Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD often experience depression. This could lead to a mistaken diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to be frustrated when waiting, whether waiting in line to get customer service or waiting on hold.
ADD symptoms can change in response to hormonal changes in females during puberty, menstrual cycle, as well as menopausal or perimenopausal changes. They can also be covered by estrogen, and could be less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattention ADD are often plagued by their inability to stay focused on tasks and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentional ADD can also cause issues with time management, as well as an inability of following through on instructions. Women with ADD are also more likely to develop depression than those without the disorder, but both conditions can coexist.
Parents and teachers may 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 to complete their schoolwork or homework and may be absent from important lectures in class. They also may not be attentive to meetings at work. These adults may also struggle to find work or keep their current job.
Inattentive ADD is more prevalent in women and girls as opposed to the hyperactive ADD which is more common in men and boys. These girls and women can be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety once they reach puberty, or if they experience mood swings that are associated with PMS or perimenopause. Doctors usually look for more overt behaviors that are indicative of ADD in males and not recognize these in girls or females, especially during this time.
Women with inattentive ADD might be annoyed by their inability to concentration. This can cause anger and frustration. They may also be more likely to dwell on their anger and behave in ways that can harm their relationships. For instance, if someone interrupts her while she is trying to complete the task, she may get angry and quit the room. The inability to focus could result in her making careless errors that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a natural part of life. If your mood swings are extreme, it can affect your daily activities. It could feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. Extremely frequent and intense mood fluctuations can indicate an underlying mental health problem that requires treatment.
Mood swings happen the time when you suddenly shift from feeling happy, upbeat or optimistic to feeling sad or angry in a short time. These changes can be caused by a variety of factors such as diet and blood sugar fluctuation, sleep disturbances and stress. Mood changes can also be a result of certain drugs and substances.
If you are experiencing frequent and intense mood changes you should consult your doctor. Based on the reason there are a variety of treatments that can help you manage your symptoms, such as psychotherapy, medication, or other lifestyle treatments.
Women often experience mood shifts 1 to 2 weeks before their period, as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue, fluctuations in appetite, depression, bloating and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood changes are more intense during this period you should keep a detailed journal to see if you can track them to their source. This will make you feel more confident bringing them up to your doctor. It will also provide some validation for the way you're feeling.
Making changes to your diet, obtaining more sleep, exercising and doing relaxation exercises can all aid in reducing mood swings. If you're taking a medications that cause these symptoms, adjusting your dosage or trying a different medication could reduce the symptoms. Mood shifts can be a sign of a range of psychological and medical disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as bipolar disorder and depression.
4. adhd symptoms in women is a tendency to act quickly without thinking about the consequences. While some impulsive behavior is normal, a pattern of problems with impulse control could be an indication of ADD or another condition. An individual who is impulsive could struggle 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.
A certain amount of impulsivity is common in children and teens, but it's not uncommon for adults to struggle with this condition too. If you're experiencing problems in your relationships or at work due to your impulsive behavior it's essential to seek medical attention.
There are many reasons for impulsive behavior, including genetics, brain structure and chemical imbalances, as well environmental factors. A background of emotional trauma or distress can be a contributing factor to the impulsive behavior, as could an individual in the family with a mental disorder. Certain medications can also contribute to the person's impulsiveness, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It is also crucial to distinguish between impulsive and compulsive behaviors that are repetitive and ritualistic. For instance, checking whether the oven is on or off is a habitual behavior and purchasing something on the spur of the moment is an impulsive act. The tendency to be impulsive is a female ADD characteristic that is prevalent especially in girls who are experiencing PMS or puberty and also during menopausal as estrogen levels begin to decline. Women can also show signs of ADD by appearing disengaged during conversations or having difficulty completing tasks such as laundry. In some cases women's impulsiveness and inattention can cause them to be incorrectly diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. This condition can be treated with the proper medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to be anxious and worried at times, like when you are preparing for an exam or speaking engagement. But if these feelings are frequently and severe, interfere with daily activities and last longer than is normal, you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms such as an intense pulse or the sensation of choking or a heart attack.
Women who suffer from ADD are more prone to the emotional ups and downs that are associated with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and irritable to minor annoyances. They can get very angry at a minor error or being held for a long time. They might flee or avoid a problem, or even quit the job.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to danger or threat that is designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. However, when it gets too much the body, people can become weak and unable to function normally.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The type of therapy depends on the cause, however both behavioral and cognitive approaches can help you learn to control your anxiety and feelings.
Get enough rest and eat healthy to decrease anxiety. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can cause mood swings. Exercise, particularly brisk aerobic exercise, releases brain chemicals that cut stress. Join a support group, or contact friends in person or via the phone. Being in the company of others can ease feelings of isolation and reduce anxiety. A therapist can show you methods to relax yourself by using guided imagery or gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations.