Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD are frequently depressed. This can lead to a misdiagnosis for bipolar disorder. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to become annoyed when waiting, whether in line for customer service or while standing on hold.
ADD symptoms in females can vary with hormone fluctuations during puberty, menstrual cycles and in perimenopause and menopause. They can be concealed or worsened by estrogen and are less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattentive ADD frequently have trouble staying focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentional ADD can also cause issues with time management, and the inability to follow the instructions. Women who suffer from ADD have a higher chance of developing depression than those who do not suffer from the disorder. However the two disorders may coexist.
Teachers and parents may be unable to recognize adults suffering from non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are less obvious. They may have difficulty finishing homework or schoolwork and could miss important class lectures and are incapable of paying attention to meetings at work. These adults may be unable to find an employment or maintaining their current one.
Inattentional ADD is more common in girls and women, as compared to the hyperactive ADD which is more common in men and boys. Women and girls can be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression when they reach puberty, or if they experience mood swings associated with PMS or perimenopause. Doctors tend to look for more overt behavioral characteristics of ADD in males and not be able to recognize the symptoms in females or girls, especially during this time.
Women who have inattention ADD are more likely to become frustrated with their lack of focus, which can result in anger or frustration. These women are also more likely to internalize their frustration, and act out in ways that could hurt their relationships. For instance, if someone interferes with her while she is trying to finish an assignment, she could get angry and quit 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 an inevitable part of life. But if your mood shifts are extreme, they may interfere with your daily activities and cause you to feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. The frequent and extreme mood swings could be an indication of an underlying mental health problem that requires treatment.
Mood swings are the time when you suddenly shift from feeling upbeat, happy or optimistic to feeling sad or angry within a short time. These mood swings can be caused by a variety of factors, including blood sugar peaks and valleys, sleep disturbances, stress, and weather conditions. Certain drugs and substances can cause mood changes.
Many people experience occasional mood fluctuations however if you experience frequent and severe mood swings, it might be time to speak with your doctor. According to the reason various treatments can help you manage your symptoms, including psychotherapy, medication, or other lifestyle treatments.
Women often experience mood shifts between 1 and 2 weeks prior to their period as a result of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue as well as changes in appetite. They can also trigger constipation, depression, and other discomforts. Keep a detailed journal to keep track of the changes in your mood. This will make you feel more confident in bringing them up to your doctor. It will also help you understand the way you're feeling.
Making changes to your diet, getting more sleep, exercising and practicing relaxation techniques can all help reduce mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms altering your dosage or trying a different one could help ease the symptoms. Mood swings are the result of a variety of mental and medical disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a tendency to act rapidly and without considering the consequences. While some of the impulsive behavior is normal, a consistent pattern of problems with impulse control could be an indication of ADD or another condition. Someone who is impulsive might have difficulty saving money, spend more money than they can afford, or reveal personal information to others without thinking about the consequences. They may also have issues with activities requiring careful planning, like driving or working in the field of law enforcement.
It's common for teens and children to be impulsive. However, it's not uncommon for adults too. If you're having problems with your work or relationships because of your impulsive behavior, it's important that you seek medical assistance.
Many factors can trigger an impulsive behaviour. This includes the brain's structure, genetics as well as chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. A background of trauma or emotional distress can trigger an impulsive behavior, just as a family member with mental disorders. Certain medications can increase the impulsiveness of a person including antidepressants as well as stimulant drugs.
It's important to distinguish impulsive behavior and compulsive behavior that is a repetitive and ritualistic. For instance, checking if the oven is turned off frequently is a compulsive behavior, whereas purchasing something on the spur of the moment is an impulsive action. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD symptom, particularly in girls who are the period of puberty, PMS and menopausal periods when estrogen levels decrease. Women can also show symptoms of ADD by appearing distant during conversations or having difficulty completing tasks like washing. In some cases women's impulsiveness and inattention could lead to being misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression, which can be treated with the appropriate medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel nervous and worried at times, like when you're preparing for an exam or public speaking event. If these feelings are extreme and constant, and interfere with your daily activities, and last for longer than you'd expect it's possible you have an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms such as a pounding pulse or the feeling of choking or a heart attack.
Women with ADD are more prone to the emotional turmoil and downs associated with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and are overly sensitive to minor irritations. These women can become very angry at a minor error or being held for a long time. They may flee, avoid the problem or even drop the task completely.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to danger or threat and is a reaction designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. When adult female adhd symptoms is a major factor, it can make people weak and weakened.
There are a myriad of treatments for anxiety disorders, including medication and therapy. The type of therapy you choose depends on the root cause, however both behavioral and cognitive approaches can help you learn to control your anxiety and feelings.
Sleep well and eat a balanced diet to ease anxiety. Avoid stimulants and caffeine that can cause mood swings. Exercise, specifically vigorous aerobic exercise, releases brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support group or make a call or visit friends. Being in the company of others can help alleviate loneliness and decrease anxiety. A therapist can teach you methods to relax by using guided imagery or gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations.