Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD are frequently depressed. This could lead to a mistaken diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to be annoyed by waiting, such as while waiting in line or waiting to get customer service.
ADD symptoms in females can fluctuate with hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, puberty, and during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. They can be masked or exacerbated by estrogen and are less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattention ADD frequently have trouble staying focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentional ADD can also cause problems with time management, and a lack of ability to follow the directions given to them. Women with ADD are also more likely to develop depression than those who do not suffer from the disorder, even though the two can coexist.
Unlike children with hyperactive ADD, adults with the non-hyperactive form of ADD tend to be more difficult for parents and teachers to identify, as their symptoms are less obvious. They might not be able to finish their homework or schoolwork and could not attend important classes in class. adhd adult symptoms may also not pay attention to meetings at work. Adults who struggle may also struggle to find a job or keep their current job.
Inattentive ADD is more prevalent in girls and women, as compared to the hyperactive ADD seen more often in boys and men. The girls and women with it may be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety once they reach puberty, or when they experience mood swings associated with PMS or perimenopause. This is because doctors look for the more overt behavioral characteristics of ADD in boys but fail to identify them in girls and women, especially during these times.
Women who have inattention ADD are more likely to become frustrated by their inability to focus, which can lead to anger or frustration. These women can also be more prone to internalizing their anger and may behave in ways that may harm their relationships. For example, if someone interferes with her while she is trying to finish an assignment, she could get angry and quit the room. Inability to remain focused on a task might even cause her to make careless mistakes later regretted.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of ups and downs. If your mood swings are extreme they could affect your daily routine. You may feel like you're riding 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 go from feeling upbeat, happy or optimistic to feeling down or angry in an hour. These changes can be triggered by a variety of causes, including diet and blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances and stress. Certain medications and substances may cause mood changes.
If you experience frequent and severe mood changes, it's time to consult your physician. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, you may be able to manage them using a variety of treatments, including treatment, medication, or lifestyle modifications.
Women are often experiencing mood changes 1 to 2 weeks before their period, as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms can include fatigue and changes in appetite. They can also trigger anxiety, bloating, depression, and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood swings are more intense during this time, keep a detailed log to see if you can identify the cause. This will help you feel more confident taking them to your doctor. It will also help you understand the way you're feeling.
Making changes to your diet and getting more sleep can reduce the frequency of mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms, adjusting your dose or trying another medication could alleviate your symptoms. The mood swings could be a sign of a range of psychological and medical disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to make hasty decisions without taking into account the consequences. While some impulsive behavior is normal, a persistent pattern of issues with impulse control could be a sign of ADD or a different condition. Someone who is impulsive could struggle to save money, spending more than they could afford, or disclose personal information to others without thinking about the consequences. They might also have difficulty when it comes to activities that require careful planning, such as driving or working in law enforcement.
It's normal for teens and children to be impulsive, but it is not uncommon for adults, too. It is essential to seek medical attention if you're having trouble with your work or relationships because of an impulsive behavior.
Numerous factors can cause the impulsive behavior. These include the brain's structure, genetics as well as chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. A history of emotional or physical trauma can also contribute to an impulsive behavior, just as the presence of a family member suffering from a mental disorder. Certain medications, like antidepressants and stimulant drugs, can also cause an increase in impulsiveness.
It is important to differentiate between from compulsive and impulsive behaviors that is repetitive and ritualistic. For example, checking whether the oven is turned off frequently is a compulsive habit, whereas purchasing something on the spur of the moment is an impulsive action. The tendency to be impulsive is a female ADD symptom that is common particularly in girls who are experiencing puberty or PMS as well as during menopausal cycles as estrogen levels begin to drop. Appearing aloof during conversations or having trouble finishing tasks like laundry are also signs of ADD in women. In some instances, a woman's impulsiveness and inattention could lead to being misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression, which may be treated with the correct medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to feel anxious and worried at times, for example when you are preparing for an exam or public speaking engagement. If these feelings are extreme and persistent, and they disrupt your daily routine, and last for longer than you'd expect, you could have an anxiety disorder. You may also feel physical symptoms, such as a pounding pulse or the feeling of choking, or even a heart attack.
Women who suffer from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional turmoil and downs that come with anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and are overly sensitive 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 could flee, avoid a problem or even stop the work.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to danger or threat and is designed to prepare your body and your mind to fight. When anxiety becomes a problem, it can make people weak and weakened.
There are a myriad of treatments for anxiety disorders, which include medication and therapy. The kind of therapy you will receive is dependent on the root cause. However, both cognitive and behavioral strategies can help you control your worries and emotions.
To lessen anxiety, eat healthy and get enough rest. Avoid stimulants and caffeine which can trigger mood swings. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise at a fast pace, triggers brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support group or call or visit friends. Being with others can decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can show you techniques to calm yourself through guided visualization or gradual exposure to stressful situations.