Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD often experience depression. This can lead to misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women with ADD are also more likely to get frustrated while waiting, whether waiting in line for customer service or while standing on hold.
ADD symptoms in females can fluctuate with hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstrual cycles and during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. They may be disguised or exacerbated by estrogen and are less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattentive ADD frequently have trouble focusing on tasks, and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattention ADD symptoms can also be characterized by difficulties with time management and an inability to follow through on instructions. Women who suffer from ADD have a higher chance of developing depression than women who are not affected by the disorder. However the two disorders may coexist.
In contrast to children with hyperactive ADD adults who suffer from the non-hyperactive type of ADD tend to be more difficult for parents and teachers to diagnose, because their symptoms are less obvious. They may not be able complete their homework or schoolwork and may not attend important classes in class. They also may not be attentive when they attend meetings at work. add symptoms adults could be unable to find a job or keeping a current one.
Inattentional ADD is more common for women and girls, as compared to the hyperactive ADD that is more prevalent in males and boys. Women and girls may be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression when they reach puberty, or when they experience mood swings linked with PMS or perimenopausal. This is because doctors look for the more obvious behavior traits of ADD in boys, but don't identify them in girls and women, especially during these phases.
Women with inattentive ADD are more likely to become frustrated due to their lack of focus, which can cause anger or even frustration. They may also be more likely to dwell on their frustration, and act out in ways which could harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her when she is working on a project for instance she might scream out of the room. The inability to focus could result in her making careless errors that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of ups and downs. However, if your mood swings are extreme, they may interfere with your daily activities and make you feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. 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 go from feeling upbeat, happy or positive to feeling depressed or angry within just a few minutes. These mood swings can be caused by a variety of causes, including blood sugar peaks and valleys, sleep disturbances, stress, and weather conditions. Changes in mood can also be a result of certain drugs and substances.
If you are experiencing frequent and extreme mood swings you should consult your doctor. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, you may be able to manage them with a variety treatments, including therapies, medication or lifestyle adjustments.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common mood swing that can be experienced by women 1 to 2 weeks prior to their period. These symptoms include fatigue, fluctuations in appetite depression, bloating, and other aches. Keep a journal to keep track of your mood fluctuations. This will make you feel more comfortable opening up your concerns with your doctor, and it could also provide some confirmation of how you are feeling.
Changing your diet and getting more rest can reduce the frequency of mood swings. If you're taking medication that triggers these symptoms, altering your dosage or experimenting with a different medication may ease the symptoms. Changes in mood can be a symptom of a variety of psychological and medical disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
It is the tendency to act quickly without thinking about the consequences. A pattern of constant impulse control problems can be an indication of ADD or other issues. Someone who is impulsive could have difficulty saving money, spend more money than they can afford, or reveal personal information to others without considering the consequences. They may also have trouble when it comes to activities which require careful planning, like driving or working in law enforcement.
It's common for teens and children to be impulsive, but it's not unusual for adults, too. If you're experiencing problems in your relationships or at work due to impulsive behavior, it's important that you seek medical assistance.
There are many reasons for the impulsive behavior, such as genetics, brain structure and chemical imbalances, as well environmental factors. A history of emotional distress or trauma can contribute to impulsive behavior, as can having a parent who suffers from a mental illness. Certain medications can also increase the person's impulsiveness, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It is important to differentiate between from compulsive and impulsive behaviors that is a repetitive and ritualistic. For instance, checking whether the oven is on or off is a habitual behavior, whereas buying something on a whim is an impulsive action. Impulsiveness is a female ADD symptom that is common particularly for girls experiencing puberty or PMS and also during menopausal as estrogen levels begin to drop. Women can also show symptoms of ADD by appearing distant in conversations or having trouble completing chores like washing. In some instances, women's impulsiveness or inattention can cause them to be mistakenly diagnosed as having depression or bipolar disorder. This disorder can be treated with the proper medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to be anxious and worried at times, such as when you're preparing to take an exam or speaking engagement. If your feelings are intense and constant, and affect your daily activities and last longer than you'd expect, you could have an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms such as an intense pulse or the feeling of choking or a heart attack.
Women with ADD are especially susceptible to the emotional swings and downs that come with anxiety. They can easily become frustrated and can be extremely sensitive to minor irritations. These women can become extremely angry over a small error or being held for a long time. They may flee or avoid the issue, or abandon the task completely.
Anxiety is the natural response to danger or threat and is designed to prepare your body and mind to fight. But when it takes over the body, people can become weak and unable to function normally.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include medication and therapy. The kind of therapy you choose will depend on the cause, however both cognitive and behavioral methods can aid you in reducing your anxiety and feelings.
To lessen anxiety, eat well and get enough sleep. Avoid caffeine and stimulants that can trigger mood fluctuations. Exercise, especially brisk aerobic exercise, helps release brain chemicals that cut stress. Join a support network or make contact with friends. Being in the company of others can help alleviate loneliness and ease anxiety. A therapist can help you learn methods to relax by using guided imagery or gradual exposure to situations that are uncomfortable.