Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD often experience depression. This could lead to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women with ADD also are more likely to be annoyed by waiting, such as while waiting in line or waiting for customer service.
ADD symptoms can change with hormonal changes in females during puberty, the menstrual cycle and menopausal or perimenopausal changes. They may be disguised or exacerbated by estrogen and are less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattention ADD are often troubled by their difficulty in staying focused on tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattention ADD symptoms can also be characterized by difficulties with time management and an inability to follow through on instructions. Women with ADD are also more likely to be depressed than those who don't have 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 subtler. They may struggle to finish homework or schoolwork, and may not attend important classes, as well as being not able to concentrate in meetings at work. Adults who struggle may also struggle to find work or keep a current job.
Inattentional ADD is more common in women and girls as compared to the hyperactive ADD seen more often in boys and men. The girls and women with it can be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety once 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 with inattention ADD might be frustrated with their lack of focus. This can result in anger and frustration. They are also more likely to feel anger and can behave in ways that may harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her as she is working for instance she could scream out of the room. signs adhd to stay focused may result in her making mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are an inevitable part of life. If your mood fluctuations are severe, they could disrupt your daily activities and cause you to feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. The frequent and extreme mood swings can be a sign of an underlying mental health problem that requires treatment.
Mood swings can occur when you suddenly change from feeling upbeat or happy to feeling angry or sad within just a few minutes. These changes can be triggered by many different things such as diet, blood sugar peaks and valleys, sleep disturbances, stress, and weather conditions. Mood changes can also be a consequence of certain medications and other substances.
If you are experiencing frequent and severe mood changes, it's time to consult your doctor. Based on the reason various treatments can help you manage your symptoms, such as medication, psychotherapy or other lifestyle therapies.
Women are often experiencing mood changes up to two weeks prior to their periods as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue, changes in appetite depression, bloating, and other aches. Keep a detailed diary to track your mood changes. This will make you feel more confident about taking them to your doctor and help you understand your current state of mind.
Changing your diet and getting more sleep can help reduce mood swings. If you're taking a medication that triggers these symptoms, adjusting your dose or trying a different drug may ease your symptoms. Changes in mood can be a sign of a variety of psychological and medical disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
It is the tendency to act rapidly and without considering the consequences. While some impulsive behaviors are normal, a persistent pattern of problems with impulse control may be a sign of ADD or a different condition. A person who is impulsive might be unable to save money, spend more money than they can afford, or divulge personal information to other people without considering the consequences. They may also struggle when it comes to activities that require careful planning, like driving or working in the field of law enforcement.
An impulsive streak is normal in teenagers and children, but it's not uncommon for adults to suffer from this condition too. It's important to seek medical attention if you are having trouble with your work or relationships due to your the impulsiveness of your actions.
Many factors can trigger an impulsive behaviour. These include the brain's structure, genetics, chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. An emotional stress history or trauma can trigger the impulsive behavior, and so can having a family member who suffers from a mental illness. add symptoms adults can increase the person's impulsiveness, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It is also crucial to distinguish impulsive behavior from compulsive behaviors that are routine and ritualistic. For instance, checking whether the oven is on or off is a compulsive habit and purchasing something on the spur of the moment is an impulsive act. The tendency to be impulsive is a female ADD symptom that is common especially for girls experiencing PMS or puberty and also during menopausal, when estrogen levels start to decrease. Women can also show signs of ADD by appearing distant during conversations or having difficulty completing chores like washing. In some instances women's inattention or impulsiveness can cause them to be misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression. This condition can be treated by the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to be anxious or worried from time moment, for instance, when you're preparing for a public speaking opportunity or test. If these feelings are extreme and persistent, and they affect your daily activities and last longer than you think is appropriate, you could have an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms, like a pounding heartbeat or the sensation that you're choking or having an attack of the heart.
Women with ADD can be particularly vulnerable to the emotional turbulences that come with anxiety. They can easily become frustrated and can be extremely sensitive to minor irritations. These women can become extremely angry over a small error or being held for a long time. They may flee and avoid the issue or abandon the task completely.
Anxiety is a natural response to threat or danger, and it's designed to prepare your body and mind to defend yourself. However, when it gets too much individuals can be afflicted and in a state of disfunction.
There are a variety of treatment options for anxiety disorders, including medication and therapy. The type of therapy you receive is contingent on the underlying cause. However, both cognitive and behavioral methods can help you manage your emotions and worries.
Eat healthy and sleep enough to ease anxiety. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which can exacerbate mood swings. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise done at a rapid pace, helps release brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join a support group or connect with friends in person or over the phone. Being with other people can reduce anxiety and ease loneliness. A therapist can teach you techniques to calm yourself by using guided imagery or gradual exposure to situations that make you uncomfortable.