Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD are frequently depressed. This could lead to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women with ADD also are more likely to be annoyed by waiting, for example, when standing in line or waiting for customer service.
ADD symptoms can alter with hormonal fluctuations in females during puberty, the menstrual cycle and menopausal or perimenopausal changes. They can also be masked by estrogen and be less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattentive ADD are often plagued by their difficulty staying focused on tasks and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentive ADD can also cause issues with time management, as well as a lack of ability to follow the directions given to them. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to develop depression than those who do not suffer from the disorder, though both conditions can coexist.
Parents and teachers may have a harder time trying to diagnose adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms tend to be more subtle. They may struggle to finish homework or schoolwork, and may be absent from important lectures as well as being not able to concentrate in meetings at work. Adults with disabilities may also have difficulty finding a job or keeping a current one.
Inattentional ADD is more common in women and girls as opposed to the hyperactive ADD seen more often in men and boys. Often, these girls and women are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when they go through puberty or experience mood swings that are associated with PMS and perimenopause. Doctors usually look for more overt behaviors that are indicative of ADD in males, and do not be able to recognize these in girls or females especially during this period.
Women who have inattention ADD are more likely to become frustrated with their lack of focus, which can lead to anger or frustration. They may also be more likely to dwell on their anger and may behave in ways that could damage their relationships. If someone interrupts her when she is working for instance, she may storm out of the room. The inability to focus could even lead her to make careless errors that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of fluctuations and ups. If your mood swings are intense and affecting your daily routine. It could feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. Frequent and severe mood swings can be a sign of a mental health issue.
Mood swings can occur when you suddenly shift from feeling cheerful or happy to feeling angry or sad within an extremely short time. These mood swings can be caused by a variety of factors such as blood sugar peaks and valleys sleep disturbances, stress or weather conditions. Certain medications and substances can also cause mood changes.
Many people experience occasional mood swings however if you experience frequent and severe mood swings, it may be time to consult your doctor. Depending on the cause various treatments can aid in managing your symptoms, such as psychotherapy, medication, or other lifestyle treatments.
Women can experience mood swings between 1 and 2 weeks prior to their periods as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue and changes in appetite. They can also trigger constipation, depression and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood fluctuations are more intense during this time, keep a detailed log to determine if you are able to identify the cause. This will help you feel more confident about taking them to your doctor and can give you some confirmation of your current state of mind.
Altering your diet and getting more rest can help reduce mood swings. If you are taking medications that cause these symptoms, changing your dosage or trying a different medication could reduce the symptoms. Mood shifts can be a symptom of a variety of psychological and medical disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to make rash decisions and act without thinking about the consequences. An ongoing pattern of problems with impulse control may be an indication that you suffer from ADD or other conditions. Someone who is impulsive could struggle to save money, spend more money than they could afford, or disclose personal information to others without thinking about the consequences. They may also struggle when it comes to activities that require planning like driving or working in law enforcement.
An impulsive streak is natural in teenagers and children, but it's not uncommon for adults to suffer from this condition too. If you're experiencing problems with your job or relationships because of your impulsive behavior, it's important that you seek medical attention.
There are many causes of an impulsive behaviour, including the brain structure, genetics, chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. A history of emotional or physical trauma can also contribute to an impulsive behavior, just as an individual in the family with mental illness. Certain medications, like antidepressants and stimulant drugs, can also cause an increase in impulsiveness.
It's important to distinguish impulsive behavior and compulsive behavior that is routine and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, such as checking the oven repeatedly are compulsive, whereas impulse-driven behaviors, like purchasing something on impulse, are impulsive. The tendency to be impulsive is a female ADD sign that is quite common, especially in girls who are experiencing puberty or PMS as well as during menopausal cycles as estrogen levels begin to decline. Women can also show signs of ADD by appearing disengaged during conversations or unable to complete chores like washing. In some cases women's inattention or impulsiveness can lead them to be misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression. This condition can be treated with the appropriate medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel anxious or anxious from time to occasion, like when you're getting ready for a public speaking engagement or test. If the feelings are severe and persistent, and they interfere with your daily activities and last longer than is reasonable it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. There are also physical symptoms, such as an accelerating heartbeat or feeling like you're in a choke or suffering from an attack of the heart.
Women suffering from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional turbulences that come with anxiety. adults with adhd symptoms can be easily frustrated and irritable to minor annoyances. They can be very angry at a minor mistake or being in a queue for a long time. They may flee, avoid the problem or even abandon the project altogether.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to threat or danger, a response designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. When anxiety becomes a problem it can leave people feel weak.
There are a variety of treatment options for anxiety disorders, which include therapy and medication. The kind of therapy you will receive is dependent on the underlying cause. However both behavioral and cognitive approaches can help control your anxiety and worry.
To ease anxiety, eat a balanced diet and get enough rest. Avoid stimulants and caffeine which can cause mood swings. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise at a fast pace, helps release brain chemicals which reduce stress. Join a support group, or reach out to friends in person or over the phone. Being in the company of other people can ease feelings of loneliness and decrease anxiety. A therapist can show you techniques to calm yourself, such as guided imagery or gradual exposure to situations that make you uncomfortable.