Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD are usually depressed. This can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to be frustrated by waiting, such as while standing in line or on hold to get customer service.
ADD symptoms can change in response to hormonal fluctuations in females during puberty, the menstrual cycle and menopausal or perimenopausal changes. They can be masked or exacerbated by estrogen, and are less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattention ADD are often plagued by their difficulty staying focused on their work and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentional ADD can also cause problems with time management and the inability to follow the instructions. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to develop depression than those without the disorder, even though the two conditions 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 might not be able complete their schoolwork or homework and may not attend important classes in classes. They might also not be attentive during meetings at work. Adults with disabilities may be unable to find an employment or maintaining their current one.
Inattentive ADD is more prevalent in girls and women, as opposed to the hyperactive ADD seen more often in males and boys. add symptoms in adults and girls can be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety when they reach puberty or when they experience mood swings linked with PMS or perimenopause. Doctors are more likely to look for more overt behaviors that are indicative of ADD in males, and do not recognize these in girls or females, especially during this time.
Women who are inattentional ADD are more likely to be frustrated due to their lack of concentration, which could lead to anger or frustration. They may also be more likely to internalize their frustration, and act out in ways which could harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her while she is completing a task for instance she could scream out of the room. The inability to focus could cause her to make mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of changes and ups. However, if your mood swings are extreme, they may interfere with your daily activities and cause you to feel like you're on an emotional roller coaster. Extremely frequent and intense mood fluctuations could be an indication of an underlying mental health issue that requires treatment.
Mood swings happen when you suddenly switch from feeling happy, upbeat or positive to feeling depressed or angry within an hour. These mood swings can be caused by many different things, including blood sugar peaks and valleys sleep disturbances, stress and weather conditions. The mood changes could also be a result of certain medications and other substances.
If you experience frequent and severe mood changes then it's time to talk to your doctor. Depending on the reason for your symptoms, you may be able to manage them using a variety of treatments, such as therapies, medication or lifestyle changes.
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 cause depression, bloating, and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood changes 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 confident taking them to your doctor. It will also help you understand how you're feeling.
Changing your diet and getting more sleep can reduce the frequency of mood swings. If you're taking medication that causes these symptoms, adjusting your dose or trying a different drug might help alleviate your symptoms. Mood swings can be a sign of many medical and psychological disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
It is the tendency to act quickly and without considering the consequences. While some of the impulsive behavior is normal, a pattern of problems with impulse control may be a sign of ADD or another condition. For instance, a person who is impulsive may have difficulty saving money, spending more than they can afford to, or divulge personal information without considering the consequences. They may also struggle with activities which require careful planning, such as driving or working in law enforcement.
An impulsive streak is natural in teens and children However, it's not uncommon for adults to experience this symptom too. It's important to seek medical attention if you are having trouble with your work or relationships because of an impulsive behavior.
Many factors can contribute to an impulsive behaviour. This includes genetics, brain structure as well as chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. A background of emotional trauma or distress can trigger the impulsive behavior, as could an individual in the family with mental illness. Certain medications, including stimulant drugs and antidepressants, can also cause an increase in impulsiveness.
It is crucial to differentiate between the difference between compulsive and impulsive behavior, which is repetitive and ritualistic. For instance, checking whether the oven is turned off frequently is a compulsive behavior, while purchasing something on the spur of the moment is an impulsive act. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD symptom, particularly in girls who are puberty, PMS and through menopausal periods when estrogen levels decrease. Women can also show symptoms of ADD by appearing disengaged during conversations or having difficulty completing tasks like washing. In certain instances women's impulsiveness and inattention could lead to being misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression, which can be treated with the correct medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel nervous and worried at times, such as when you're preparing for an exam or public speaking event. But if these feelings are frequent and extreme, interfere with your daily activities and last longer than reasonable, you may have an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms, such as a pounding pulse or the feeling of choking, or even a heart attack.
Women who suffer from ADD are more prone to the emotional turmoil and downs that come with anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and are extremely sensitive to minor irritations. They can get extremely angry over a small mistake or being in a queue for a long period of time. They may storm off to avoid a situation or even stop the work.
Anxiety is a natural response to danger or threat that is designed to prepare the body and mind for battle. However, when it gets too much the body, people can become weak and incapable of functioning normally.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include medication and therapy. The kind of therapy you will receive is dependent on the underlying cause. However both behavioral and cognitive strategies can help you control your worries and emotions.
Get enough rest and eat healthy to ease anxiety. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which can cause mood swings. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise at a fast pace, triggers brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join a support group or make a call or visit friends. Being around others can help reduce anxiety and help to alleviate loneliness. A therapist can show you techniques to calm down by using guided imagery or gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations.