Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD often experience depression. This could lead to a mistaken diagnosis. Women with ADD are also more likely to be frustrated by waiting for long periods of time, such as when standing in line or waiting for customer service.
ADD symptoms in females may vary with hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles, puberty and during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. They can also be covered by estrogen and may be less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattention ADD often have difficulty staying focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD symptoms also include trouble with time management and the inability to follow instructions. Women with ADD have a higher chance of developing depression than women without the disorder. However, the two disorders can coexist.
Parents and teachers may have a harder time trying to identify adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are less obvious. They may have difficulty finishing homework or schoolwork and might miss important class lectures and are not able to concentrate in meetings at work. Adults with disabilities may be unable to find a job or keeping a current one.
Inattentional ADD is more common in women and girls as compared to the hyperactive ADD that is more prevalent in men and boys. A lot of times, these girls and women are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression as they enter puberty or experience mood swings that are associated with PMS and perimenopausal. This is because doctors search for the more obvious behavior characteristics of ADD in boys but fail to detect them in girls or women, particularly during these periods.
Women who are inattentive ADD may become annoyed by their inability to focus. This can cause anger and frustration. They may also be more likely to internalize their anger and behave in ways that could hurt their relationships. If someone interrupts her while she is working, for example she might scream out of the room. Get Source to focus on a task might even cause her to make impulsive mistakes later regretted.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are an inevitable part of life. However, if your mood swings are severe, they could affect your daily routine and cause you to feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. Frequent and severe mood swings can be an indication of a mental health condition.
Mood swings happen when you suddenly switch from feeling happy, upbeat or positive to feeling depressed or angry in just a few minutes. These mood swings can be caused by a variety of causes, including blood sugar peaks and valleys, sleep disturbances, stress and weather conditions. Certain medications and substances may cause mood changes.
If you are experiencing frequent and intense mood changes then it's time to talk to your physician. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, you may be able to manage them using a variety of options, including medication, therapy or lifestyle modifications.
Women are often experiencing mood changes up to two weeks prior to their period, as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue, fluctuations in appetite depression, bloating, and other aches. If you notice that your mood swings are more severe during this time keep a detailed record to see if you can track them to their source. This will help you feel more confident about making an appointment with your doctor and provide some validation for your current state of mind.
Altering your diet and getting more rest can reduce the frequency of mood swings. If you're taking medications that cause these symptoms, adjusting your dosage or trying a different drug may help alleviate your symptoms. Changes in mood can be a symptom of a variety of psychological and medical disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to make hasty decisions and act without considering the consequences. A persistent pattern of problems with impulse control may be an indication of ADD or other issues. An individual who is impulsive could have difficulty saving money, or spending more than they can afford, or divulge personal information to other people without considering the consequences. They may also have trouble with activities that require planning like driving or working in law enforcement.
An impulsive streak is natural in teens and children However, it's not uncommon for adults to suffer from this issue too. It is essential to seek medical attention if you're having trouble with your work or relationships because of an impulsive behavior.
Numerous factors can cause impulsive behavior. These include the brain's structure, genetics chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. A background of emotional trauma or distress can also contribute to the impulsive behavior, as could the presence of a family member suffering from mental disorders. Certain medications can also increase the person's impulsiveness like antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It is crucial to differentiate between the difference between compulsive and impulsive behavior, which is repetitive and ritualistic. For example, checking whether the oven is on or off is a habitual behavior, while buying something on a whim is an impulsive act. The tendency to be impulsive is a common female ADD symptom, particularly during the period of puberty, PMS and menopausal periods when estrogen levels decrease. Women can also show signs of ADD by appearing distant in conversations or having difficulty completing tasks like washing. In some instances the woman's impulsiveness or inattention could lead to her being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression, which may be treated with the appropriate medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to be anxious or worried from time to time, such as when you're preparing for a public speaking event or test. But if these feelings are frequent and extreme, interfere with daily activities and last longer than what's reasonable, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms, such as heartbeats that are pounding or feeling like you're in a choke or suffering from a heart attack.
Women suffering from ADD are especially susceptible to the emotional turmoil and downs that are associated with anxiety. They can easily become frustrated and are extremely sensitive to minor irritations. They can get extremely angry over a small mistake or being on hold for a long period of time. They may storm off or avoid a problem, or even stop the work.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to danger or threat and is a reaction designed to prepare the body and mind for battle. When anxiety becomes a problem, it can make people debilitated.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include medication and therapy. The type of therapy you choose depends on the root cause, however both cognitive and behavioral methods can help you learn to control your worries and emotions.
To reduce your anxiety, eat well and get enough sleep. Avoid caffeine and stimulants that can trigger mood fluctuations. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise at a fast pace, triggers brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support group or make contact with friends. Being around others can reduce isolation and reduce anxiety. A therapist can help you learn techniques to calm down through guided imagery or gradual exposure to situations that are uncomfortable.