Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD often experience depression. This can lead to a misdiagnosis for bipolar disorder. Women with ADD also are more likely to be frustrated by waiting, such as while waiting in line or waiting for customer service.
ADD symptoms in females may fluctuate with hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstrual cycles as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transitions and men. They can also be masked by estrogen and may be less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattention ADD frequently have trouble focus on tasks, and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentive ADD symptoms also include trouble with time management and an inability to follow instructions. adhd in adults signs with ADD have a higher risk of developing depression than women without the disorder. However, the two disorders can coexist.
In contrast to children with hyperactive ADD adults with the non-hyperactive form of ADD tend to be more difficult for parents and teachers to recognize, since their symptoms are less obvious. They may have difficulty finishing homework or schoolwork and could be absent from important lectures, as well as being not able to concentrate in meetings at work. These adults could also have a difficult time finding an employment or maintaining their current one.
Inattentional ADD is more common in girls and women, in contrast to the hyperactive ADD that is more prevalent in males and boys. A lot of times, these women and girls are not diagnosed with depression or anxiety when they go through puberty or experience mood swings that are associated with PMS and perimenopause. This is because doctors search for the more obvious behavior traits of ADD in boys but fail to detect them in girls or women, particularly during these times.
Women with inattentive ADD are more likely to be dissatisfied with their lack of focus, which can cause anger or even frustration. They may also be more likely to internalize their anger and behave in ways that can harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her while she is completing a task for instance, she may storm out of the room. Her inability stay focused could even lead her to make careless errors that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a natural part of life. If your mood fluctuations are extreme, they may affect your daily routine and make you feel like you're riding an emotional roller coaster. Frequent and severe mood swings could be an indication of a mental health condition.
Mood swings can occur when you suddenly shift from feeling happy or upbeat to angry or sad in just a few minutes. These mood swings can be caused by a variety of factors like diet, blood sugar peaks and valleys, sleep disturbances, stress and weather conditions. Certain medications and substances may cause mood changes.
If you are experiencing frequent and extreme mood swings, it's time to consult your doctor. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, you can manage them using a variety of treatments, including medication, therapy or lifestyle modifications.
Women often experience mood shifts 1 to 2 weeks before their period as a result of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms can include fatigue and changes in appetite. They can also cause depression, bloating, and other discomforts. Keep a journal to keep track of the changes in your mood. This will make you feel more confident taking them to your doctor and can give you some confirmation of the way you're feeling.
Changing your diet, getting more sleep, exercising and practicing relaxation techniques can all help to reduce mood swings. If you're taking a medication that is causing these symptoms, adjusting your dose or trying another medication may alleviate your symptoms. The fluctuation in mood can be an indication of a variety of psychological and medical conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and depression.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a tendency to act quickly and without considering the consequences. A persistent pattern of impulse control problems can be an indication that you suffer from ADD or other disorders. For instance, someone who is impulsive could struggle to save money, spending more than they can afford to or reveal personal information without thinking about the consequences. They may also struggle with activities requiring careful planning, such as driving or working in the law enforcement field.
It's not uncommon for teens and children to be impulsive. However, it is not uncommon for adults, too. It is essential to seek medical attention if you're having trouble with your work or relationships because of impulsive actions.
There are many causes of an impulsive behaviour, including genetics, brain structure and chemical imbalances, as well environmental conditions. A background of trauma or emotional distress can trigger the impulsive behavior, as could a family member with mental disorders. Certain medications, like stimulant drugs and antidepressants, can also cause an increase in impulsiveness.
It is crucial to differentiate between from compulsive and impulsive behaviors, which is a repetitive and ritualistic. For instance, checking whether the oven is turned off frequently is a habitual behavior, while buying something on a whim is an impulsive action. Impulsiveness is a female ADD characteristic that is prevalent especially in girls who are experiencing puberty or PMS as well as during menopausal cycles as estrogen levels begin to decrease. A lack of interest in conversations or struggling to finish tasks like laundry are also signs of ADD in women. In some instances women's impulsiveness and inattention can lead to being misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression which may be treated with the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel nervous and worried at times, for example when you are preparing for an exam or public speaking event. But if these feelings are frequently and severe, interfere with your daily activities and last longer than is reasonable, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms, such as heartbeats that are pounding or the sensation that you're choking or having an attack of the heart.
Women with ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional swings and downs associated with anxiety. They can get easily frustrated and overly sensitive to even 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 storm off or avoid the issue, or even abandon the project completely.
Anxiety is a natural response to danger or threat, a response designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. However, when it gets too much the body, people can become weak and in a state of disfunction.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include medication and therapy. The type of therapy depends on the root cause, however both behavioral and cognitive approaches can assist you in controlling your anxieties and emotions.
Eat healthy and sleep enough to reduce anxiety. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which can exacerbate mood swings. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise at a fast pace, triggers brain chemicals which reduce stress. Join a support group, or reach out to friends in person or via the phone. Being with others can help alleviate loneliness and decrease anxiety. A therapist can guide you through techniques to calm yourself, such as guided imagery or gradual exposure to situations that make you uncomfortable.