Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD often experience depression. This can lead to misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to be frustrated when waiting, whether it is in line for customer service or waiting on hold.
ADD symptoms can change in response to hormonal fluctuations in females throughout puberty, menstrual cycle, and menopausal perimenopausal cycles. They can be masked or exacerbated by estrogen, and are less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who have inattention ADD are often troubled by their inability to stay focused on tasks and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattention ADD symptoms can also cause problems with time management and the inability to follow through on instructions. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to be depressed than those who do not suffer from the disorder, even though both conditions can coexist.
Parents and teachers might find it more difficult to identify adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are more subtle. add symptoms in adult women might not be able complete their homework or schoolwork and could miss important lectures in class. They may also not be attentive when they attend meetings at work. Adults who struggle may also struggle to find work or keep their current job.
Attention-deficit ADD affects more women and girls than boys. In many cases, girls and women are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression as they enter puberty or experience the mood swings that accompany PMS and perimenopausal. This is because doctors look for the more obvious behavior traits of ADD in boys, but don't identify them in girls and women, particularly during these periods.
Women with inattention ADD may become annoyed by their inability to concentration. This can lead to anger and frustration. They are also more likely to feel anger and can behave in ways that could damage their relationships. For instance, if a person interrupts her while trying to complete an assignment, she could quit and quit the room. Her inability stay focused could result in her making careless errors that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of fluctuations and ups. If your mood swings are severe they could affect your daily activities. You may feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. The frequent and severe mood swings could be a sign of a mental health problem.
Mood swings can occur when you suddenly switch from feeling cheerful or happy to angry or sad in just a few minutes. These changes could be caused by a myriad of factors that include diet, blood sugar fluctuation, sleep disturbances and stress. Certain medications and substances may cause mood changes.
The majority of people experience occasional mood changes however if you experience frequent and extreme mood swings, it could be time to talk to your doctor. Depending on the reason for your symptoms, you may be able to manage them using a variety of treatments, including medication, therapy or lifestyle adjustments.
Women often experience mood shifts between 1 and 2 weeks prior to their periods as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms can include fatigue, changes in appetite depression, bloating, and other aches. If you notice that your mood changes are more intense during this period, keep a detailed log to determine if you are able to identify the cause. This will help you feel more confident about taking them to your doctor. It will also help you understand how you're feeling.
Altering your diet and getting more sleep can help decrease mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms altering your dosage or trying a different drug might help alleviate the symptoms. Changes in mood can be a sign of a variety of psychological and medical disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
The term "impulsivity" refers to the tendency to make quick decisions without taking into account the consequences. A pattern of constant issues with impulse control could be an indication of ADD or other issues. For instance, someone who is impulsive might have difficulty saving money, or spend more than they can afford to or reveal personal information without considering the consequences. They might also have difficulty when it comes to activities that require careful planning, like driving or working in law enforcement.
An impulsive streak is normal in teens and children, but it's not uncommon for adults to suffer from this condition too. It's important to seek medical attention if you're having trouble with your work or relationships due to your impulsive actions.
Many factors can contribute to the impulsive behavior. This includes the brain's structure, genetics chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. A history of emotional or physical trauma can trigger an impulsive behavior, just as an individual in the family with mental illness. Certain medications can increase a person's impulsiveness like antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It's also important to distinguish between impulsive and compulsive behaviors that are routine and ritualistic. For instance, checking if the oven is off repeatedly is a compulsive behavior, whereas buying something at the whim of a is an impulsive behavior. Impulsiveness is a female ADD characteristic that is prevalent particularly in girls who are experiencing puberty or PMS and also during menopausal when estrogen levels begin to drop. Women can also show symptoms of ADD by appearing distant in 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 be anxious and nervous at times, such as when you're preparing to take an exam or speaking engagement. If these feelings are extreme and persistent, and they interfere with your daily activities and last longer than you'd expect it's possible you have an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms such as a pounding heart or the feeling of choking or having a heart attack.
Women suffering from ADD are more prone to the emotional swings and downs that are associated with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and irritable to minor irritations. For instance, a tiny mistake or being placed on hold for long periods of time can make these women extremely angry. They may flee or avoid the issue, or abandon the task completely.
Anxiety is the natural response to danger or threat, and it's designed to prepare your body and your mind to fight. When anxiety takes over it can cause people to become weak and weakened.
There are a myriad of treatments for anxiety disorders, which include therapy and medication. The kind of therapy you choose will depend on the root cause, however both cognitive and behavioral methods can help you learn to control your anxiety and feelings.
Sleep well and eat a balanced diet to decrease anxiety. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can exacerbate mood swings. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise done at a rapid pace, releases brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join a support group or make contact with friends. Being with other people can reduce anxiety and ease loneliness. A therapist can teach you ways to relax by using guided imagery or gradual exposure to stressful situations.