel like you're riding an emotional roller coaster. 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, upbeat or positive to feeling depressed or angry in just a few minutes. These changes can be triggered by a myriad of factors, including diet and blood sugar fluctuation, sleep disturbances and stress. Mood changes can also be a side effect of certain medications and other substances.
If you experience frequent and extreme mood swings you should consult your physician. According to the reason, a variety of treatments can aid in managing your symptoms, such as psychotherapy, medication, or other lifestyle therapies.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a typical mood swing that can be experienced by women 1 to 2 weeks before 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 journal to keep track of your mood fluctuations. This will help you feel more confident in bringing up your concerns with your doctor, and it will also give you a sense of validation of how you're feeling.
Making changes to your diet and getting more sleep can help decrease mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms, adjusting the dosage or experimenting with a different drug may help reduce the symptoms. Changes in mood can be a sign of a variety of psychological and medical disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to make quick decisions and act without considering the consequences. While some impulsive behaviors are normal, a pattern of problems with impulse control can be an indication of ADD or another condition. For instance, someone who is impulsive may have difficulty saving money, or spend more than they are able to, or disclose personal information without considering the consequences. They might also have difficulty doing things that require planning such as driving or working in law enforcement.
It's not uncommon for teens and children to be impulsive, but it's not unusual for adults too. It is important to seek medical attention if you're struggling with your work or relationships due to an impulsive behavior.
Many factors can contribute to the impulsive behavior. This includes the brain's structure, genetics, chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. An emotional stress history or trauma may contribute to impulsive behavior, as can having a family member who suffers from a mental illness. Certain medications can also increase a person's impulsiveness like antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It is important to differentiate between the difference between compulsive and impulsive behavior that is routine and ritualistic. For example, checking whether the oven is off repeatedly is a compulsive habit, whereas buying something on a whim is an impulsive act. Impulsiveness is a female ADD sign that is quite common, especially in girls who are going through puberty or PMS and also during menopausal when estrogen levels begin to decrease. adult adhd symptom of interest in conversations or struggling to finish tasks like laundry are symptoms of ADD in women. In some cases women's impulsiveness and inattention may result in her being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression, which can be treated with the appropriate medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to be anxious or anxious from time to moment, for instance, when you're getting ready for a public speaking engagement or test. If your feelings are intense and persistent, and they 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 like an intense pulse or the sensation of choking or a heart attack.
Women who suffer from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional turmoil and downs associated with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and are extremely sensitive to minor irritations. They can be extremely upset over a tiny error or being held for a long time. They may storm off to avoid a situation or even abandon the task.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to danger or threat, a response designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. However, when it gets too much the body, people can become weak and in a state of disfunction.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include medication and therapy. The type of therapy you choose depends on the cause, but both cognitive and behavioral approaches can help you learn to control your anxiety and feelings.
To lessen anxiety, eat a balanced diet and get enough rest. Avoid caffeine and stimulants that can trigger mood swings. Exercise, specifically vigorous aerobic exercise, triggers brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support network or make a call or visit friends. Being in the company of others can help reduce loneliness and ease anxiety. A therapist can teach you methods to relax yourself through guided imagery or gradual exposure to stressful situations.