Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD are usually depressed. This could lead to a misdiagnosis. Women with ADD are also more likely to be frustrated by waiting, for example, when standing in line or waiting to get customer service.
ADD symptoms can change in response to hormonal fluctuations in females throughout puberty, menstrual cycle, and perimenopause or menopause. They can also be covered by estrogen, and could be less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who have inattention ADD are often plagued by their difficulty in staying focused on their work and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattention ADD symptoms also include trouble with managing time and a failure to follow instructions. Women who suffer from ADD have a higher risk of developing depression than those without the disorder. However, the two disorders can coexist.
Teachers and parents may have a harder time trying to diagnose adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms tend to be subtler. They may have trouble finishing homework or schoolwork, and may miss important class lectures as well as being not able to concentrate in meetings at work. Adults who struggle may also struggle to find work or keep a current job.
Inattentive ADD affects more women and girls than boys. signs of attention deficit disorder in adults and women with it may be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression when they reach puberty, or if they experience mood swings associated with PMS or perimenopausal. This is because doctors look for the more obvious behavior characteristics of ADD in boys and don't detect them in girls or women, particularly during these phases.
Women with inattention ADD might be frustrated with their lack of focus. This can result in anger and frustration. These women can also be more likely to feel anger and may behave in ways that could damage their relationships. For instance, if someone interrupts her while she is trying to finish the task, she may storm off and leave the room. Her inability stay focused could even lead her to make careless errors that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of fluctuations and ups. If your mood swings are intense they could affect your daily activities. You may feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. Frequent and severe mood swings can be an indication of a mental health condition.
Mood swings are the time when you suddenly shift from feeling cheerful, upbeat or optimistic to feeling down or angry within a short time. These changes could be caused by a variety of factors that include diet, blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances, and stress. The mood changes could also be a consequence of certain medications and other substances.
Most people have occasional mood fluctuations however if you experience frequent and severe mood swings, it could be time to speak with your doctor. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, you can manage them using a variety of options, including treatment, medication, or lifestyle changes.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common mood swing that can be experienced by women between 1 and two weeks prior to their period. These symptoms include fatigue, changes in appetite depression, bloating, and other aches. Keep a detailed journal to keep track of your mood fluctuations. This will make you feel more confident in bringing concerns to your doctor. It can also provide some validation of how you are feeling.
Altering your diet and getting more sleep can reduce the frequency of mood swings. If you're taking medication that causes these symptoms changing your dosage or experimenting with a different medication could help ease your symptoms. The mood swings could be a symptom of a range 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 hasty decisions and act without thinking about the consequences. An ongoing pattern of impulse control problems can be a sign that you have ADD or other disorders. An individual who is impulsive might be unable to save money, spending more than they can afford, or divulge personal information to other people without considering the consequences. They might also have difficulty when it comes to activities that require planning like driving or working in law enforcement.
It's not uncommon for teenagers and children to be impulsive. However, it is not uncommon for adults, too. It is essential to seek medical attention if you are struggling with your work or relationships due to your the impulsiveness of your actions.
There are a variety of causes for an impulsive behaviour, including genetics, brain structure and chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. A background of emotional trauma or distress can also contribute to an impulsive behavior, just as the presence of a family member suffering from a mental disorder. Certain medications, such as stimulant drugs and antidepressants, can also cause an increase in impulsiveness.
It's also important to distinguish between impulsive and compulsive behaviors, which are repetitive and ritualistic. For instance, checking if the oven is on or off is a compulsive behavior, while purchasing something on the spur of the moment is an impulsive behavior. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD sign, especially during puberty, PMS, and during menopausal periods when estrogen levels decrease. Women may also exhibit symptoms of ADD by appearing distant in conversations or unable to complete chores like washing. In certain instances women's impulsiveness and inattention may result in being misdiagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder, which may be treated with the correct medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel anxious or worried from time to moment, for instance, when you're prepping for a public speaking opportunity or test. If your feelings are intense and frequent, and disrupt your daily routine, and last for longer than you think is appropriate it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms like a pounding pulse or the feeling of choking or having a heart attack.
Women suffering from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional turbulences associated with anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and are extremely sensitive to minor irritations. For instance, a minor error or being put on hold for long periods of time could make these women very angry. They could flee and avoid the issue or abandon the task altogether.
Anxiety is the natural response to threats or dangers and is designed to prepare your body and mind to fight. When anxiety becomes a problem it can leave people debilitated.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The kind of therapy you choose will depend on the cause, however both behavioral and cognitive approaches can aid you in reducing your worries and emotions.
Eat healthy and sleep enough to reduce anxiety. Avoid stimulants and caffeine that can cause mood fluctuations. Exercise, specifically vigorous aerobic exercise, helps release brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support group or connect with friends in person or via the phone. Being with others can reduce anxiety and ease loneliness. A therapist can show you techniques to calm down by using guided imagery or gradual exposure to situations that are uncomfortable.