Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD are usually depressed. This can lead to a misdiagnosis for bipolar disorder. Women with ADD also are more likely to be unhappy when waiting for long periods of time, such as when standing in line or on hold to get customer service.
ADD symptoms can alter with hormonal fluctuations in females during puberty, menstrual cycle, and perimenopause or menopause. They may also be concealed by estrogen, and could be less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattention ADD often have difficulty focus on tasks, and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentive ADD can also cause issues with time management, as well as the inability to follow the instructions. Women with ADD have a higher risk of developing depression than women who do not suffer from the disorder. However, the two disorders can coexist.
Teachers and parents may find it more difficult to diagnose adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms tend to be less obvious. They may have difficulty finishing homework or schoolwork, and may miss important class lectures as well as being unable to pay attention in meetings at work. Adults may also be struggling to find work or maintain their current position.
Inattention ADD affects more girls and women than boys. Women and girls may be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression when they reach puberty or if they experience mood swings associated with PMS or perimenopausal. This is because doctors look for the more obvious behavioral traits of ADD in boys but fail to identify them in girls and women, particularly during these periods.
Women who are inattentional ADD are more likely to become frustrated by their inability to concentration, which could result in anger or frustration. These women may also be more likely to internalize their frustration, and act out in ways that can harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her when she is completing a task for instance she could scream out of the room. Inability to stay focused may result in her making careless errors that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a natural part of life. But if your mood shifts are extreme, they can interfere with your daily activities and cause you to feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. Frequent and severe mood swings could be an indication of a mental health condition.
Mood swings happen when you suddenly change from feeling happy or upbeat to angry or sad in a short period of time. These mood swings can be caused by a variety of factors such as diet, blood sugar peaks and valleys sleep disturbances, stress or weather conditions. Certain drugs and substances can also trigger mood changes.
Most people have occasional mood swings however if you experience frequent and extreme mood swings, it may be time to speak with your doctor. Based on the root of your symptoms, you can manage them with a variety treatments, such as treatment, medication, or lifestyle adjustments.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a typical mood swing that is common in women who are between 1 and two weeks prior to their period. These symptoms can include fatigue, changes in appetite depression, bloating, and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood fluctuations are more severe during this time keep a detailed record to determine if you are able to track them to their source. This will help you feel more comfortable bringing up your concerns with your doctor, and it can also provide some validation of how you are 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, changing your dosage or experimenting with a different medication may ease the symptoms. Mood shifts can be a sign of a range of psychological and medical disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
It is the tendency to act quickly and without thinking about the consequences. While some impulsive behaviors are normal, a persistent pattern of problems with impulse control can be a sign of ADD or a different condition. For instance, someone who is impulsive could struggle to save money, or spend more than they are able to, or disclose personal information without thinking about the impact. They may also have trouble doing things that require careful planning, such as driving or working in law enforcement.
It's common for teens and children to be impulsive, however it is not uncommon for adults as well. If you're having issues with your work or relationships due to your impulsive behavior it's important that you seek medical attention.
Many factors can trigger 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 health issue. Certain medications can also increase the person's impulsiveness, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It is also crucial to distinguish the impulsive behavior from compulsive ones that are repetitive and ritualistic. For instance, checking whether the oven is on or off is a habitual behavior, whereas buying something on a whim is an impulsive act. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD characteristic that is prevalent especially for girls experiencing puberty or PMS as well as during menopausal cycles when estrogen levels begin to decline. adult signs of adhd can also show signs of ADD by appearing disengaged during conversations or having difficulty completing chores like washing. In certain cases, women's impulsiveness or inattention can lead them to be incorrectly diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. This condition may be treated with the proper medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to feel anxious and worried at times, like when you're preparing for an exam or public speaking event. If these feelings are extreme and frequent, and disrupt your daily routine, and last for longer than you think is appropriate it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. There are also physical symptoms, such as heartbeats that are pounding or the feeling that you're choked or having an attack on your heart.
Women who suffer from ADD are more prone to the emotional swings and downs that come with anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and are extremely sensitive to minor irritations. They can be 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 the natural response to danger or threat, and it's designed to prepare your body and your mind to fight. However, when it becomes overwhelming individuals can be afflicted and incapable of functioning normally.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The type of therapy you choose depends on the cause, however both cognitive and behavioral approaches can assist you in controlling your anxiety and feelings.
To lessen anxiety, eat well and get enough sleep. Avoid stimulants and caffeine that can cause mood fluctuations. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise at a fast pace, releases brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join a support group or contact friends in person or via the phone. Being around other people can ease feelings of isolation and reduce anxiety. A therapist can show you methods to relax by using guided imagery or gradual exposure to uncomfortable scenarios.
