Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD are usually depressed. This can lead to misdiagnosis. Women with ADD are also more likely to become annoyed when waiting, whether it is waiting in line for customer service or while standing on hold.
ADD symptoms in females may vary with hormone fluctuations during puberty, menstrual cycles and during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. They can be concealed or worsened by estrogen and are less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattention ADD are often plagued by their difficulty in staying focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD can also cause issues with time management, as well as a lack of ability to follow the instructions. Women with ADD are more at risk of developing depression than women who do not suffer from the disorder. However the two disorders may coexist.
As opposed to children with hyperactive ADD adults with the non-hyperactive subtype of ADD tend to be more difficult for parents and teachers to identify, as their symptoms are more subtle. They may struggle to finish homework or schoolwork, and may miss important class lectures, as well as being unable to pay attention in meetings at work. Adults may also be struggling to find a job or maintain their current position.
Attention-deficit ADD affects more females and girls than males. Women and girls 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. This is because doctors look for the more obvious behavioral characteristics of ADD in boys but fail to detect them in girls or women, particularly during these times.
Women with inattention ADD might be frustrated with their lack of concentration. This can result in anger and frustration. These women may also be more likely to feel anger, and express it in ways that could hurt their relationships. For example, if someone interferes with her while she is trying to complete the task, she may quit and leave the room. Her inability stay focused could even lead her to make mistakes that she regrets later.
3. add symptoms and downs are an inevitable part of life. If your mood swings are severe they could affect your daily activities. You might feel as if you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. The frequent and extreme mood swings can indicate an underlying mental health condition that requires treatment.
Mood swings happen when you suddenly switch from feeling happy or upbeat to angry or sad in an extremely short time. These changes can be caused by a myriad of factors, including diet and blood sugar fluctuation, sleep disturbances and stress. The mood changes could also be a consequence of certain medications and substances.
If you are experiencing frequent and severe mood changes then it's time to talk to your doctor. Based on the root of your symptoms, you may be able to manage them with a variety treatments, including medication, therapy or lifestyle changes.
Women often experience mood shifts between 1 and 2 weeks prior to their periods as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms can include fatigue, changes in appetite as well as depression, bloating, and other aches. If you notice that your mood fluctuations are more severe during this time, keep a detailed log to see if you can track them to their source. This will help you feel more confident taking them to your doctor and can give you some confirmation of the way you're feeling.
Changing your diet and getting more rest can help decrease mood swings. If you're taking medication that triggers these symptoms, altering your dosage or experimenting with a different medication might help alleviate your symptoms. The mood swings could be a sign of a variety of psychological and medical disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to make quick decisions without taking into account the consequences. A pattern of constant problems with impulse control may be an indication that you suffer from ADD or other disorders. For instance, someone who is impulsive could have difficulty saving money, or spend more than they are able to, or divulge personal information without thinking about the implications. They may also struggle with activities that require careful planning, like driving or working in law enforcement.
An impulsive streak is common in teenagers and children however it's not unusual for adults to experience this condition too. If you're having problems in your relationships or at work due to your impulsive behavior it's essential to seek medical attention.
There are many causes of impulsive behavior, including the brain structure, genetics, chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. A history of trauma or emotional distress can also contribute to an impulsive behavior, just as an individual in the family with mental illness. Certain medications can increase the impulsiveness of a person, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It is crucial to differentiate between impulsive behavior and compulsive behavior, which is routine and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, such as checking the oven over and over again are compulsive. On the other hand, impulse-driven behaviors, like buying something on impulse, are impulse-driven. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD sign that is quite common, especially for girls going through puberty or PMS as well as during menopausal cycles when estrogen levels begin to drop. Women can also show symptoms of ADD by appearing distant during conversations or unable to complete tasks like washing. In some cases, women's impulsiveness or inattention could lead to them being incorrectly diagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression. This disorder can be treated with the appropriate medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to be anxious or worried from time occasion, like when you're preparing for a public speaking event or test. If these feelings become frequently and severe, interfere with your daily routine and last longer than what's reasonable, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. There are also physical symptoms, such as a pounding heartbeat or the feeling that you're choked or having an attack on your heart.
Women with ADD can be particularly vulnerable to the emotional fluctuations that accompany anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and are extremely sensitive to minor irritations. These women can become very angry at a minor mistake or being in a queue for a long period of time. They could flee, avoid a problem or even abandon the task.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to threat or danger and is a reaction designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. When anxiety is a major factor it can leave people feel weak.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include medication and therapy. The kind of therapy you receive is contingent on the underlying cause. However both behavioral and cognitive strategies can help you control your anxiety and worry.
Get enough rest and eat healthy to reduce anxiety. Avoid stimulants and caffeine which can trigger mood fluctuations. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise at a fast pace, releases brain chemicals which reduce stress. Join a support group or connect with friends in person or over the phone. Being with others can reduce isolation and reduce anxiety. A therapist can teach you methods to relax yourself through guided imagery or gradual exposure to stressful situations.