Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD are usually depressed. This can lead to misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to be frustrated while waiting, whether it is in line for customer service or while standing on hold.
ADD symptoms in females can vary with hormone fluctuations during puberty, menstrual cycles as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transitions and men. They can also be masked by estrogen, and could be less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattentive ADD frequently have trouble staying focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattention ADD symptoms can also be characterized by difficulties with time management and the inability to follow instructions. Women with ADD are also more likely to suffer from depression than those who do not suffer from the disorder, though the two can coexist.
Teachers and parents may have a harder time trying to diagnose adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are more subtle. They may have difficulty finishing homework or schoolwork and might be absent from important lectures as well as being incapable of paying attention to meetings at work. These adults could also have a difficult time finding an employment or maintaining their current one.
Inattentive ADD is more common for women and girls, as compared to the hyperactive ADD which is more common in men and boys. Women and girls may be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety when they reach puberty or if they experience mood swings linked with PMS or perimenopausal. This is because doctors look for the more obvious behavior traits of ADD in boys but fail to recognize them in girls and women, particularly during these phases.
Women with inattention ADD may become frustrated with their lack of focus. This can cause anger and frustration. These women may also be more likely to feel frustration, and act out in ways that can harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her when she is working, for example she could scream out of the room. Inability to stay focused may even lead her to make mistakes she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a natural part of life. If your mood swings are extreme they could affect your daily activities. You may feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. Frequent and severe mood swings could be an indication of a mental health condition.
Mood swings are the time when you suddenly shift from feeling happy, upbeat or optimistic to feeling sad or angry within a short time. These changes could be caused by a variety of factors that include diet, blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances, and stress. Changes in mood can also be a result of certain medications and other substances.
If you are experiencing frequent and extreme mood swings you should consult your physician. Depending on add symptoms adults , a variety of treatments can help you manage your symptoms, including psychotherapy, medication, or other treatments for lifestyle.
Women can experience mood swings up to two weeks prior to their period, as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms can include fatigue, changes in appetite, depression, bloating and other discomforts. Keep a detailed diary to track your mood changes. This will help you feel more confident in bringing them up to your doctor. It will also provide some validation for how you're feeling.
Making changes to your diet and getting more sleep can help decrease mood swings. If you're taking medication that triggers these symptoms, changing your dosage or experimenting with a different medication may ease the symptoms. Mood swings are an indication of a variety of mental and medical disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a tendency to act rapidly and without thinking about the consequences. While some of the impulsive behavior is normal, a persistent pattern of problems with impulse control could be an indication of ADD or a different condition. For instance, a person who is impulsive may struggle to save money, spend more than they can afford to or reveal personal information without thinking about the consequences. They may also have trouble when it comes to activities which require careful planning, like driving or working in law enforcement.
A certain amount of impulsivity is natural in teenagers and children However, it's not uncommon for adults to suffer from this condition too. It's important to seek medical attention if experiencing difficulties with your job or relationships because of impulsive actions.
There are a variety of causes for impulsive behavior, including the brain structure, genetics, chemical imbalances, as well environmental factors. An emotional stress history or trauma may contribute to an impulsive behaviour, as could having a parent who suffers from a mental health disorder. Certain medications, like antidepressants and stimulant drugs can also boost the impulsiveness of a person.
It is important to differentiate between impulsive behavior and compulsive behavior, which is repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, for example, checking the oven frequently, are compulsive, while the more impulsive actions, like buying something on impulse, are impulsive. Impulsiveness is a female ADD characteristic that is prevalent especially in girls who are experiencing PMS or puberty as well as during menopausal cycles as estrogen levels begin to decline. Being withdrawn during conversations or having trouble finishing tasks like laundry are also indications of ADD in women. In some instances, women's impulsiveness or inattention could lead to them being incorrectly diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. This condition may be treated with the appropriate medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel nervous or worried from time to moment, for instance, when you're prepping for a public speaking engagement or test. If these feelings become frequently and severe, interfere with your daily activities and last longer than what's normal, you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms such as a pounding pulse or the feeling of choking or having a heart attack.
Women suffering from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional fluctuations associated with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and are extremely sensitive to minor irritations. For instance, a tiny error or being put on hold for long periods of time could make these women extremely angry. They could flee or avoid a problem, or even quit the job.
Anxiety is a natural response to threat or danger, a response designed to prepare the body and mind for battle. But when it takes over, people can become debilitated and incapable of functioning normally.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The kind of therapy you will receive is dependent on the root cause. However both behavioral and cognitive approaches can help control your worries and emotions.
To reduce your anxiety, eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, that can trigger mood swings. Exercise, particularly vigorous aerobic exercise, triggers brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support network or make contact with friends. Being with other people can decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can help you learn techniques to calm down through guided imagery or gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations.