Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD are usually depressed. This could lead to a misdiagnosis. Women with ADD are also more likely to become annoyed when waiting, whether waiting in line to get customer service or on hold.
ADD symptoms can alter with hormonal fluctuations in females during puberty, the menstrual cycle, as well as menopausal perimenopausal cycles. They can also be masked by estrogen, and could be less obvious in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women suffering from inattentive ADD typically have difficulty focus on tasks, and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD can also cause issues with time management and the inability to follow the directions given to them. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to develop depression than those who do not suffer from the disorder, but the two conditions can coexist.
Unlike children with hyperactive adhd symptoms ADD, adults with the non-hyperactive form of ADD tend to be more difficult for parents and teachers to identify, as their symptoms of adhd in adults are less obvious. They may struggle to finish homework or schoolwork and could not attend important classes and are incapable of paying attention to meetings at work. Adults who struggle may also struggle to find work or keep their current job.
Inattention ADD affects more women and girls than boys. Often, these women and girls are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when they go through puberty or experience the mood swings that accompany PMS and perimenopausal. This is because doctors look for the more obvious behavioral traits of ADD in boys and don't detect them in girls or women, especially during these periods.
Women with inattention ADD might be frustrated by their lack of focus. This can lead to anger and frustration. These women may also be more likely to internalize their anger, and express it in ways that could hurt their relationships. For instance, if someone interrupts her while she is trying to finish the task, she may quit and leave the room. Her inability to stay focused on a task might even result in her making careless mistakes that she later regrets.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of fluctuations and ups. If your mood fluctuations are severe, they could affect your daily routine and cause you to feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. The frequent and extreme mood swings can be a sign of an underlying mental health issue that requires treatment.
Mood swings are when you suddenly switch from feeling happy, upbeat or positive to feeling depressed or angry within just a few minutes. These changes can be caused by a variety of factors that include diet, blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances and stress. Mood changes can also be a consequence of certain medications and other substances.
If you experience frequent and extreme mood swings you should consult your doctor. Depending on the cause there are a variety of treatments that can help you manage your main symptoms of adhd, including medication, psychotherapy or other treatments for lifestyle.
Women are often experiencing mood changes up to two weeks prior to their period as a result of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms can include fatigue, changes in appetite as well as depression, bloating, and other aches. Keep a journal to keep track of your mood fluctuations. This will make you feel more confident in taking them to your doctor and can give you some confirmation of how you're feeling.
Changing your diet and getting more sleep can help reduce mood swings. If you're taking a medications that cause these symptoms, changing your dose or trying another drug may help ease your symptoms. Mood swings can be an indication of a variety of psychological and medical conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity (adhd symptoms in adults nhs (Vuf.minagricultura.Gov.Co)) as well as depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to make hasty decisions and act without considering the consequences. While some of the impulsive behavior is normal, a persistent pattern of problems with impulse control can be a sign of ADD or a different condition. For instance, a person who is impulsive might struggle to save money, or spend more than they are able to or reveal personal information without thinking about the implications. They may also have trouble when it comes to activities that require planning like driving or working in law enforcement.
It's not uncommon for teenagers and children to be impulsive, however it is not uncommon for adults as well. If you're experiencing problems with your work or relationships because of your impulsive behavior, it's important that you seek medical help.
There are many causes of impulsive behavior, including genetics, brain structure and chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. An emotional stress history or trauma can trigger impulsive behavior, as can having a family member who suffers from a mental health disorder. Certain medications can also contribute to the impulsiveness of a person like antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It is also crucial to distinguish between impulsive and compulsive behaviors, which are repetitive and ritualistic. For instance, checking whether the oven is turned off frequently is a compulsive habit, while purchasing something on the spur of the moment is an impulsive action. The tendency to be impulsive is a common adhd symptoms female ADD sign, especially in girls during puberty, PMS, and during menopausal periods when estrogen levels decrease. A lack of interest in conversations or unable to finish tasks like laundry are also signs of ADD in women. In certain instances women's impulsiveness and inattention may result in her being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression which may be treated with the correct medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to feel anxious and worried at times, like when you are preparing for an exam or speaking engagement. But if these feelings are frequent and intense, cause problems with your daily activities and last longer than reasonable, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms such as a pounding heart or the sensation of choking or having a heart attack.
Women with ADD are more susceptible to the emotional fluctuations associated with anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and irritable to minor annoyances. For example, a small mistake or being placed on hold for long periods of time can make these women very angry. They might storm off or avoid the issue, or even abandon the project altogether.
Anxiety is a natural response to threat or danger and is a reaction designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. However, when it becomes overwhelming the body, people can become weak and in a state of disfunction.
There are a myriad of treatment options for anxiety disorders, which include therapy and medication. The kind of therapy you receive is contingent on the underlying cause. However, both cognitive and behavioral approaches can help control your anxiety and worry.
To lessen anxiety, eat a balanced diet and get enough rest. Avoid stimulants and caffeine which can cause mood fluctuations. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise at a fast pace, releases brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join an online support group or contact friends in person or via the phone. Being with other people can decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can teach you methods to relax yourself, such as guided visualization or gradual exposure to stressful situations.