Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD are often depressed. This could lead to a incorrect diagnosis. Women with ADD are also more likely to be unhappy when waiting for long periods of time, such as when waiting in line or waiting to get customer service.
ADD symptoms can change in response to hormonal fluctuations in females throughout puberty, menstrual cycle and perimenopause or menopause. They may also be concealed by estrogen and may be less obvious in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who have inattentive ADD are often plagued by their difficulty in staying focused on tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattention ADD symptoms can also be characterized by difficulties with managing time and a failure to follow instructions. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to be depressed than those who don't have the disorder, but both conditions can coexist.
Teachers and parents may be unable to recognize adults suffering from non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms tend to be more subtle. They might not be able to finish their homework or schoolwork, and they might be absent from important lectures in class. They might also not be attentive to meetings at work. Adults with disabilities may also have a difficult time finding an employment or maintaining their current one.
Inattentive ADD is more common for women and girls, in contrast to the hyperactive ADD which is more common 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. Doctors are more likely to look for more overt behavioral characteristics of ADD in males, but do not recognize them in females or girls particularly during this time.
Women who have inattention ADD are more likely to become frustrated by their inability to concentration, which could lead to anger or frustration. They may also be more likely to internalize their anger, and express it in ways that can harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her when she is working for instance she could scream out of the room. Inability to stay focused may result in her making mistakes she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a natural part of life. If your mood swings are extreme and affecting your daily activities. You might feel as if you're on an emotional rollercoaster. Frequent and severe mood swings may be an indication of a mental health condition.
Mood swings happen when you suddenly switch from feeling upbeat or happy to angry or sad in just a few minutes. These changes could be caused by a myriad of factors such as diet and blood sugar fluctuation, sleep disturbances and stress. Changes in mood can also be a side effect of certain medications and other substances.
Most people have occasional mood fluctuations However, if you experience frequent and extreme mood swings, it may be time to speak with your doctor. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, you can manage them with a variety options, including medication, therapy or lifestyle modifications.
Women often experience mood shifts up to two weeks prior to their period as a result of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue and changes in appetite. They can also trigger constipation, depression, and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood changes are more intense during this period, keep a detailed log to determine if you are able to trace them back to the source. This will make you feel more comfortable bringing questions to your doctor, and it will also give you a sense of validation of how you feel.
Making changes to your diet, getting more rest, exercising and using relaxation techniques can all help to reduce mood swings. If you're taking medication that triggers these symptoms, altering your dosage or trying a different drug may ease the symptoms. The fluctuation in mood can be an indication of a variety of medical and psychological disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to act quickly and without considering the consequences. While some impulsive behaviors are normal, a pattern of issues with impulse control may be a sign of ADD or a different condition. For example, a person who is impulsive could have trouble saving money, or spend more than they can afford to, or divulge personal information without thinking about the implications. They may also have issues with activities requiring careful planning, like driving or working in the law enforcement field.
It's normal for teens and children to be impulsive, however it's not uncommon for adults, too. It is essential to seek medical attention if you are struggling with your work or relationships due to your an impulsive behavior.
Numerous factors can cause impulsive behavior. This includes genetics, brain structure chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. A history of emotional distress or trauma may contribute to an impulsive behaviour, as could having a parent who suffers from a mental health issue. female symptoms of adhd can also contribute to the impulsiveness of a person including antidepressants as well as stimulant drugs.
It is crucial to differentiate between the difference between compulsive and impulsive behavior, which is a 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 action. The tendency to be impulsive is a female ADD sign that is quite common especially for girls going through puberty or PMS, and during menopause, when estrogen levels start to decrease. A lack of interest in conversations or struggling to finish tasks like laundry are also signs of ADD in women. In certain instances, a woman's impulsiveness and inattention can lead to being misdiagnosed as having depression or bipolar disorder, which can be treated with the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel anxious and nervous at times, for example when you're preparing for an exam or public speaking event. If these feelings are extreme and constant, and disrupt your daily routine, and last for longer than you think is appropriate it's possible you have an anxiety disorder. There are also physical symptoms, such as an accelerating heartbeat or the sensation that you're choked or having an attack of the heart.
Women suffering from ADD are more susceptible to the emotional turbulences that accompany anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and are extremely sensitive to minor irritations. They can be extremely upset over a tiny mistake or being on hold for a long time. They might flee, avoid a problem or even quit the job.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to threat or danger that is designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. When anxiety takes over it can leave people weak and weakened.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The kind of therapy you will receive is dependent on the cause. However both behavioral and cognitive methods can help you manage your anxiety and worry.
To ease anxiety, eat healthy and get enough rest. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can exacerbate mood swings. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise done at a rapid pace, releases brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support group or make contact with friends. Being around female symptoms of adhd can help ease feelings of isolation and reduce anxiety. A therapist can show you ways to relax through guided visualization or gradual exposure to situations that make you uncomfortable.