Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD are often depressed. This can lead to a misdiagnosis for bipolar disorder. Women with ADD also are more likely to be annoyed by waiting, such as while waiting in line or waiting to get customer service.
ADD symptoms in females may change with the fluctuation of hormones during menstrual cycles, puberty, as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transitions and men. They can also be covered by estrogen, and could be less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattention ADD typically have difficulty staying focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD can also cause issues with time management, and the inability to follow through on instructions. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to suffer from depression than those without the disorder, but the two can coexist.
Unlike children with hyperactive ADD, adults with the non-hyperactive type of ADD tend to be more difficult for teachers and parents to diagnose, because their symptoms are less obvious. They may have difficulty finishing homework or schoolwork and could not attend important classes as well as being unable to pay attention in meetings at work. These adults may also struggle to find a job or maintain their current position.
Inattention ADD affects more girls and women than boys. The girls and women with it can be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety when they reach puberty, or if they experience mood swings that are associated with PMS or perimenopause. Doctors are more likely to look for more overt behaviors that are indicative of ADD in males and not be able to recognize these in girls or females particularly during this time.
Women with inattentive ADD might be frustrated with their lack of focus. This can lead to anger and frustration. They are also more prone to internalizing their anger and can behave in ways that may harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her while she is completing a task for instance, she may storm out of the room. The inability to focus could result in her making mistakes she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are an inevitable part of life. If your mood fluctuations are severe, they could affect your daily routine and make you feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. The frequent and severe mood swings may be an indication of a mental health issue.
Mood swings can occur when you suddenly switch from feeling upbeat or happy to sad or angry in just a few minutes. These changes can be triggered by many different things like diet, blood sugar peaks and valleys sleep disturbances, stress, and weather conditions. Changes in mood can also be a consequence of certain drugs and substances.
Many people experience occasional mood fluctuations however if you experience frequent and extreme mood swings, it could be time to talk to your doctor. Depending on the cause, a variety of treatments can help you manage your symptoms, including psychotherapy, medication or other treatments for lifestyle.
Women often experience mood shifts between 1 and 2 weeks prior to their period as a result of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms can include fatigue and changes in appetite. They can also trigger constipation, depression, and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood swings are more intense during this period you should keep a detailed journal to see if you can identify the cause. This will make you feel more comfortable opening up your concerns with your doctor, and it could also provide some confirmation of how you're feeling.
Altering your diet and getting more rest can help reduce mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms altering your dosage or experimenting with a different medication might help alleviate the symptoms. The mood swings could be a symptom of a range of psychological and medical disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is the tendency to make rash decisions and act without considering the consequences. While some impulsive behavior is normal, a pattern of issues with impulse control could be a sign of ADD or another condition. For instance, someone who is impulsive could have difficulty saving money, or spend more than they are able to, or disclose personal information without thinking about the impact. They may also struggle with activities requiring careful planning, such as driving or working in the law enforcement field.
It's not uncommon for teenagers and children to be impulsive, however it's not unusual for adults as well. If you're experiencing problems in your relationships or at work due to your impulsive behavior it's crucial to seek medical assistance.
There are many reasons for impulsive behavior, including the brain structure, genetics, chemical imbalances, as well environmental conditions. A background of emotional or physical trauma can trigger an impulsive behavior, just as the presence of a family member suffering from mental illness. Certain medications can also increase the impulsiveness of a person including antidepressants as well as stimulant drugs.
It is important to differentiate between from compulsive and impulsive behaviors that is repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, such as checking the oven repeatedly are compulsive, whereas the more impulsive actions, like buying something on impulse, are an impulsive. The tendency to be impulsive is a common female ADD symptoms, particularly during the period of puberty, PMS and menopausal changes when estrogen levels decrease. Women may also exhibit symptoms of ADD by appearing distant in conversations or having trouble completing tasks like washing. In some instances women's inattention or impulsiveness could lead to them being mistakenly diagnosed as having depression or bipolar disorder. This condition can be treated with the proper medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to be anxious or worried from time to occasion, like when you're getting ready for a public speaking engagement or test. However, if these feelings are frequently and severe, interfere with your daily routine and last longer than is reasonable, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. There are also physical symptoms, like an accelerating heartbeat or the sensation that you're in a choke or suffering from an attack of the heart.
Women suffering from ADD are more prone to the emotional ups and downs associated with anxiety. They can easily become frustrated and are overly sensitive to minor irritations. They can get extremely upset over a tiny error or being held for a long time. They might storm off, avoid the problem or abandon the task altogether.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to threat or danger, and it's designed to prepare your body and mind to defend yourself. When anxiety becomes a problem, it can make people weak and weakened.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The type of therapy depends on the cause, but both cognitive and behavioral methods can assist you in controlling your worries and emotions.
Get signs adhd and eat healthy to reduce anxiety. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, that can trigger mood swings. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise at a fast pace, releases brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join a support group, or contact friends in person or over the phone. Being with other people can decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can help you learn techniques to calm down, such as guided images or gradual exposure to uncomfortable scenarios.