Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADD often experience depression. This can lead to misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women with ADD are also more likely to get annoyed when waiting, whether waiting in line to get customer service or waiting on hold.
ADD symptoms in females can change with the fluctuation of hormones during menstrual cycles, puberty and in perimenopause and menopause. They can also be covered by estrogen and be less obvious in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattentive ADD are often troubled by their difficulty in staying focused on tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD can also cause problems with time management, and a lack of ability to follow through on instructions. Women with ADD have a higher chance of developing depression than women who are not affected by the disorder. However, the two disorders can coexist.
Parents and teachers might find it more difficult to diagnose adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are more subtle. They may have difficulty finishing homework or schoolwork and might not attend important classes as well as being unable to pay attention in meetings at work. female add symptoms may also struggle to find work or keep their current job.
Inattentive ADD is more prevalent in women and girls than boys. Often, these women and girls are not diagnosed with depression or anxiety as they enter puberty or experience the mood swings that accompany PMS and perimenopause. Doctors tend to look for more explicit behavior-related signs of ADD in males and not be able to recognize them in females or girls, especially during this time.
Women with inattentive ADD are more likely to be frustrated by their inability to focus, which can lead to anger or frustration. These women are also more likely to feel anger, and express it in ways which could harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her while she is working for instance she could scream out of the room. Her inability stay focused could result in her making mistakes she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a normal part of life. If your mood swings are extreme and affecting your daily routine. It could feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. Extremely frequent and intense mood fluctuations could be an indication of an underlying mental health problem that requires treatment.
Mood swings can occur when you suddenly switch from feeling upbeat or happy to angry or sad in an extremely short time. These changes could be caused by a myriad of factors such as diet and blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances, and stress. Certain drugs and substances can also trigger mood changes.
If you experience frequent and extreme mood swings then it's time to talk to your physician. Based on the root of your symptoms, you may be able to manage them with a variety treatments, including therapies, medication or lifestyle modifications.
Women are often experiencing mood changes between 1 and 2 weeks prior to their period as a result of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue, changes in appetite depression, bloating, and other aches. Keep a detailed diary to keep track of the changes in your mood. This will help you feel more confident in bringing concerns to your doctor, and it will also give you a sense of validation of how you're feeling.
Changing your diet, obtaining more sleep, exercising and practicing relaxation techniques can all aid in reducing mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms adjusting your dose or trying a different drug may ease the symptoms. The mood swings could be a symptom of a variety of medical and psychological disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
It is the tendency to act rapidly and without considering the consequences. An ongoing pattern of issues with impulse control could be a sign that you have ADD or other conditions. Someone who is impulsive may struggle to save money, spending more than they can afford, or reveal personal information to others without considering the consequences. They might also have difficulty with activities requiring careful planning, like driving or working in the law enforcement field.
A certain amount of impulsivity is natural in teenagers and children However, it's not uncommon for adults to struggle with this symptom too. If you're having issues with your work or relationships because of your impulsive behavior, it's important that you seek medical help.
There are a variety of causes for impulsive behavior, including genetics, brain structure and chemical imbalances, as well as environmental conditions. A history of emotional trauma or distress can trigger impulsive behaviors, as can the presence of a family member suffering from mental disorders. Certain medications can increase a person's impulsiveness like antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It is also crucial to distinguish between impulsive and compulsive behaviors that are repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, such as checking the oven repeatedly, are compulsive, while impulsive behaviors, such as buying something on impulse are impulse-driven. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD symptom, particularly in girls during puberty, PMS, and during menopausal periods when estrogen levels decrease. Women may also exhibit symptoms of ADD by appearing distant in conversations or having difficulty completing tasks such as laundry. In some cases, a woman's impulsiveness and inattention may result in being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression, which may be treated with the appropriate medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to feel anxious and nervous at times, for example when you're preparing for an exam or public speaking event. If these feelings become frequent and intense, cause problems with daily activities and last longer than what's reasonable, you may have an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms, like a pounding heartbeat or the feeling that you're choking or having an attack on your heart.
Women suffering from ADD are more prone to the emotional turmoil and downs associated with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and are extremely sensitive to minor irritations. They can be extremely upset over a tiny error or being held for a long time. They could flee, avoid the problem or even abandon the project altogether.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to danger or threat that is designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. But when it takes over individuals can be afflicted and unable to function normally.
There are a variety of treatment options for anxiety disorders, which include medication and therapy. The kind of therapy you choose will depend on the cause, but both behavioral and cognitive approaches can help you learn to control your anxieties and emotions.
Eat healthy and sleep enough to decrease anxiety. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can exacerbate mood swings. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise at a brisk pace, triggers brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join a support group or make contact with friends. Being with others can reduce anxiety and help to alleviate loneliness. A therapist can show you techniques to calm yourself through guided imagery or gradual exposure to stressful situations.