Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD frequently experience depression. This could lead to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to be unhappy when waiting for long periods of time, such as when standing in line or on hold for customer service.
ADD symptoms in females can vary with hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles, puberty, as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transitions and men. They can also be masked by estrogen and may be less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattentive ADD are often troubled by their difficulty staying focused on their work and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD can also cause problems with time management, and the inability to follow through on instructions. Women who suffer from ADD have a higher risk of developing depression than women who do not suffer from the disorder. However both disorders can coexist.
Unlike children with hyperactive ADD adults who suffer from the non-hyperactive type of ADD tend to be more difficult for teachers and parents to identify, as their symptoms are less obvious. They may have difficulty finishing homework or schoolwork and could be absent from important lectures and are unable to pay attention in meetings at work. These adults may also have a difficult time finding a job or keeping a current one.
Inattentional ADD is more common in girls and women, as opposed to the hyperactive ADD that is more prevalent in boys and men. Often, these women and girls are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when they go through puberty or experience mood swings that are associated with PMS and perimenopausal. Doctors usually look for more obvious behavioral characteristics of ADD in males, but do not recognize the symptoms in females or girls, especially during this time.
Women who are inattentional ADD are more likely to become frustrated with their lack of concentration, which could result in anger or frustration. They may also be more likely to dwell on their frustration, and act out in ways that could hurt their relationships. For instance, if someone interrupts her while she is trying to complete an assignment, she could get angry and leave the room. Her inability stay focused could result in her making careless errors that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of changes and ups. If your mood swings are severe and affecting your daily activities. You may feel like you are on an emotional rollercoaster. The frequent and extreme mood swings can be a sign of an underlying mental health issue that requires treatment.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly shift from feeling cheerful or happy to feeling angry or sad within just a few minutes. These changes can be triggered by a myriad of factors, including diet and blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances and stress. Changes in mood can also be a consequence of certain drugs and substances.
The majority of people experience occasional mood fluctuations, but if you have frequent and severe mood swings, it may be time to consult your doctor. Based on the root of your symptoms, you may be able to treat them with a variety of options, including medication, therapy or lifestyle adjustments.
Women often experience mood shifts between 1 and 2 weeks prior to their periods as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms can include fatigue and changes in appetite. They can also cause depression, bloating and other discomforts. Keep a detailed diary to track your mood changes. This will help you feel more confident about taking them to your doctor and help you understand how you're feeling.
Change your diet, getting more rest, exercising and doing relaxation exercises can all help reduce mood swings. If you're taking medication that causes these symptoms changing your dosage or trying a different one might help alleviate your symptoms. Mood swings are a sign of many medical and psychological disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), 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 impulse control problems can be a sign that you have ADD or other conditions. An individual who is impulsive could be unable to save money, spending more than they can afford, or divulge personal information to other people without considering the consequences. They might also have difficulty with activities that require planning such as driving or working in law enforcement.
An impulsive streak is natural in children and teens, but it's not uncommon for adults to struggle with this issue too. It is important to seek medical attention if you're having trouble with your work or relationships because of the impulsiveness of your actions.
Many factors can trigger an impulsive behaviour. This includes genetics, brain structure as well as chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. A history of emotional or physical trauma can be a contributing factor to the impulsive behavior, as could the presence of a family member suffering from a mental disorder. adult female add symptoms , such as stimulant drugs and antidepressants, can also boost the impulsiveness of a person.
It's important to distinguish impulsive behavior and compulsive behavior, which is routine and ritualistic. For instance, checking if the oven is on or off is a compulsive habit, whereas purchasing something on the spur of the moment is an impulsive act. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD sign, especially in girls who are puberty, PMS and through menopausal changes when estrogen levels decrease. Women may also exhibit symptoms of ADD by appearing distant during conversations or having difficulty completing tasks such as laundry. In some instances, a woman's impulsiveness and inattention may result in being misdiagnosed as having depression or bipolar disorder, which can be treated with the appropriate medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel nervous and worried at times, for example when you're preparing to take an exam or public speaking engagement. If your feelings are intense and constant, and affect your daily activities and last longer than is reasonable it's possible you have an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms, such as a pounding heartbeat 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 associated with anxiety. adult female adhd symptoms can get easily frustrated and overly sensitive to even minor aggravations. For example, a small error or being put on hold for long periods of time could cause these women to become extremely angry. They could flee or avoid the issue, or abandon the task altogether.
Anxiety is a natural response to danger or threat and is a reaction designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. When anxiety becomes a problem, it can make people weak and weakened.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include medication and therapy. The type of therapy you choose depends on the cause, but both cognitive and behavioral approaches can assist you in controlling your anxieties and emotions.
To lessen anxiety, eat a balanced diet and get enough rest. Avoid stimulants and caffeine that can cause mood fluctuations. Exercise, especially vigorous aerobic exercise, releases brain chemicals that cut stress. Join a support group or call or visit friends. Being with other people can decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can teach you ways to relax, such as guided imagery or gradual exposure to stressful situations.