Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD frequently experience depression. This can lead to a misdiagnosis for bipolar disorder. Women with ADD are also more likely to be frustrated while waiting, whether it is in line for customer service or waiting on hold.
ADD symptoms in females can change with the fluctuation of hormones during menstrual cycles, puberty, as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transitions and men. 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 troubled by their difficulty in staying focused on their work and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentive ADD can also cause issues with time management, and the inability to follow the directions given to them. Women with ADD are also more likely to be depressed than those who do not suffer from the disorder, even though the two can coexist.
Unlike children with hyperactive ADD adults who suffer from the non-hyperactive subtype of ADD tend to be more difficult for teachers and parents to recognize, since their symptoms are more subtle. They may struggle to finish homework or schoolwork, and may not attend important classes, as well as being incapable of paying attention to meetings at work. Adults who struggle may also struggle to find a job or maintain their current position.
Inattentive ADD is more prevalent in women and girls in contrast to the hyperactive ADD which is more common in boys and men. These girls and women are often misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when they reach puberty or if they experience mood swings that are associated with PMS or perimenopause. Doctors usually look for more explicit behaviors that are indicative of ADD in males and not recognize these in girls or females particularly during this time.
Women with inattentive ADD may become annoyed by their inability to concentration. This can result in anger and frustration. They may also be more likely to internalize their anger and behave in ways that can harm their relationships. For instance, if someone interrupts her while trying to complete an assignment, she could get angry and quit the room. Her inability to stay focused on a task might even cause her to make impulsive mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are an inevitable part of life. If your mood fluctuations are severe, they could interfere with your daily activities and cause you to feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. Frequent and severe mood changes could be an indication of an underlying mental health problem that requires treatment.
Mood swings occur the time when you suddenly shift from feeling happy, upbeat or optimistic to feeling sad or angry within a short time. These changes could be caused by a variety of factors such as diet and blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances, and stress. The mood changes could also be a side effect of certain medications and other substances.
If you are experiencing frequent and extreme mood swings, it's time to consult your doctor. Depending on the cause there are a variety of treatments that can assist you in managing your symptoms, such as medication, psychotherapy or other lifestyle treatments.
Women are often experiencing mood changes up to two weeks prior to their period, as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue and changes in appetite. They can also trigger anxiety, bloating, depression and other discomforts. Keep a detailed diary to keep track of your mood fluctuations. This will make you feel more confident making an appointment with your doctor and can give you some confirmation of how you're feeling.
Altering click through the next article and getting more rest can help reduce mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms, adjusting your dose or trying another drug may help alleviate your symptoms. Mood shifts can be a symptom of a variety of medical and psychological disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is the tendency to make quick decisions and act without thinking about the consequences. A pattern of constant issues with impulse control could be an indication that you suffer from ADD or other disorders. For instance, a person who is impulsive might struggle to save money, spending more than they can afford to, or disclose personal information without considering the impact. They might also have difficulty when it comes to activities that require careful planning, such as driving or working in the law enforcement field.
A certain amount of impulsivity is normal in children and teens, but it's not uncommon for adults to struggle with this issue too. It's important to seek medical attention if having trouble with your work or relationships due to an impulsive behavior.
Many factors can contribute to the impulsive behavior. This includes genetics, brain structure, chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. An emotional stress history or trauma may contribute to the impulsive behavior, and so can having a family member who suffers from a mental illness. Certain medications can increase a person's impulsiveness like antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It is important to differentiate between impulsive behavior and compulsive behavior that is a repetitive and ritualistic. For example, checking whether the oven is on or off is a compulsive behavior and buying something on a whim is an impulsive behavior. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD symptom that is common particularly in girls who are experiencing PMS or puberty as well as during menopausal cycles as estrogen levels begin to drop. A lack of interest in conversations or having trouble finishing chores like washing laundry are also signs of ADD in women. In some cases women's impulsiveness and inattention could lead to them being misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression. This condition can be treated with the proper 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. If your feelings are intense and constant, and disrupt your daily routine and last longer than you think is appropriate it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms, like heartbeats that are pounding or the feeling that you're choking or having a heart attack.
Women with ADD can be particularly vulnerable to the emotional ups-and-downs associated with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and are extremely sensitive to minor irritations. For example, a small error or being put on hold for long periods of time could cause these women to become extremely angry. They might storm off and avoid the issue or even abandon the project completely.
Anxiety is a natural response to threat or danger that is designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. When anxiety becomes a problem it can cause people to become debilitated.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The kind of therapy you choose will depend on the cause, but both cognitive and behavioral methods can assist you in controlling your anxieties and emotions.
To ease anxiety, eat healthy and get enough sleep. Avoid stimulants and caffeine which can cause mood swings. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise done at a rapid pace, releases brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support group or make contact with friends. Being with others can reduce anxiety and ease loneliness. A therapist can show you ways to relax, such as guided imagery or gradual exposure to situations that make you uncomfortable.