Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADD frequently experience depression. This can lead to a mistaken diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to get annoyed when waiting, whether it is waiting in line to get customer service or on hold.
ADD symptoms in females may vary with hormone fluctuations during puberty, menstrual cycles and during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. They can be masked or exacerbated by estrogen and are less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattention ADD are often plagued by their difficulty staying focused on their work and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentional ADD can also cause issues with time management, as well as an inability of following the directions given to them. Women with ADD are also more likely to develop depression than those who don't have the disorder, though the two 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 are more subtle. They may have difficulty finishing homework or schoolwork and could miss important class lectures, as well as being unable to pay attention in meetings at work. Adults who struggle may also struggle to find work or keep their current job.
Inattentional ADD is more common in women and girls as compared to the hyperactive ADD that is more prevalent in boys and men. Women and girls are often misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when they reach puberty, or when they experience mood swings associated with PMS or perimenopause. This is because doctors search for the more obvious behavioral characteristics of ADD in boys and don't recognize them in girls and women, especially during these periods.
Women who are inattentional ADD are more likely to become frustrated by their inability to focus, which can lead to anger or frustration. These women can also be more likely to dwell on their frustration and may act out in ways that could damage their relationships. If someone interrupts her when she is completing a task, for example she might scream out of the room. Inability to remain focused on a task could result in her making careless mistakes that she later regrets.
3. adhd in adult women symptoms is full of changes and ups. If your mood swings are severe they could affect your daily activities. You might feel as if you are on an emotional rollercoaster. Frequent and severe mood changes can be a sign of an underlying mental health condition that requires treatment.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly switch from feeling upbeat or happy to feeling angry or sad within an extremely short time. These changes could be caused by a variety of causes that include diet, blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances and stress. Changes in mood can also be a consequence of certain medications and substances.
If you experience frequent and intense mood changes, it's time to consult your physician. Based on the root of your symptoms, you can manage them using a variety of treatments, such as therapies, medication or lifestyle modifications.
Women are often experiencing mood changes between 1 and 2 weeks prior to their periods as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). 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 time you should keep a detailed journal to see if you can identify the cause. This will help you feel more comfortable bringing up your concerns with your doctor, and it will also give you a sense of validation of how you're feeling.
Altering your diet and getting more rest can help reduce mood swings. If you're taking medication that is causing these symptoms, changing the dosage or experimenting with a different medication could ease your symptoms. Changes in mood can be a sign of a variety of medical and psychological disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
It is the tendency to act quickly and without thinking about the consequences. While some impulsive behavior is normal, a consistent pattern of issues with impulse control may be a sign of ADD or another condition. A person who is impulsive may be unable to save money, spend more money than they can afford, or reveal personal information to other people without considering the consequences. They may also struggle with activities requiring careful planning, like driving or working in the field of law enforcement.
It's common for children and teens to be impulsive, however it's not unusual for adults as well. If you're having problems with your job or relationships due to impulsive behavior, it's crucial to seek medical help.
There are many causes of an impulsive behaviour, including the brain structure, genetics, chemical imbalances, as well environmental factors. A background of emotional trauma or distress can be a contributing factor to the impulsive behavior, as could the presence of a family member suffering from mental illness. Certain medications, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs can also cause an increase in impulsiveness.
It is important to differentiate between from compulsive and impulsive behaviors, which is a repetitive and ritualistic. For example, checking whether the oven is off repeatedly is a compulsive behavior and buying something on a whim is an impulsive act. The tendency to be impulsive is a female ADD characteristic that is prevalent, especially for girls going through puberty or PMS, and during menopause, when estrogen levels start to decline. A lack of interest in conversations or unable to finish tasks like laundry are symptoms of ADD in women. In some cases women's inattention or impulsiveness could lead to them being mistakenly diagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression. This disorder can be treated with the appropriate medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to be nervous and worried at times, for example when you're preparing for an exam or speaking engagement. If your feelings are intense and frequent, and interfere with your daily activities, and last for longer than you think is appropriate it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms like a pounding pulse or the sensation of choking, or even a heart attack.
Women suffering from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional turbulences that come with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and irritable to minor aggravations. For instance, a minor mistake or being placed on hold for long periods of time can cause these women to become extremely angry. They may storm off to avoid a situation or even abandon the task.
Anxiety is the natural response to danger or threat, and it's designed to prepare your body and your mind to fight. However, when it becomes overwhelming, people can become debilitated and in a state of disfunction.
There are a variety of treatment options for anxiety disorders, which include therapy and medication. The type of therapy you choose depends on the cause, however both cognitive and behavioral approaches can assist you in controlling your anxieties and emotions.
To lessen anxiety, eat healthy and get enough sleep. Avoid stimulants and caffeine that can cause mood swings. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise at a brisk pace, releases brain chemicals which reduce stress. Join a support group or make a call or visit friends. Being around others can help decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can guide you through ways to relax, such as guided visualization or gradual exposure to stressful situations.