Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD are frequently depressed. This can lead to misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women with ADD are also more likely to be unhappy when waiting, for example, when standing in line or on hold to get customer service.
ADD symptoms in females can fluctuate with hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, puberty and during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. symptoms of adhd in adults can be concealed or exacerbated by estrogen, and are less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattention 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, as well as a lack of ability to follow the instructions. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to suffer from depression than those without the disorder, but both conditions can coexist.
Parents and teachers may find it more difficult to recognize adults suffering from non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are subtler. They might not be able to complete their schoolwork or homework and may not attend important classes in class. They may also not pay attention when they attend meetings at work. Adults with disabilities may also have a difficult time finding jobs or keeping their current one.
Inattention ADD affects more females and girls than males. Women and girls are often misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression when they reach puberty, or if they experience mood swings linked with PMS or perimenopause. This is because doctors search for the more obvious behavioral traits of ADD in boys and don't identify them in girls and women, particularly during these times.
Women with inattentive ADD are more likely to be frustrated by their inability to focus, which can cause anger or even frustration. These women are also more likely to dwell on their frustration, and act out in ways that can harm their relationships. For instance, if someone interrupts her while she is trying to complete the task, she may quit and leave the room. Inability to stay focused may even lead her to make careless errors that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a normal part of life. If your mood fluctuations are extreme, they may affect your daily routine and cause you to feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. The frequent and extreme mood swings could be an indication of an underlying mental health problem that requires treatment.
Mood swings are when you suddenly switch from feeling upbeat, happy or optimistic to feeling sad or angry in just a few minutes. These changes can be caused by a variety of causes, including diet and blood sugar fluctuation, sleep disturbances and stress. Certain drugs and substances can also trigger mood changes.
Many people experience occasional mood changes However, if you experience frequent and extreme mood swings, it may be time to consult your doctor. According to the reason there are a variety of treatments that can assist you in managing your symptoms, such as psychotherapy, medication, or other lifestyle treatments.
Women often experience mood shifts 1 to 2 weeks before their period as a result of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms can include fatigue, changes in appetite depression, bloating, and other aches. Keep a journal to keep track of the changes in your mood. This will make you feel more comfortable bringing concerns to your doctor. It could also provide some confirmation of how you feel.
Making changes to your diet and getting more rest can reduce the frequency of mood swings. If you're taking medication that causes these symptoms altering your dosage or trying a different one could help ease your symptoms. The mood swings could be a sign of a variety of psychological and medical disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is the tendency to make rash decisions and act without considering the consequences. While some impulsive behaviors are normal, a persistent pattern of problems with impulse control could be an indication of ADD or another condition. An individual who is impulsive could struggle to save money, spend more money than they can afford, or divulge personal information to others without thinking about the consequences. They may also struggle when it comes to activities that require careful planning, like driving or working in the law enforcement field.
It's normal for teenagers and children to be impulsive. However, it's not uncommon for adults as well. It is essential to seek medical attention if you're experiencing difficulties with your job or relationships due to an impulsive behavior.
Many factors can trigger impulsive behavior. These include genetics, brain structure chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. A background of trauma or emotional distress can trigger an impulsive behavior, just as the presence of a family member suffering from mental disorders. Certain medications, like antidepressants and stimulant drugs can also boost the impulsiveness of a person.
It's also important to differentiate between impulsive and compulsive behaviors that are repetitive and ritualistic. For instance, checking if the oven is off repeatedly is a compulsive habit, while purchasing something on the spur of the moment is an impulsive action. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD characteristic that is prevalent especially for girls going through puberty or PMS and also during menopausal, when estrogen levels start to decline. Women can also show symptoms of ADD by appearing disengaged during conversations or unable to complete chores like washing. In some instances, a woman's impulsiveness and inattention can lead to being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression which may be treated with the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to feel anxious and nervous at times, such as when you are preparing for an exam or public speaking event. But if these feelings are frequent and extreme, interfere with daily activities and last longer than what's normal, you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. You may also feel physical symptoms like an intense pulse or the feeling of choking or a heart attack.
Women who suffer from ADD can be particularly vulnerable to the emotional turbulences that come with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and overly sensitive to even minor aggravations. For instance, a minor error or being put on hold for long periods of time could cause these women to become extremely angry. They could flee to avoid a situation or even abandon the task.
Anxiety is a natural response to threat or danger, and it's designed to prepare your body and mind to defend yourself. However, when it gets too much, people can become debilitated and incapable of functioning normally.
There are many treatment options for anxiety disorders, which include therapy and medication. The kind of therapy you choose will depend on the cause, however both cognitive and behavioral methods can assist you in controlling your anxiety and feelings.
Get enough rest and eat healthy to decrease anxiety. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger mood swings. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise done at a rapid pace, helps release brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join a support network or make contact with friends. Being around others can help alleviate isolation and reduce anxiety. A therapist can show you techniques to calm yourself through guided visualization or gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations.