Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD often experience depression. This can lead to a misdiagnosis for bipolar disorder. Women with ADD are also more likely to be frustrated while waiting, whether waiting in line to get customer service or on hold.
ADD symptoms can change with hormonal fluctuations in females during puberty, the menstrual cycle, and perimenopause or menopause. They can be masked or exacerbated by estrogen, and are less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who have inattention ADD are often troubled by their difficulty in staying focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentional ADD can also cause problems with time management, as well as an inability of following the instructions. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to suffer from depression than those without the disorder, even though the two can coexist.
As opposed to children with hyperactive ADD, adults with the non-hyperactive subtype of ADD tend to be more difficult for teachers and parents to identify, as their symptoms are more subtle. They may not be able to complete their schoolwork or homework, and they might not attend important classes in class. They might also not pay attention to meetings at work. These adults may also struggle to find work or keep a current job.
Inattentional ADD is more prevalent in women and girls as opposed to the hyperactive ADD seen more often in boys and men. Often, these women and girls are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression as they go through puberty or experience mood swings that are associated with PMS and perimenopause. Doctors tend to look for more overt behaviors that are indicative of ADD in males, but do not be able to recognize them in females or girls particularly during this time.
Women with inattentive ADD are more likely to be frustrated with their lack of focus, which can cause anger or even frustration. These women can also be more likely to dwell on their anger and can behave in ways that can harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her as she is completing a task for instance she could scream out of the room. Her inability to stay focused on a task could result in her making careless mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of ups and downs. If your mood fluctuations are extreme, they can interfere with your daily activities and make you feel like you're on an emotional roller coaster. Frequent and severe mood swings can be a sign of a mental health issue.
Mood swings can occur when you suddenly shift from feeling cheerful or happy to feeling angry or sad within just a few minutes. These mood swings can be caused by many different things, including blood sugar peaks and valleys, sleep disturbances, stress, and weather conditions. Certain medications and substances can cause mood changes.
Most people have occasional mood fluctuations However, if you experience frequent and severe mood swings, it might be time to consult your doctor. Depending on the reason for your symptoms, you may be able to treat them with a variety of treatments, including medication, therapy or lifestyle modifications.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common mood swing that can be experienced by women who are between 1 and 2 weeks prior to their period. These symptoms include fatigue and changes in appetite. They can also cause constipation, depression and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood swings are more severe during this time keep a detailed record to see if you can trace them back to the source. This will make you feel more confident in bringing questions to your doctor. Home Page can also provide some validation of how you feel.
Changing your diet, getting more rest and exercising as well as using relaxation techniques can all aid in reducing mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms, adjusting your dose or experimenting with a different medication could help ease your symptoms. The mood swings could be a sign of a variety of medical and psychological disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is the tendency to make hasty decisions and act without thinking about the consequences. A pattern of constant problems with impulse control may be a sign that you have ADD or other issues. An individual who is impulsive may be unable to save money, or spending more than they could afford, or disclose personal information to others without thinking about the consequences. They may also struggle in activities that require planning, like driving or working in the law enforcement field.
A certain amount of impulsivity is common in teens and children However, it's not uncommon for adults to experience this issue too. It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing difficulties with your job or relationships due to an impulsive behavior.
Many factors can trigger impulsive behavior. This includes genetics, brain structure chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. A background of emotional or physical trauma can be a contributing factor to impulsive behaviors, as can an individual in the family with mental disorders. Certain medications, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs can also boost the impulsiveness of a person.
It is important to differentiate between the difference between compulsive and impulsive behavior that is routine and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, such as checking the oven frequently are compulsive. On the other hand, impulsive behaviors, such as buying something on impulse, are an impulsive. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD symptom, particularly during the period of puberty, PMS and menopause when estrogen levels drop. Women may also exhibit symptoms of ADD by appearing distant in conversations or having difficulty completing chores like washing. In some cases women's impulsiveness and inattention could lead to being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression, which may be treated with the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to feel anxious and worried at times, such as when you're preparing for an exam or public speaking engagement. If these feelings become frequently and severe, interfere with your daily routine and last longer than is reasonable, you may have an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms, such as an accelerating heartbeat or the sensation that you're in a choke or suffering from an attack on your heart.
Women with ADD are especially susceptible to the emotional turmoil and downs that come with anxiety. They can easily become frustrated and are overly sensitive to minor irritations. For example, a small error or being put on hold for long periods of time could make these women extremely angry. They might flee, avoid a problem or even quit the job.
Anxiety is the natural response to threat or danger, and it's designed to prepare your body and mind to fight. But when it takes over the body, people can become weak and in a state of disfunction.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include medication and therapy. The kind of therapy you receive is contingent on the root cause. However, both cognitive and behavioral methods can help you manage your emotions and worries.
To ease anxiety, eat well and sleep enough. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which can cause mood swings. Exercise, particularly brisk aerobic exercise, releases brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join a support group or call or visit friends. Being with others can decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can guide you through techniques to calm yourself by using guided visualization or gradual exposure to situations that make you uncomfortable.