Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADD often suffer from depression. This can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Women with ADD are also more likely to be unhappy when waiting for long periods of time, such as when waiting in line or on hold for customer service.
ADD symptoms in females can fluctuate with hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstrual cycles as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transitions and men. They can be concealed or worsened by estrogen and are less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattention ADD are often troubled by their difficulty staying focused on tasks and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentive ADD symptoms can also cause problems with time management and the inability to follow instructions. Women with ADD are also more likely to be depressed than those without the disorder, even though both conditions can coexist.
As opposed to children with hyperactive ADD adults with the non-hyperactive form of ADD tend to be more difficult for parents and teachers to identify, as their symptoms are less obvious. They may not be able complete their homework or schoolwork and may not attend important classes in classes. They might also not pay attention when they attend meetings at work. These adults may also struggle to find work or keep a current job.
Inattention ADD is more prevalent in girls and women than boys. In many cases, women and girls are not diagnosed with anxiety or depression as they enter puberty or experience mood swings that are associated with PMS and perimenopause. Doctors are more likely to look for more obvious behaviors that are indicative of ADD in males and not recognize them in females or girls, especially during this time.
Women with inattention ADD can be annoyed by their inability to concentration. This can lead to anger and frustration. They may also be more likely to feel frustration, and act out in ways which could harm their relationships. For instance, if someone interrupts her while she is trying to finish an assignment, she could storm off and leave the room. The inability to focus on a particular task may cause her to make careless mistakes that she later regrets.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of fluctuations and ups. If your mood swings are intense, it can affect your daily routine. It could feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. Extremely frequent and intense mood fluctuations can be a sign of an underlying mental health issue that requires treatment.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly go from feeling happy, upbeat or positive to feeling depressed or angry in an hour. These changes can be triggered by a variety of factors, including diet, blood sugar peaks and valleys, sleep disturbances, stress and weather conditions. The mood changes could also be a result of certain drugs and substances.
Many people experience occasional mood fluctuations however if you experience frequent and extreme mood swings, it could be time to speak with your doctor. According to adult adhd symtoms can help you manage your symptoms, including psychotherapy, medication or other lifestyle treatments.
Women can experience mood swings between 1 and 2 weeks prior to their period, 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 journal to keep track of your mood fluctuations. This will make you feel more comfortable opening up your concerns with your doctor. It will also give you a sense of validation of how you are feeling.
Altering your diet and getting more sleep can help decrease mood swings. If you are taking medications that cause these symptoms, adjusting the dosage or experimenting with a different medication may alleviate your symptoms. The mood swings could be a symptom of a range of psychological and medical disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is the tendency to make rash decisions without taking into account the consequences. While some impulsive behavior is normal, a persistent pattern of issues with impulse control can be a sign of ADD or a different condition. A person who is impulsive could struggle to save money, or spending more than they can afford, or divulge personal information to others without thinking about the consequences. They might also have difficulty in activities that require planning, such as driving or working in the field of law enforcement.
It's common for teens and children to be impulsive. However, it's not unusual for adults as well. It is essential to seek medical attention if experiencing difficulties with your job or relationships due to your the impulsiveness of your actions.
Many factors can trigger the impulsive behavior. adult adhd symptoms women include the brain's structure, genetics as well as chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. A history of emotional distress or trauma may contribute to impulsive behavior, as can having a family member who suffers from a mental illness. Certain medications, including antidepressants and stimulant drugs, can also increase someone's impulsiveness.
It's also important to differentiate between impulsive and compulsive behaviors that are routine and ritualistic. For instance, checking whether the oven is turned off frequently is a compulsive behavior, whereas buying something on a whim is an impulsive behavior. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD characteristic that is prevalent particularly for girls experiencing PMS or puberty and also during menopausal, when estrogen levels start to decline. Women can also show signs of ADD by appearing disengaged during conversations or having difficulty completing tasks like washing. In some cases, women's impulsiveness or inattention could lead to them being misdiagnosed as having depression or bipolar disorder. This condition may be treated by the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel anxious or worried from time moment, for instance, when you're getting ready for a public speaking opportunity or test. If these feelings become frequent and intense, cause problems with daily activities and last longer than is reasonable, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms like a pounding heart or the feeling of choking or a heart attack.
Women suffering from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional turbulences that come with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and become extremely sensitive to minor annoyances. For example, a small mistake or being placed on hold for long periods of time could make these women very angry. They could flee to avoid a situation or even quit the job.
Anxiety is the natural response to danger or threat, and it's designed to prepare your body and your mind to fight. But when it takes over the body, people can become weak and in a state of disfunction.
There are a myriad of treatments for anxiety disorders, including medication and therapy. The kind of therapy you receive depends on the root cause. However both behavioral and cognitive strategies can help you control your emotions and worries.
Get enough rest and eat healthy to reduce anxiety. Avoid stimulants and caffeine that can trigger mood swings. Exercise, specifically vigorous aerobic exercise, triggers brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join an online support group or connect with friends in person or on the phone. Being around others can reduce loneliness and decrease anxiety. A therapist can help you learn strategies to relax by using guided imagery or gradual exposure to uncomfortable scenarios.