Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD are frequently depressed. This can lead to a misdiagnosis. Women who suffer from ADD also are more likely to be unhappy when waiting for long periods of time, such as when standing in line or waiting for customer service.
ADD symptoms in females can fluctuate with hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstrual cycles and in perimenopause and menopause. They can be concealed or exacerbated by estrogen, and are less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattentive ADD often have difficulty focusing on 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 with ADD have a higher risk of developing depression than those who are not affected by 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 recognize, since their symptoms are more subtle. They may have trouble finishing homework or schoolwork, and may be absent from important lectures and are incapable of paying attention to meetings at work. These adults may be unable to find jobs or keeping their current one.
Inattentive ADD is more prevalent for women and girls, as opposed to the hyperactive ADD seen more often in men and boys. These girls and women are often misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when they reach puberty or if they experience mood swings associated with PMS or perimenopausal. Doctors usually look for more explicit behavioral characteristics of ADD in males, but do not be able to recognize them in females or girls particularly during this time.
adults adhd symptoms with inattention ADD might be annoyed by their inability to concentration. This can lead to anger and frustration. These women may also be more likely to dwell on their frustration, and act out in ways that could hurt their relationships. If someone interrupts her while she is working on a project, for example she might scream out of the room. Her inability stay focused could even lead her to make mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of fluctuations and ups. If your mood swings are extreme they could affect your daily activities. You might feel as if you are on an emotional rollercoaster. The frequent and extreme mood swings can indicate an underlying mental health condition that requires treatment.
Mood swings happen when you suddenly go from feeling cheerful, upbeat or optimistic to feeling down or angry in an hour. These mood swings can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, blood sugar peaks and valleys, sleep disturbances, stress or weather conditions. Certain drugs and substances can also trigger mood changes.
If you are experiencing frequent and intense mood changes then it's time to talk to your doctor. Depending on the cause various treatments can help you manage your symptoms, including psychotherapy, medication, or other treatments for lifestyle.
Women often experience mood shifts 1 to 2 weeks before their periods as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms can include fatigue, changes in appetite as well as depression, bloating, and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood changes are more severe during this time you should keep a detailed journal to see if you can track them to their source. This will make you feel more comfortable bringing concerns to your doctor, and it can also provide some validation of how you are feeling.
Making changes to your diet and getting more rest can reduce the frequency of mood swings. If you're taking medication that is causing these symptoms, adjusting the dosage or experimenting with a different medication may reduce the symptoms. Changes in mood can be a symptom of a range of medical and psychological disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is the tendency to make hasty decisions and act without thinking about the consequences. An ongoing pattern of issues with impulse control could be an indication of ADD or other disorders. An individual who is impulsive may have difficulty saving money, or spending more than they can afford, or divulge personal information to others without thinking about the consequences. They may also have trouble when it comes to activities that require planning such as driving or working in law enforcement.
adults with adhd symptoms for teens and children to be impulsive. However, it is not uncommon for adults, too. If you're experiencing problems in your relationships or at work because of your impulsive behavior, it's crucial to seek medical attention.
There are a variety of causes for an impulsive behaviour, including genetics, brain structure and chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. A history of emotional distress or trauma may contribute to an impulsive behaviour, as could having a family member that suffers from a mental illness. Certain medications can increase the impulsiveness of a person, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It's also important to distinguish between impulsive and compulsive behaviors that are routine and ritualistic. For example, checking whether the oven is turned off frequently is a compulsive behavior and buying something at the whim of a is an impulsive behavior. Impulsiveness is a typical female ADD symptom, particularly during puberty, PMS, and during menopausal changes when estrogen levels decrease. Women can also show symptoms of ADD by appearing distant in conversations or unable to complete tasks like washing. In some instances, a woman's impulsiveness and inattention can lead to being misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression, which can be treated with the appropriate medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to be anxious or anxious from time to occasion, like when you're prepping for a public speaking opportunity or test. If these feelings are extreme and frequent, and disrupt your daily routine and last longer than is reasonable, you could have an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms, such as an intense pulse or the sensation of choking, or even a heart attack.
Women suffering from ADD are more susceptible to the emotional turbulences that accompany anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and irritable to minor aggravations. They can be very angry at a minor mistake or being on hold for a long period of time. They could flee to avoid a situation or even quit the job.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to threat or danger, and it's designed to prepare your body and your mind to fight. However, when it becomes overwhelming the body, people can become weak and unable to function normally.
There are a myriad of treatment options for anxiety disorders, which include medication and therapy. The kind of therapy you receive depends on the root cause. However both behavioral and cognitive approaches can help control your anxiety and worry.
Eat healthy and sleep enough to reduce anxiety. Avoid stimulants and caffeine which can cause mood swings. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise at a brisk pace, helps release brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support network or call or visit friends. Being around others can help alleviate loneliness and ease anxiety. A therapist can guide you through ways to relax by using guided visualization or gradual exposure to situations that make you uncomfortable.