Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD are frequently depressed. This could lead to a mistaken diagnosis. Women with ADD also are more likely to be annoyed by waiting for long periods of time, such as when standing in line or waiting to get customer service.
ADD symptoms can change with hormonal changes in females during puberty, the menstrual cycle, as well as perimenopause or menopause. They may be disguised or exacerbated by estrogen and are less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattention ADD frequently have trouble focus on tasks, and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentive ADD can also cause problems with time management, as well as a lack of ability to follow the instructions. Women with ADD are also more likely to develop depression than those without the disorder, though the two can coexist.
Teachers and parents may be unable to recognize adults suffering from non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are more subtle. They may have trouble finishing homework or schoolwork and could not attend important classes and are incapable of paying attention to meetings at work. These adults may also have a difficult time finding jobs or keeping their current one.
Attention-deficit ADD affects more females and girls than males. Women and girls are often misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when they reach puberty or if they experience mood swings linked with PMS or perimenopause. Doctors tend to look for more explicit behavior-related signs of ADD in males, but do not be able to recognize the symptoms in females or girls especially during this period.
symptoms of adult adhd with inattention ADD may become frustrated by their lack of focus. This can lead to anger and frustration. These women are also more likely to internalize their anger and behave in ways that could hurt their relationships. For instance, if a person interferes with her while she is trying to complete the task, she may quit and leave the room. Inability to remain focused on a task could cause her to make careless mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of fluctuations and ups. But if your mood shifts are extreme, they may interfere with your daily activities and cause you to feel like you're riding an emotional roller coaster. Frequent and severe mood swings can be a sign of a mental health issue.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly switch from feeling happy, upbeat or optimistic to feeling down or angry in an hour. These changes can be triggered by a variety of factors, including blood sugar peaks and valleys sleep disturbances, stress and weather conditions. Certain drugs and substances can also cause mood changes.
Many people experience occasional mood fluctuations however if you experience frequent and extreme mood swings, it could be time to consult your doctor. Based on the root of your symptoms, you can manage them using a variety of treatments, including treatment, medication, or lifestyle changes.
Women are often experiencing mood changes between 1 and 2 weeks prior to their periods as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms can include fatigue and changes in appetite. They can also trigger depression, bloating and other discomforts. Keep a detailed diary to keep track of your mood fluctuations. This will make you feel more confident about bringing them up to your doctor and can help you understand the way you're feeling.
Change your diet, getting more rest and exercising, as well as practicing relaxation techniques can all aid in reducing mood swings. If you're taking medication that causes these symptoms changing your dosage or experimenting with a different medication may ease your symptoms. Mood shifts can be a sign of a variety of psychological and medical disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is the tendency to make rash decisions and act without thinking about the consequences. While some impulsive behavior is normal, a pattern of problems with impulse control can be a sign of ADD or another condition. A person who is impulsive may have difficulty saving money, spend more money than they could afford, or disclose personal information to others without considering the consequences. They may also struggle with activities requiring careful planning, like driving or working in the law enforcement field.
It's normal for teens and children to be impulsive, however it is not uncommon for adults, too. If you're experiencing problems with your job or relationships due to impulsive behavior, it's crucial to seek medical assistance.
There are many causes of impulsive behavior, including genetics, brain structure and chemical imbalances, and environmental factors. An emotional stress history or trauma can contribute to the impulsive behavior, and so can having a parent who suffers from a mental illness. Certain medications, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs can also cause an increase in impulsiveness.
It's important to distinguish from compulsive and impulsive behaviors that is repetitive and ritualistic. For example, checking whether the oven is off repeatedly is a habitual behavior, while buying something on a whim is an impulsive action. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD symptom that is common particularly in girls who are experiencing PMS or puberty as well as during menopausal cycles as estrogen levels begin to drop. Women may also exhibit symptoms of ADD by appearing distant in conversations or having difficulty completing tasks such as laundry. In certain instances the woman's impulsiveness or inattention can lead to being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression, which may be treated with the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to feel nervous and worried at times, such as when you are preparing for an exam or public speaking event. However, if these feelings are 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 experience physical symptoms, such as a pounding heartbeat or feeling like you're in a choke or suffering from an attack on your heart.
Women who suffer from ADD are especially susceptible to the emotional ups and downs that are associated with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and can be extremely sensitive to minor irritations. For instance, a tiny error or being put on hold for long periods of time can make these women extremely angry. They might storm off or avoid the issue, or even drop the task completely.
Anxiety is the natural response to danger or threat and is designed to prepare your body and your mind to fight. When anxiety becomes a problem it can leave people feel weak.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The kind of therapy you choose will depend on the cause, but both cognitive and behavioral methods can help you learn to control your anxieties and emotions.
To lessen anxiety, eat well and get enough sleep. Avoid stimulants and caffeine which can trigger mood fluctuations. Exercise, specifically vigorous aerobic exercise, helps release brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join a support group or reach out to friends in person or over the phone. Being around others can help decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can show you techniques to calm yourself, such as guided visualization or gradual exposure to stressful situations.