Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD often suffer from depression. This could lead to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women with ADD are also more likely to be annoyed by waiting, for example, when waiting in line or waiting to get customer service.
ADD symptoms can change in response to hormonal fluctuations in females throughout puberty, the menstrual cycle, and perimenopause or menopause. They can be masked or exacerbated by estrogen, and are less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women suffering from inattentive ADD typically have difficulty focus on tasks, and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattention ADD symptoms can also cause problems with time management and an inability to follow through on instructions. Women with ADD are also more likely to be depressed than those without the disorder, even though both conditions can coexist.
Teachers and parents may find it more difficult to diagnose adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms tend to be less obvious. They might not be able to complete their schoolwork or homework and may not attend important classes in class. They also may not be attentive during meetings at work. Adults with disabilities may be unable to find jobs or keeping their current one.
Attention-deficit ADD is more prevalent in females and girls than males. adult female adhd symptoms and women with it can be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety once they reach puberty, or if they experience mood swings linked with PMS or perimenopausal. Doctors tend to look for more obvious behavioral characteristics of ADD in males, but do not recognize the symptoms in females or girls particularly during this time.
Women who have inattention ADD are more likely to be frustrated with their lack of focus, which can lead to anger or frustration. These women may also be more likely to feel frustration, and act out in ways that can harm their relationships. For instance, if someone interrupts her while trying to finish an assignment, she could get angry and quit the room. Her inability to stay focused on a particular task may result in her making careless mistakes later regretted.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of ups and downs. If your mood swings are intense, it can affect your daily activities. You may feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. Extremely frequent and extreme mood swings can be an indication of a mental health problem.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly switch from feeling upbeat, happy or positive to feeling depressed or angry in an hour. These changes could be caused by a variety of causes that include diet, blood sugar fluctuation, sleep disturbances and stress. Mood changes can also be a result of certain drugs and substances.
If you experience frequent and extreme mood swings then it's time to talk to your physician. Based on the root of your symptoms, you can manage them with a variety options, including treatment, medication, or lifestyle changes.
Women are often experiencing mood changes 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 constipation, depression and other discomforts. Keep a detailed diary to keep track of the changes in your mood. This will help you feel more confident taking them to your doctor and help you understand the way you're feeling.
Making changes to your diet, getting more rest and exercising as well as doing relaxation exercises can all help to reduce mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms changing your dosage or experimenting with a different medication might help alleviate your symptoms. Mood swings can be an indication of a variety of medical and psychological disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and depression.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to act quickly and without thinking about the consequences. A persistent pattern of problems with impulse control may be an indication that you suffer from ADD or other issues. For instance, someone who is impulsive might have difficulty saving money, spend more than they can afford to or reveal personal information without thinking about the consequences. They might also have difficulty in activities that require planning, like driving or working in the field of law enforcement.
An impulsive streak is natural in teenagers and children however it's not unusual for adults to struggle with this symptom too. If you're having problems with your job or relationships because of your impulsive behavior, it's crucial to seek medical help.
There are many causes of the impulsive behavior, such as genetics, brain structure and chemical imbalances, as well as environmental conditions. A history of emotional distress or trauma can contribute to impulsive behavior, as can having a family member who suffers from a mental health disorder. Certain medications, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs can also cause an increase in impulsiveness.
It's also important to distinguish the impulsive behavior from compulsive ones that are repetitive and ritualistic. For instance, checking if the oven is off repeatedly is a compulsive behavior, while buying something on a whim is an impulsive behavior. Impulsiveness is a typical female ADD sign, especially during puberty, PMS and through menopausal periods when estrogen levels decrease. Women can also show signs of ADD by appearing distant in conversations or having difficulty completing chores like washing. In some instances, women's impulsiveness or inattention can lead them to be mistakenly diagnosed as having depression or bipolar disorder. This condition may be treated with the proper medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel nervous or anxious from time to time, such as when you're prepping for a public speaking opportunity or test. But if these feelings are frequent and intense, cause problems with your daily routine and last longer than what's normal, you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms, such as heartbeats that are pounding or the feeling that you're in a choke or suffering from a heart attack.
Women who suffer from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional ups-and-downs that come with anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and overly sensitive to even minor annoyances. These women can become extremely angry over a small error or being held for a long time. They could flee and avoid the issue or abandon the task altogether.
Anxiety is the natural response to threat or danger, and it's designed to prepare your body and your mind to fight. However, when it gets too much the body, people can become weak and incapable of functioning normally.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The type of therapy you receive depends on the cause. However, both cognitive and behavioral strategies can help you control your emotions and worries.
Get enough rest and eat healthy to ease anxiety. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which can exacerbate mood swings. Exercise, specifically vigorous aerobic exercise, helps release brain chemicals that cut stress. Join a support group or make contact with friends. Being around others can help reduce anxiety and ease loneliness. A therapist can guide you through techniques to calm yourself through guided imagery or gradual exposure to situations that make you uncomfortable.