Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD are often depressed. This can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to become frustrated when waiting, whether waiting in line to get customer service or on hold.
ADD symptoms can change with hormonal fluctuations in females throughout puberty, menstrual cycle and menopausal or perimenopausal changes. They can also be masked by estrogen, and could be less obvious in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattentive ADD are often plagued by their difficulty in staying focused on tasks and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattention ADD symptoms can also cause problems with time management and an inability to follow instructions. Women with ADD have a higher chance of developing depression than women without the disorder. However the two disorders may coexist.
Parents and teachers might be unable to identify adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are more subtle. They might not be able complete their homework or schoolwork and could not attend important classes in classes. They might also not pay attention when they attend meetings at work. Adults who struggle may also struggle to find a job or maintain their current position.
Inattentional ADD is more prevalent for women and girls, as compared to the hyperactive ADD seen more often in males and boys. These girls and women can be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression when they reach puberty, or if they experience mood swings associated with PMS or perimenopause. This is because doctors look for the more obvious behavioral characteristics of ADD in boys, but don't detect them in girls or women, particularly during these times.
Women with inattention ADD may become frustrated by their lack of focus. This can lead to anger and frustration. They may also be more likely to feel anger, and express it in ways that could hurt their relationships. If someone interrupts her when she is working on a project, for example she could scream out of the room. Her inability stay focused could even lead her to make mistakes she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are an inevitable part of life. If your mood fluctuations are extreme, they may affect your daily routine and make you feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. Extremely frequent and intense mood fluctuations can be a sign of an underlying mental health problem that requires treatment.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly change from feeling happy or upbeat to angry or sad in just a few minutes. These changes can be triggered by a variety of factors, including diet and blood sugar fluctuation, sleep disturbances and stress. Certain medications and substances may cause mood changes.
If you are experiencing frequent and extreme mood swings, it's time to consult your doctor. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, you can manage them with a variety treatments, such as medication, therapy or lifestyle adjustments.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common mood swing that occurs in women 1 to 2 weeks prior to their period. These symptoms include fatigue, fluctuations in appetite depression, bloating, and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood changes are more intense during this time keep a detailed record to see if it is possible to identify the cause. This will help you feel more confident in making an appointment with your doctor. It will also help you understand how you're feeling.
Changing your diet and getting more rest can help reduce mood swings. If you're taking medication that causes these symptoms altering your dosage or trying a different one might help alleviate your symptoms. Mood swings are the result of a variety of mental and medical disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to act rapidly and without thinking about the consequences. A persistent pattern of issues with impulse control could be an indication that you suffer from ADD or other disorders. For instance, someone who is impulsive may struggle to save money, spend more than they can afford to or reveal personal information without considering the consequences. They may also struggle with activities requiring careful planning, like driving or working in the field of law enforcement.
An impulsive streak is natural in teenagers and children, but it's not uncommon for adults to suffer from this condition too. It is essential to seek medical attention if struggling with your work or relationships due to the impulsiveness of your actions.
Numerous factors can cause an impulsive behaviour. This includes the brain's structure, genetics as well as chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. A history of trauma or emotional distress can trigger impulsive behaviors, as can the presence of a family member suffering from a mental disorder. Certain medications can also contribute to the impulsiveness of a person, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It is important to differentiate between the difference between compulsive and impulsive behavior that is repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behavior, like checking the oven over and over again are compulsive. On the other hand, impulse-driven behaviors, like buying something on impulse are an impulsive. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD characteristic that is prevalent, especially for girls experiencing PMS or puberty, and during menopause, when estrogen levels start to decrease. Being withdrawn during conversations or unable to finish tasks like laundry are also indications of ADD in women. In certain cases women's impulsiveness and inattention can lead them to be mistakenly diagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression. what are symptoms of adhd in adults can be treated with the appropriate medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to be anxious and worried at times, such as when you are preparing for an exam or public speaking engagement. If the feelings are severe and constant, and disrupt your daily routine, and last for longer than you'd expect, you could have an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms, such as a pounding heartbeat or the sensation that you're choking or having an attack on your heart.
Women with ADD are more susceptible to the emotional fluctuations associated with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and are extremely sensitive to minor irritations. They can get very angry at a minor mistake or being in a queue for a long time. They might flee, avoid a problem or even abandon the task.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to danger or threat and is designed to prepare your body and mind to defend yourself. When anxiety is a major factor, it can make people debilitated.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The kind of therapy you receive depends on the cause. However both behavioral and cognitive methods can help you manage your emotions and worries.
To ease anxiety, eat healthy and sleep enough. Avoid stimulants and caffeine which can cause mood swings. Exercise, especially vigorous aerobic exercise, releases brain chemicals that cut stress. Join a support group or make a call or visit friends. Being around others can alleviate loneliness and decrease anxiety. A therapist can guide you through techniques to calm yourself by using guided visualization or gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations.