Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD are usually depressed. This can lead to mistaken diagnosis. Women with ADD are also more likely to get annoyed when waiting, whether in line for customer service or on hold.
ADD symptoms in females can fluctuate with hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, puberty as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transitions and men. They may also be concealed by estrogen and may be less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who have inattentive ADD are often troubled by their difficulty in staying focused on tasks and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentive ADD symptoms also include trouble with managing time and a failure to follow instructions. Women with ADD have a higher chance of developing depression than those who do not suffer from the disorder. However, the two disorders can coexist.
Parents and teachers might have a harder time trying to identify adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are subtler. They may struggle to finish homework or schoolwork and could miss important class lectures, as well as being unable to pay attention in meetings at work. Adults may also be struggling to find a job or keep a current job.
Inattentional ADD is more common for women and girls, as compared to the hyperactive ADD which is more common in men and boys. In many cases, women and girls are not diagnosed with depression or anxiety as they enter puberty or experience mood swings that are associated with PMS and perimenopausal. This is because doctors look for the more obvious behavioral characteristics of ADD in boys but fail to identify them in girls and women, particularly during these periods.
Women with inattentive ADD are more likely to become frustrated due to their lack of concentration, which could result in anger or frustration. These women are also more likely to feel anger, and express it in ways which could harm their relationships. For instance, if a person interrupts her while she is trying to complete an assignment, she could quit and quit the room. The inability to focus could cause her to make mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of fluctuations and ups. If your mood swings are extreme, it can affect your daily activities. You might feel as if you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. The frequent and severe mood swings can be an indication of a mental health condition.
Mood swings are when you suddenly go from feeling upbeat, happy or optimistic to feeling down or angry within an hour. sign of adhd in adults can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet and blood sugar fluctuation, sleep disturbances and stress. Mood changes can also be a side effect of certain medications and substances.
Many people experience occasional mood fluctuations, but if you have frequent and severe mood swings, it may be time to talk to your doctor. Depending on the cause, a variety of treatments can aid in managing your symptoms, such as psychotherapy, medication or other lifestyle therapies.
Women often experience mood shifts between 1 and 2 weeks prior to their periods as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue, changes in appetite depression, bloating, and other aches. Keep a detailed journal to keep track of the changes in your mood. This will make you feel more comfortable bringing up your concerns with your doctor, and it can also provide some validation of how you are feeling.
Changing your diet, getting more sleep and exercising, as well as using relaxation techniques can all aid in reducing mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms altering your dosage or experimenting with a different medication may ease your symptoms. Changes in mood can be a symptom of a variety of medical and psychological disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is the tendency to make hasty decisions and act without considering the consequences. A pattern of constant problems with impulse control may be an indication of ADD or other issues. For instance, someone who is impulsive may have difficulty saving money, or spend more than they are able to, or divulge personal information without thinking about the impact. They might also have difficulty with activities requiring careful planning, like driving or working in the law enforcement field.
A certain amount of impulsivity is natural in teenagers and children However, it's not uncommon for adults to suffer from this symptom too. If you're having problems with your work or relationships due to impulsive behavior, it's crucial to seek medical attention.
Many factors can trigger an impulsive behaviour. This includes genetics, brain structure as well as chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. An emotional stress history or trauma can trigger impulsive behavior, as can having a parent who suffers from a mental health disorder. Certain medications, like antidepressants and stimulant drugs can also cause an increase in impulsiveness.
It is also crucial to distinguish impulsive behavior from compulsive behaviors that are repetitive and ritualistic. For instance, checking whether the oven is on or off is a habitual behavior and purchasing something on the spur of the moment is an impulsive act. The tendency to be impulsive is a common female ADD symptom, particularly during puberty, PMS and through menopausal periods when estrogen levels decrease. A lack of interest in conversations or unable to finish tasks like laundry are also symptoms of ADD in women. In some cases women's impulsiveness and inattention could lead to her being misdiagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder, which may be treated with the correct medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to be anxious and nervous at times, such as when you're preparing for an exam or public speaking engagement. If the feelings are severe and frequent, and affect your daily activities, and last for longer than you think is appropriate it's possible you have an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms such as a pounding heart or the feeling of choking or a heart attack.
Women suffering from ADD can be particularly vulnerable to the emotional ups-and-downs that come with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and are overly sensitive to minor irritations. These women can become extremely upset over a tiny mistake or being on hold for a long period of time. They could flee and avoid the issue or abandon the task completely.
Anxiety is a natural response to threats or dangers, and it's designed to prepare your body and your mind to fight. When anxiety becomes a problem it can leave people debilitated.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The type of therapy you choose depends on the root cause, however both cognitive and behavioral approaches can assist you in controlling your anxiety and feelings.
To ease anxiety, eat well and get enough rest. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which can exacerbate mood swings. Exercise, particularly brisk aerobic exercise, releases brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join a support network or call or visit friends. Being with others can decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can teach you ways to relax by using guided visualization or gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations.