Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD are usually depressed. This can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Women with ADD also are more likely to be unhappy when waiting, such as while standing in line or on hold for customer service.
ADD symptoms can alter with hormonal fluctuations in females during puberty, 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 suffer from inattention ADD frequently have trouble focusing on tasks, and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentive ADD symptoms also include trouble with time management and an inability to follow through on instructions. Women who suffer from ADD are more at risk of developing depression than women without the disorder. However, the two disorders can coexist.
Teachers and parents may find it more difficult to identify adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are less obvious. They might not be able to finish their schoolwork or homework and may miss important lectures in class. They may also not pay attention when they attend meetings at work. Adults may also be struggling to find a job or keep their current job.
Inattentive ADD affects more females and girls than males. Often, these women and girls are not diagnosed with depression or anxiety when they reach puberty or suffer mood swings that are associated with PMS and perimenopausal. This is because doctors search for the more overt behavioral characteristics of ADD in boys but fail to detect them in girls or women, especially during these periods.
Women with inattentive ADD might be frustrated with their lack of concentration. This can result in anger and frustration. These women may also be more likely to dwell on their anger, and express it in ways which could harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her while she is completing a task, for example she might scream out of the room. Her inability to stay focused on a particular task may cause her to make careless mistakes that she later regrets.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a natural part of life. But if your mood shifts are extreme, they may interfere with your daily activities and make you feel like you're on an emotional roller coaster. The frequent and severe mood swings could be an indication of a mental health problem.
Mood swings can occur when you suddenly switch from feeling upbeat or happy to sad or angry in an extremely short time. These changes can be triggered by a variety of factors such as diet and blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances, and stress. Certain medications and substances can also cause mood changes.
If you are experiencing frequent and intense mood changes, it's time to consult your physician. According to the reason various treatments can aid in managing your symptoms, such as psychotherapy, medication or other treatments for lifestyle.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common mood swing that is common in women between 1 and two weeks prior to their period. These symptoms include fatigue and changes in appetite. They can also cause depression, bloating and other discomforts. If symptoms of adult add notice that your mood swings are more severe during this time, keep a detailed log to see if you can trace them back to the source. This will help you feel more comfortable bringing questions to your doctor. It can also provide some validation of how you're feeling.
Change your diet, getting more sleep, exercising and doing relaxation exercises can all help to reduce mood swings. If you are taking medications that cause these symptoms, adjusting your dose or trying another medication could reduce the symptoms. Mood swings are a sign of many psychological and medical conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as bipolar disorder, and depression.
4. Impulsivity
It is the tendency to act quickly without considering the consequences. An ongoing pattern of issues with impulse control could be an indication that you suffer from ADD or other disorders. For instance, a person who is impulsive may have difficulty saving money, spending more than they can afford to, or divulge personal information without thinking about the implications. They may also have trouble when it comes to activities that require careful planning, like driving or working in law enforcement.
An impulsive streak is normal in teenagers and children, but it's not uncommon for adults to suffer from this symptom too. If you're having issues with your job or relationships due to impulsive behavior, it's important that you seek medical assistance.
There are many causes of impulsive behavior, including the brain structure, genetics, chemical imbalances, as well environmental conditions. An emotional stress history or trauma can trigger impulsive behavior, as can having a parent who suffers from a mental illness. Certain medications, such as stimulant drugs and antidepressants, can also boost the impulsiveness of a person.
It's also important to distinguish impulsive behavior from compulsive behaviors that are routine and ritualistic. Compulsive behavior, like checking the oven frequently are compulsive, whereas impulsive behaviors, such as buying something on impulse are an impulsive. Impulsiveness is a female ADD symptom that is common especially in girls who are going through puberty or PMS, and during menopause, when estrogen levels start to decrease. A lack of interest in conversations or having trouble finishing chores like washing laundry are also indications of ADD in women. In some instances women's impulsiveness and inattention can lead them to be misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression. This disorder can be treated with the proper medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to be anxious or anxious from time to time, such as when you're getting ready for a public speaking engagement or test. However, if these feelings are frequent and extreme, interfere with your daily activities and last longer than what's reasonable, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. symptoms of adhd in adults might also experience physical symptoms like an intense pulse or the sensation of choking or a heart attack.
Women suffering from ADD can be particularly vulnerable to the emotional fluctuations that accompany anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and can be extremely sensitive to minor irritations. These women can become very angry at a minor mistake or being on hold for a long period of time. They may storm off or avoid a problem, or even stop the work.
Anxiety is a natural response to danger or threat and is a reaction designed to prepare the body and mind for battle. When anxiety becomes a problem it can leave people debilitated.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The kind of therapy you receive depends on the root cause. However, both cognitive and behavioral strategies can help you control your anxiety and worry.
To reduce your anxiety, eat a balanced diet and sleep enough. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can exacerbate mood swings. Exercise, particularly brisk aerobic exercise, releases brain chemicals that cut stress. Join a support group, or contact friends in person or via the phone. Being with others can decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can guide you through ways to relax by using guided imagery or gradual exposure to situations that make you uncomfortable.