Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADD frequently experience depression. This could lead to a misdiagnosis. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to become annoyed when waiting, whether it is in line for customer service or while standing on hold.
ADD symptoms in females can change with the fluctuation of hormones during puberty, menstrual cycles and during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. They can be concealed or exacerbated by estrogen, and are less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women suffering from inattentive ADD often have difficulty staying focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattention ADD symptoms also include trouble with time management and an inability to follow through on instructions. Women with ADD are also more likely to suffer from depression than those who do not suffer from the disorder, but the two can coexist.
As opposed to children with hyperactive ADD adults with the non-hyperactive type of ADD tend to be more difficult for teachers and parents to recognize, since their symptoms are less obvious. They may not be able to finish their schoolwork or homework, and they might miss important lectures in class. They might also not pay attention to meetings at work. Adults who struggle may also struggle to find work or maintain their current position.
Inattentional ADD is more common for women and girls, as opposed to the hyperactive ADD which is more common in boys and men. These girls and women can be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety when they reach puberty or if they experience mood swings that are associated with PMS or perimenopause. Doctors tend to look for more explicit behaviors that are indicative of ADD in males and not be able to recognize them in females or girls, especially during this time.
Women with inattentive ADD can be annoyed by their inability to concentration. This can lead to anger and frustration. They may also be more likely to feel frustration, and act out in ways that can harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her when she is working, for example she could scream out of the room. Her inability stay focused could result in her making careless errors that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a normal part of life. If your mood swings are intense they could affect your daily activities. It could feel like you are on an emotional rollercoaster. The frequent and extreme mood swings can be a sign of an underlying mental health condition that requires treatment.
Mood swings happen when you suddenly switch from feeling upbeat or happy to feeling angry or sad within a short period of time. These changes can be caused by a myriad of factors such as diet and blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances and stress. Mood changes can also be a result of certain medications and other substances.
If you experience frequent and intense mood changes you should consult your doctor. Depending on the reason for your symptoms, you may be able to manage them using a variety of treatments, including medication, therapy or lifestyle changes.
Women can experience mood swings up to two weeks prior to their periods as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue, fluctuations in appetite depression, bloating, and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood swings are more severe during this time you should keep a detailed journal to see if you can identify the cause. This will make you feel more confident in bringing up your concerns with your doctor, and it could also provide some confirmation of how you feel.
Change your diet, obtaining more sleep, exercising and using relaxation techniques can all help to reduce mood swings. If you're taking medication that causes these symptoms adjusting your dose or trying a different one may ease the symptoms. The fluctuation in mood can be an indication of a variety of psychological and medical conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a tendency to act quickly without considering the consequences. While some of the impulsive behavior is normal, a persistent pattern of problems with impulse control may be an indication of ADD or a different condition. For example, a person who is impulsive might have trouble saving money, spending more than they are able to or reveal personal information without considering the consequences. They may also struggle doing things which require careful planning, such as driving or working in law enforcement.
A certain amount of impulsivity is normal in teenagers and children, but it's not uncommon for adults to experience this condition too. It is essential to seek medical attention if you're struggling with your work or relationships due to impulsive actions.
adhd signs in adults can cause impulsive behavior. adhd signs in adults includes the brain's structure, genetics, chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. A history of emotional trauma or distress can trigger an impulsive behavior, just as an individual in the family with mental illness. Certain medications, like stimulant drugs and antidepressants, can also cause an increase in impulsiveness.
It's also important to distinguish between impulsive and compulsive behaviors that are repetitive and ritualistic. For instance, checking whether the oven is off repeatedly is a compulsive behavior, while buying something on a whim is an impulsive behavior. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD sign that is quite common particularly in girls who are experiencing PMS or puberty, and during menopause, when estrogen levels start to drop. Women can also show symptoms of ADD by appearing distant in conversations or having difficulty completing tasks such as laundry. In some instances women's inattention or impulsiveness can cause them to be incorrectly diagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression. This disorder can be treated with the proper medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to be anxious or anxious from time to occasion, like when you're preparing for a public speaking opportunity or test. But if these feelings are frequently and severe, interfere with daily activities and last longer than what's reasonable, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms, like a pounding heartbeat or the sensation that you're in a choke or suffering from an attack on your heart.
Women suffering from ADD are especially susceptible to the emotional swings and downs associated with anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and are overly sensitive to minor irritations. They can be very angry at a minor mistake or being on hold for a long time. They may flee and avoid the issue or even abandon the project altogether.
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 the body, people can become weak and incapable of functioning normally.
There are many treatment options for anxiety disorders, including medication and therapy. The type of therapy depends on the root cause, however both cognitive and behavioral methods can help you learn to control your anxieties and emotions.
To ease anxiety, eat healthy and sleep enough. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger mood swings. Exercise, specifically vigorous aerobic exercise, releases brain chemicals that cut stress. Join an online support group or contact friends in person or via the phone. Being with others can decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can help you learn strategies to relax by using guided imagery or gradual exposure to situations that are uncomfortable.