Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD often experience depression. This can lead to a misdiagnosis. Women with ADD are also more likely to be unhappy when waiting for long periods of time, such as when standing in line or waiting to get customer service.
ADD symptoms in females may vary with hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles, puberty, and in perimenopause and menopause. They may also be concealed by estrogen and be less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattentive ADD often have difficulty staying focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentional ADD can also cause problems with time management, as well as the inability to follow the directions given to them. Women with ADD are more at risk of developing depression than women without the disorder. However the two disorders may coexist.
In contrast to children with hyperactive ADD adults with the non-hyperactive type of ADD tend to be more difficult for parents and teachers to identify, as their symptoms are more subtle. They may not be able to finish their homework or schoolwork and could be absent from important lectures in class. They may also not pay attention to meetings at work. Adults with disabilities may also have difficulty finding jobs or keeping their current one.
Inattentive ADD is more common for women and girls, as opposed to the hyperactive ADD seen more often in males and boys. Women and girls may be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety when they reach puberty, or when they experience mood swings linked with PMS or perimenopausal. Doctors tend to look for more overt behavioral characteristics of ADD in males and not recognize the symptoms in females or girls particularly during this time.
Women who have inattention ADD are more likely to be dissatisfied with their lack of concentration, which could lead to anger or frustration. They are also more prone to internalizing their anger and may behave in ways that may harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her as she is completing a task for instance, she may storm 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 an inevitable part of life. If your mood swings are intense, it can affect your daily routine. It could feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. The frequent and extreme mood swings can be a sign of an underlying mental health problem that requires treatment.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly shift from feeling happy or upbeat to feeling angry or sad within just a few minutes. These changes can be caused by a myriad of factors such as diet and blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances and stress. Certain medications and substances can cause mood changes.
If you are experiencing frequent and extreme mood swings, it's time to consult your physician. Depending on the cause there are a variety of treatments that can assist you in managing your symptoms, including psychotherapy, medication or other lifestyle treatments.
Women can experience mood swings 1 to 2 weeks before their period as a result of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue, fluctuations in appetite depression, bloating, and other discomforts. Keep a detailed journal to keep track of the changes in your mood. adult add symptoms will make you feel more confident about making an appointment with your doctor and provide some validation for how you're feeling.
Altering your diet and getting more rest can help reduce mood swings. If you're taking medication that causes these symptoms, adjusting your dose or trying a different drug may ease the symptoms. The mood swings could be a symptom of a variety of medical and psychological disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to make rash decisions and act without considering the consequences. A persistent pattern of issues with impulse control could be a sign that you have ADD or other conditions. For instance, a person who is impulsive could struggle to save money, spending more than they are able to, or disclose personal information without thinking about the impact. They might also have difficulty when it comes to activities that require careful planning, such as driving or working in the field of law enforcement.
It's common for teenagers and children to be impulsive, but it is not uncommon for adults as well. It is essential to seek medical attention if you are having trouble with your work or relationships due to impulsive actions.
Many factors can contribute to the impulsive behavior. This includes genetics, brain structure, chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. A history of trauma or emotional distress can also contribute to the impulsive behavior, as could an individual in the family with mental illness. Certain medications can also contribute to a person's impulsiveness like antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It's also important to differentiate between impulsive and compulsive behaviors, which are repetitive and ritualistic. For instance, checking if the oven is off repeatedly is a compulsive behavior, while buying something on a whim is an impulsive act. The tendency to be impulsive is a female ADD sign that is quite common particularly in girls who are going through puberty or PMS as well as during menopausal cycles, when estrogen levels start to drop. Being withdrawn during conversations or unable to finish tasks like laundry are signs of ADD in women. In some instances women's impulsiveness and inattention can lead them to be mistakenly diagnosed as having depression or bipolar disorder. This condition may be treated by the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel nervous or anxious from time to time, such as when you're preparing for a public speaking opportunity or test. If your feelings are intense and persistent, and they disrupt your daily routine and last longer than is reasonable it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. You may also feel physical symptoms like a pounding heart or the sensation of choking or having a heart attack.
Women with ADD are more susceptible to the emotional fluctuations that come with anxiety. They can get easily frustrated and irritable to minor aggravations. For example, a small error or being put on hold for long periods of time can cause these women to become extremely angry. They could flee or avoid a problem, or even stop the work.
Anxiety is a natural response to danger or threat that is designed to prepare the body and mind for battle. When anxiety becomes a problem, it can make people weak and weakened.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The kind of therapy you receive depends on the cause. However, both cognitive and behavioral approaches can help control your emotions and worries.
Get enough rest and eat healthy to ease anxiety. Avoid stimulants and caffeine that can trigger mood fluctuations. Exercise, especially intense aerobic exercise, releases brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support network or make contact with friends. Being with others can ease feelings of isolation and reduce anxiety. A therapist can guide you through ways to relax, such as guided visualization or gradual exposure to stressful situations.
