Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADD often experience depression. This can lead to a misdiagnosis for bipolar disorder. Women with ADD also are more likely to be frustrated by waiting, for example, when waiting in line or on hold to get customer service.
ADD symptoms can change with hormonal fluctuations in females throughout puberty, menstrual cycle, and menopausal or perimenopausal changes. They can be masked or exacerbated by estrogen and are less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattentive ADD are often plagued by their inability to stay focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD can also cause problems with time management and a lack of ability to follow the instructions. Women with ADD have a higher chance of developing depression than women who are not affected by the disorder. However both disorders can coexist.
Teachers and parents may have a harder time trying to recognize adults suffering from non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms tend to be subtler. They might not be able complete their homework or schoolwork, and they might not attend important classes in classes. They may also not pay attention during meetings at work. These adults could also have difficulty finding a job or keeping a current one.
Inattentive ADD is more common in women and girls as compared to the hyperactive ADD that is more prevalent in males and boys. The girls and women with it are often misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when they reach puberty, or when they experience mood swings that are associated with PMS or perimenopausal. Doctors usually look for more obvious behavior-related signs of ADD in males, and do not be able to recognize the symptoms in females or girls particularly during this time.
Women who are inattentional ADD are more likely to be dissatisfied with their lack of focus, which can lead to anger or frustration. These women may also be more likely to dwell on their anger, and express it in ways that can harm their relationships. For instance, if a person interrupts her while trying to finish an assignment, she could get angry and quit the room. Inability to remain focused on a particular task may cause her to make impulsive mistakes later regretted.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of ups and downs. But if your mood shifts are severe, they could affect your daily routine and make you feel like you're on an emotional roller coaster. Frequent and severe mood changes could be an indication of an underlying mental health condition that requires treatment.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly change from feeling happy or upbeat to angry or sad in a short period of time. These changes can be triggered by many different things such as diet, blood sugar peaks and valleys, sleep disturbances, stress, and weather conditions. Mood changes can also be a result of certain drugs and substances.
adult female adhd symptoms experience occasional mood swings, but if you have frequent and extreme mood swings, it could be time to consult your doctor. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, you can manage them using a variety of treatments, such as medication, therapy or lifestyle changes.
Women can experience mood swings 1 to 2 weeks before their periods as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue and changes in appetite. They can also trigger constipation, depression and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood swings are more intense during this period keep a detailed record to see if you can identify the cause. This will make you feel more confident in bringing up your concerns with your doctor. It will also give you a sense of validation of how you're feeling.
Changing your diet, getting more rest and exercising, as well as using relaxation techniques can all aid in reducing mood swings. If you are taking medication that causes these symptoms, adjusting your dose or trying another medication may ease your symptoms. The mood swings could be a sign of a range of psychological and medical disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a 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 conditions. For example, a person who is impulsive could have difficulty saving money, spending more than they can afford to, or divulge personal information without considering the impact. They may also struggle with activities that require careful planning, such as driving or working in law enforcement.
It's normal for children and teens to be impulsive. However, it's not unusual for adults as well. It is essential to seek medical attention if struggling with your work or relationships due to an impulsive behavior.
Many factors can contribute to an impulsive behaviour. These include genetics, brain structure chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. A background of emotional trauma or distress can be a contributing factor to the impulsive behavior, as could an individual in the family with a mental disorder. Certain medications, like stimulant drugs and antidepressants, can also boost the impulsiveness of a person.
It is important to differentiate between impulsive behavior and compulsive behavior that is a repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, such as checking the oven repeatedly are compulsive. On the other hand, the more impulsive actions, like purchasing something on impulse, are an impulsive. The tendency to be impulsive is a female ADD characteristic that is prevalent especially in girls who are experiencing PMS or puberty as well as during menopausal cycles when estrogen levels begin to decline. Being withdrawn during conversations or unable to finish tasks like laundry are also indications of ADD in women. In some cases, a woman's impulsiveness and inattention could lead to being misdiagnosed as having depression or bipolar disorder, which may be treated with the correct medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel anxious or anxious from time to moment, for instance, when you're preparing for a public speaking event or test. However, if these feelings are frequently and severe, interfere 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, like heartbeats that are pounding or the sensation that you're choked or having a heart attack.
Women with ADD are more susceptible to the emotional ups-and-downs associated with anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and overly sensitive to even minor irritations. For instance, a minor mistake or being placed on hold for long periods of time can make these women extremely angry. They could flee or avoid a problem, or even stop the work.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to danger or threat that is designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. When anxiety takes over, it can make people weak and weakened.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The type of therapy you choose depends on the cause, however both cognitive and behavioral methods can help you learn to control your anxiety and feelings.
To ease anxiety, eat healthy and get enough rest. Avoid caffeine and stimulants that can cause mood fluctuations. Exercise, particularly vigorous aerobic exercise, triggers brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join a support network or call or visit friends. Being around others can alleviate isolation and reduce anxiety. A therapist can teach you methods to relax through guided imagery or gradual exposure to situations that are uncomfortable.