Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD often experience depression. This can lead to a misdiagnosis for bipolar disorder. Women with ADD are also more likely to be frustrated by 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, as well as menopausal perimenopausal cycles. They can also be masked by estrogen and be less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattentive ADD are often troubled by their difficulty in staying focused on their work and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentional ADD can also cause problems with time management and the inability to follow the instructions. Women with ADD are more at risk of developing depression than women who do not suffer from the disorder. However both disorders can coexist.
Parents and teachers may find it more difficult to identify adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are less obvious. They might not be able to finish their schoolwork or homework and may be absent from important lectures in classes. They might also not be attentive during meetings at work. Adults who struggle may also struggle to find work or keep their current job.
Inattentive ADD is more common in women and girls in contrast to the hyperactive ADD seen more often in men and boys. The girls and women with it can be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety when they reach puberty or if they experience mood swings linked with PMS or perimenopausal. This is because doctors search for the more overt behavioral traits of ADD in boys, but don't recognize them in girls and women, especially during these periods.
Women who are inattentive ADD can be annoyed by their inability to focus. This can result in anger and frustration. These women can also be more likely to feel frustration and may act out in ways that may harm their relationships. For instance, if someone interrupts her while she is trying to complete an assignment, she could quit and leave the room. Inability to stay focused may cause her to make mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a normal part of life. If your mood swings are intense, it can affect your daily activities. You may feel like you are on an emotional rollercoaster. Frequent and severe mood changes can be a sign of an underlying mental health issue that requires treatment.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly change from feeling cheerful or happy to angry or sad in just a few minutes. These changes can be triggered by a myriad of factors, including diet and blood sugar fluctuation, sleep disturbances and stress. Certain medications and substances may also trigger mood changes.
If you are experiencing frequent and severe mood changes you should consult your physician. Depending on the reason for your symptoms, you may be able to manage them with a variety treatments, such as therapies, medication or lifestyle modifications.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a frequent mood swing that can be experienced by women 1 to 2 weeks prior to their period. These symptoms include fatigue, changes in appetite, depression, bloating and other aches. Keep a journal to track your mood changes. This will make you feel more confident in bringing them up to your doctor and can help you understand the way you're feeling.
Changing your diet, getting more rest and exercising, as well as doing relaxation exercises can all help to reduce mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms, altering your dosage or trying a different one may ease the symptoms. Mood swings are the result of a variety of medical and psychological disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a tendency to act rapidly and without thinking about the consequences. A persistent pattern of issues with impulse control could be an indication that you suffer from ADD or other conditions. For instance, a person who is impulsive might struggle to save money, spend more than they are able to, or divulge personal information without considering the impact. They may also have trouble when it comes to activities which require careful planning, such as driving or working in law enforcement.
It's not uncommon for teenagers and children to be impulsive, but it is not uncommon for adults too. It's important to seek medical attention if experiencing difficulties with your job or relationships because of impulsive actions.
Many factors can contribute to an impulsive behaviour. These include genetics, brain structure chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. A background of trauma or emotional distress can trigger the impulsive behavior, as could the presence of a family member suffering from mental disorders. Certain medications can also contribute to the person's impulsiveness, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It is crucial to differentiate between impulsive behavior and compulsive behavior, which is a repetitive and ritualistic. For example, checking whether the oven is off repeatedly is a compulsive habit, whereas buying something at the whim of a is an impulsive action. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD characteristic that is prevalent, especially for girls going through puberty or PMS and also during menopausal, when estrogen levels start to drop. Appearing aloof during conversations or struggling to finish tasks like laundry are also indications of ADD in women. In some cases, women's impulsiveness or inattention could lead to them being mistakenly diagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression. This condition can be treated by the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel nervous or worried from time occasion, like when you're prepping for a public speaking engagement or test. If these feelings become frequently and severe, interfere with your daily activities and last longer than what's reasonable, you may have an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms, like heartbeats that are pounding or the feeling that you're in a choke or suffering from an attack of the heart.
Women who suffer from ADD can be particularly vulnerable to the emotional fluctuations 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 mistake or being in a queue for a long period of time. They may flee and avoid the issue or even drop the task completely.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to threats or dangers and is designed to prepare your body and your mind to fight. But when it takes over, people can become debilitated and incapable of functioning normally.
adhd signs in adults for anxiety disorders include medication and therapy. The type of therapy depends on the root cause, however both cognitive and behavioral approaches can assist you in controlling your worries and emotions.
To lessen anxiety, eat a balanced diet and sleep enough. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which can exacerbate mood swings. Exercise, particularly brisk aerobic exercise, triggers brain chemicals that cut stress. Join a support group, or contact friends in person or via the phone. Being with other people can decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can teach you methods to relax yourself, such as guided visualization or gradual exposure to stressful situations.