Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD are frequently depressed. This could lead to a misdiagnosis. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to get frustrated when waiting, whether it is waiting in line for customer service or on hold.
ADD symptoms in females can fluctuate with hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, puberty, and during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. They can be masked or exacerbated by estrogen, and are less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women suffering from inattentive ADD often have difficulty staying focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD symptoms also include trouble with time management and the inability to follow through on instructions. signs of adhd in adults with ADD have a higher chance of developing depression than those who do not suffer from the disorder. However the two disorders may coexist.
In contrast to children with hyperactive ADD adults with the non-hyperactive form of ADD tend to be more difficult for teachers and parents to diagnose, because their symptoms are more subtle. They may struggle to finish homework or schoolwork and could miss important class lectures as well as being incapable of paying attention to meetings at work. These adults may also struggle to find work or maintain their current position.
Attention-deficit ADD is more prevalent in females and girls than males. These girls and women can be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety once they reach puberty, or if they experience mood swings linked with PMS or perimenopausal. This is because doctors search for the more obvious behavioral characteristics of ADD in boys but fail to detect them in girls or women, particularly during these periods.
Women who are inattentional ADD are more likely to be dissatisfied with their lack of concentration, which could result in anger or frustration. They may also be more likely to feel anger and may behave in ways that could damage their relationships. If someone interrupts her when she is working on a project for instance she might scream out of the room. Inability to remain focused on a task might even cause her to make careless mistakes that she later regrets.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a normal part of life. However, if your mood swings are extreme, they can interfere with your daily activities and cause you to feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. Frequent and severe mood swings can be an indication of a mental health condition.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly go from feeling cheerful, upbeat or optimistic to feeling sad or angry within a short time. These mood swings can be caused by a variety of causes like blood sugar peaks and valleys sleep disturbances, stress, and weather conditions. Mood changes can also be a result of certain medications and other substances.
Many people experience occasional mood swings However, if you experience frequent and extreme mood swings, it could be time to talk to your doctor. Depending on the cause there are a variety of treatments that can assist you in managing your symptoms, such as medication, psychotherapy or other treatments for lifestyle.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common mood swing that can be experienced by women 1 to 2 weeks before their period. These symptoms include fatigue as well as changes in appetite. They can also cause depression, bloating, and other discomforts. Keep a detailed journal to keep track of the changes in your mood. This will make you feel more comfortable opening concerns to your doctor. It can also provide some validation of how you're feeling.
Altering your diet and getting more rest can help reduce mood swings. If you're taking a medication that triggers these symptoms, adjusting your dose or trying a different one could help ease the symptoms. Mood swings can be the result of a variety of psychological and medical conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is the tendency to make hasty decisions and act without considering the consequences. While some impulsive behavior is normal, a pattern of problems with impulse control can be a sign of ADD or another condition. A person who is impulsive may have difficulty saving money, or spending more than they could afford, or disclose personal information to others without thinking about the consequences. They may also struggle when it comes to activities that require planning like driving or working in law enforcement.
An impulsive streak is natural in teens and children However, it's not uncommon for adults to suffer from this symptom too. If you're having issues with your job or relationships because of your impulsive behavior, it's crucial to seek medical help.
There are a variety of causes for impulsive behavior, including genetics, brain structure and chemical imbalances, as well environmental factors. An emotional stress history or trauma can contribute to impulsive behavior, as can having a family member who suffers from a mental health issue. Certain medications can increase a person's impulsiveness, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It's also important to differentiate the impulsive behavior from compulsive ones that are repetitive and ritualistic. For example, checking whether the oven is turned off frequently is a compulsive behavior, while buying something on a whim is an impulsive behavior. Impulsiveness is a typical female ADD sign, especially in girls during puberty, PMS and through menopausal changes when estrogen levels decrease. Women can also show signs of ADD by appearing distant during conversations or having trouble completing tasks such as laundry. In certain cases, women's impulsiveness or inattention can lead them to be misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression. This condition may be treated by the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to be anxious and nervous at times, such as when you're preparing to take an exam or public speaking event. If your feelings are intense and constant, and affect 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 an intense pulse or the feeling of choking or having a heart attack.
Women with ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional turbulences associated with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and overly sensitive to even minor aggravations. For instance, a tiny mistake or being placed on hold for long periods of time could make these women extremely angry. They could flee to avoid a situation or even quit the job.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to threat or danger and is a reaction designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. However, when it gets too much, people can become debilitated and unable to function normally.
There are a myriad of treatments for anxiety disorders, including therapy and medication. The type of therapy you receive is contingent on the root cause. However both behavioral and cognitive methods can help you manage your emotions and worries.
Eat healthy and sleep enough to reduce anxiety. Avoid stimulants and caffeine that can trigger mood swings. Exercise, specifically intense aerobic exercise, helps release brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support group or make a call or visit friends. Being in the company of other people can alleviate loneliness and ease anxiety. A therapist can guide you through methods to relax yourself through guided imagery or gradual exposure to situations that make you uncomfortable.