Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD often experience depression. This can lead to misdiagnosis. Women who suffer from ADD also are more likely to be unhappy when waiting for long periods of time, such as when waiting in line or on hold for customer service.
ADD symptoms can change with hormonal fluctuations in females throughout puberty, menstrual cycle and menopausal or perimenopausal changes. They can be concealed or exacerbated by estrogen and are less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattentive ADD typically have difficulty focusing on tasks, and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentive ADD symptoms can also cause problems with time management and an inability to follow instructions. Women who suffer from ADD are more at risk of developing depression than those who are not affected by the disorder. However the two disorders may coexist.
Teachers and parents may find it more difficult to identify adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are less obvious. They may struggle to finish homework or schoolwork and might be absent from important lectures as well as being not able to concentrate in meetings at work. Adults who struggle may also struggle to find work or maintain their current position.
Inattentive ADD is more prevalent in girls and women, as opposed to the hyperactive ADD seen more often in men and boys. In many cases, women and girls are not diagnosed with depression or anxiety when they enter puberty or experience mood swings that are associated with PMS and perimenopause. Doctors tend to look for more obvious behaviors that are indicative of ADD in males, but do not be able to recognize these in girls or females especially during this period.
Women who are inattentional ADD are more likely to become frustrated due to their lack of focus, which can cause anger or even frustration. They are also more prone to internalizing their anger and can behave in ways that may harm their relationships. For example, if someone interrupts her while she is trying to finish an assignment, she could get angry and leave the room. The inability to focus on a particular task may result in her making careless mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of ups and downs. However, if your mood swings are extreme, they can interfere with your daily activities and cause you to feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. The frequent and severe mood swings can be a sign of a mental health problem.
Mood swings happen when you suddenly switch from feeling happy or upbeat to feeling angry or sad within just a few minutes. These mood swings can be caused by many different things such as diet, blood sugar peaks and valleys sleep disturbances, stress and weather conditions. Certain medications and substances can cause mood changes.
Many people experience occasional mood swings however if you experience frequent and extreme mood swings, it might be time to consult your doctor. According to the reason there are a variety of treatments that can aid in managing your symptoms, such as medication, psychotherapy or other treatments for lifestyle.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a typical mood swing that is common in women 1 to 2 weeks before their period. These symptoms can include fatigue, changes in appetite, depression, bloating and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood changes are more intense during this period you should keep a detailed journal to see if it is possible to track them to their source. This will help you feel more confident bringing them up to your doctor and help you understand your current state of mind.
Change your diet, getting more sleep and exercising as well as using relaxation techniques can all aid in reducing mood swings. If you're taking medication that causes these symptoms altering your dosage or trying a different drug could help ease the symptoms. The fluctuation in mood can be the result of a variety of psychological and medical conditions including attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and depression.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a tendency to act quickly without thinking about the consequences. While some impulsive behavior is normal, a persistent pattern of problems with impulse control may be a sign of ADD or a different condition. A person who is impulsive may have difficulty saving money, spend more money than they can afford, or divulge personal information to other people without considering the consequences. They might also have difficulty when it comes to activities which require careful planning, like driving or working in law enforcement.
A certain amount of impulsivity is common in children and teens however it's not unusual for adults to experience this condition too. If you're having problems in your relationships or at work due to your impulsive behavior it's crucial to seek medical assistance.
adult add symptoms can cause impulsive behavior. These include the brain's structure, genetics as well as chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. A history of emotional trauma or distress can trigger the impulsive behavior, as could the presence of a family member suffering from a mental disorder. Certain medications, such as stimulant drugs and antidepressants, can also cause an increase in impulsiveness.
It's important to distinguish from compulsive and impulsive behaviors, which is a repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, such as checking the oven repeatedly are compulsive, whereas the more impulsive actions, like buying something on impulse are an impulsive. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD sign that is quite common, especially in girls who are experiencing PMS or puberty, and during menopause when estrogen levels begin to decline. Appearing aloof during conversations or struggling to finish chores like washing laundry are also signs of ADD in women. In certain instances women's impulsiveness and inattention may result in being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression which may be treated with the appropriate medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel anxious or anxious from time to time, such as when you're prepping for a public speaking opportunity or test. However, if these feelings are frequent and intense, cause problems with your daily routine and last longer than reasonable, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. There are also physical symptoms, such as heartbeats that are pounding or the sensation that you're choked or having an attack of the heart.
Women with ADD are more prone to the emotional swings and downs that come with anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and become extremely sensitive to minor aggravations. For example, a small mistake or being placed on hold for long periods of time could make these women very angry. They might flee, avoid a problem or even abandon the task.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to danger or threat and is designed to prepare your body and your mind to fight. When anxiety becomes a problem, it can make people weak and weakened.
There are a myriad of treatment options for anxiety disorders, which include medication and therapy. The type of therapy you choose depends on the cause, however both behavioral and cognitive approaches can help you learn to control your anxieties and emotions.
Eat healthy and sleep enough to reduce anxiety. Avoid caffeine and stimulants that can cause mood fluctuations. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise at a brisk pace, helps release brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join an online support group or contact friends in person or on the phone. Being around others can help reduce anxiety and help to alleviate loneliness. A therapist can help you learn strategies to relax, such as guided images or gradual exposure to uncomfortable scenarios.