Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD are usually depressed. This could lead to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women with ADD are also more likely to become frustrated when waiting, whether it is waiting in line to get customer service or on hold.
ADD symptoms can alter with hormonal changes in females during puberty, menstrual cycle, and menopausal or perimenopausal changes. They can also be masked by estrogen and may be less obvious in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattention ADD are often troubled by their inability to stay focused on tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD symptoms can also cause problems with managing time and a failure to follow through on instructions. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to suffer from depression than those who do not suffer from the disorder, but the two conditions can coexist.
In contrast to children with hyperactive ADD, adults with the non-hyperactive form of ADD tend to be more difficult for parents and teachers to diagnose, because their symptoms are more subtle. They may struggle to finish homework or schoolwork, and may be absent from important lectures, as well as being incapable of paying attention to meetings at work. These adults may also have difficulty finding jobs or keeping their current one.
Inattentive ADD is more common in girls and women, as compared to the hyperactive ADD that is more prevalent in men and boys. Often, these girls and women are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety as they enter puberty or experience mood swings that are associated with PMS and perimenopause. This is because doctors look for the more overt behavioral traits of ADD in boys and don't identify them in girls and women, especially during these times.
Women who have inattention ADD are more likely to be frustrated by their inability to concentration, which could lead to anger or 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 working on a project, for example, she may storm out of the room. Inability to stay focused may result in her making mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of changes and ups. If your mood fluctuations are severe, they could interfere with your daily activities and cause you to feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. Extremely frequent and extreme mood swings could be an indication of a mental health issue.
Mood swings occur the time when you suddenly shift from feeling cheerful, upbeat or optimistic to feeling sad or angry within a short time. These changes can be triggered by a variety of causes such as diet and blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances, and stress. The mood changes could also be a result of certain medications and substances.
The majority of people experience occasional mood fluctuations however if you experience frequent and severe mood swings, it may be time to speak with your doctor. Based on the root of your symptoms, you may be able to treat them with a variety of treatments, such as treatment, medication, or lifestyle modifications.
Women are often experiencing mood changes up to two weeks prior to their period, as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue, changes in appetite, depression, bloating and other discomforts. Keep a detailed diary to keep track of your mood fluctuations. adult add symptoms will make you feel more confident making an appointment with your doctor and provide some validation for your current state of mind.
Making changes to your diet, getting more sleep and exercising as well as practicing relaxation techniques can all help reduce mood swings. If you're taking a medication that triggers these symptoms, adjusting your dose or experimenting with a different medication might help alleviate the symptoms. The mood swings could be a symptom 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 rash decisions and act without considering the consequences. A persistent pattern of problems with impulse control may be an indication that you suffer from ADD or other issues. For example, a person who is impulsive could struggle to save money, or spend more than they are able to, or disclose personal information without considering the implications. They may also have trouble doing things that require careful planning, like driving or working in law enforcement.
An impulsive streak is normal in teenagers and children however it's not unusual for adults to experience this condition too. If you're having problems with your job or relationships due to your impulsive behavior it's crucial to seek medical attention.
There are many reasons for impulsive behavior, including the brain structure, genetics, chemical imbalances, as well as environmental factors. A history of emotional distress or trauma may contribute to an impulsive behaviour, as could having a family member who suffers from a mental health disorder. add symptoms adults can increase a person's impulsiveness including antidepressants as well as stimulant drugs.
It's also important to distinguish between impulsive and compulsive behaviors, which are repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behavior, like checking the oven frequently are compulsive, whereas the more impulsive actions, like buying something on impulse, are impulsive. Impulsiveness is a female ADD sign that is quite common especially for girls going through puberty or PMS and also during menopausal, when estrogen levels start to decline. Women can also show signs of ADD by appearing distant in conversations or having difficulty completing tasks like washing. In some cases women's impulsiveness and inattention could lead to them being misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression. This disorder can be treated by the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to be anxious or worried from time occasion, like when you're preparing for a public speaking engagement or test. If the feelings are severe and constant, and affect your daily activities and last longer than you think is appropriate, you could have an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms, such as an accelerating heartbeat or feeling like you're choking 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 get easily frustrated and become extremely sensitive to minor aggravations. These women can become extremely angry over a small error or being held for a long period of time. They could flee, avoid the problem or even abandon the project completely.
Anxiety is a natural response to danger or threat and is designed to prepare your body and your mind to fight. However, when it becomes overwhelming, people can become debilitated and incapable of functioning normally.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include medication and therapy. The type of therapy you choose depends on the cause, however both behavioral and cognitive approaches can aid you in reducing your anxiety and feelings.
Get enough rest and eat healthy to decrease anxiety. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can exacerbate mood swings. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise done at a rapid pace, helps release brain chemicals which reduce stress. Join a support network or make contact with friends. Being around others can help reduce anxiety and ease loneliness. A therapist can help you learn methods to relax by using guided imagery or gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations.