Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD frequently experience depression. This could lead to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women who suffer from ADD also are more likely to be unhappy when waiting, for example, when standing in line or on hold for 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 be concealed or worsened by estrogen and are less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattentive ADD frequently have trouble focus on tasks, and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentional ADD can also cause issues with time management, as well as a lack of ability to follow through on instructions. Women with ADD are also more likely to be depressed than those without the disorder, but the two conditions can coexist.
Unlike children with hyperactive ADD adults who suffer from the non-hyperactive form of ADD tend to be more difficult for parents and teachers to identify, as their symptoms are less obvious. They may not be able to finish their schoolwork or homework and could miss important lectures in class. They might also not be attentive during meetings at work. These adults may also struggle to find a job or keep their current job.
Inattentive ADD is more prevalent in girls and women than boys. These girls and women may be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety when they reach puberty or when they experience mood swings associated with PMS or perimenopausal. This is because doctors look for the more overt behavioral traits of ADD in boys and don't identify them in girls and women, particularly during these periods.
Women who are inattentional ADD are more likely to be frustrated by their inability to concentration, which could result in anger or frustration. They may also be more likely to internalize their anger and behave in ways which could harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her when she is completing a task, for example, she may storm out of the room. Her inability stay focused could cause her to make mistakes she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of ups and downs. If your mood fluctuations are extreme, they can disrupt your daily activities and cause you to feel like you're on an emotional roller coaster. Extremely frequent and extreme mood swings may be a sign of a mental health condition.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly go from feeling upbeat, happy or optimistic to feeling sad or angry in 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 drugs and substances.
If you experience frequent and intense mood changes then it's time to talk to your physician. Based on the reason there are a variety of treatments that can aid in managing your symptoms, including psychotherapy, medication, or other treatments for lifestyle.
Women are often experiencing mood changes up to two weeks prior to their periods as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue and changes in appetite. They can also cause constipation, depression, and other discomforts. Keep a detailed journal to track your mood changes. This will make you feel more confident about making an appointment with your doctor. It will also provide some validation for how you're feeling.
Making adhd adult symptoms to your diet, getting more sleep and exercising, as well as doing relaxation exercises can all help reduce mood swings. If you're taking medication that causes these symptoms, adjusting your dosage or trying a different medication may ease your symptoms. The mood swings could be a symptom of a range of psychological and medical disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is the tendency to make hasty decisions and act without considering the consequences. While some of the impulsive behavior is normal, a pattern of problems with impulse control could be a sign of ADD or a different condition. For example, a person who is impulsive might have difficulty saving money, spending more than they can afford to, or divulge personal information without thinking about the impact. They may also have trouble when it comes to activities that require careful planning, like driving or working in law enforcement.
It's not uncommon for children and teens to be impulsive, but it is not uncommon for adults too. If you're experiencing problems with your work or relationships due to impulsive behavior, it's essential to seek medical attention.
There are many reasons for impulsive behavior, including genetics, brain structure and chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. A history of emotional trauma or distress can trigger impulsive behaviors, as can a family member with a mental disorder. Certain medications can also contribute to the impulsiveness of a person like antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It is important to differentiate between impulsive behavior and compulsive behavior that is routine and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, for example, checking the oven repeatedly are compulsive, whereas impulsive behaviors, such as buying something on impulse, are impulse-driven. Impulsiveness is a typical female ADD symptom, particularly during puberty, PMS, and during menopausal periods when estrogen levels decrease. Women can also show symptoms of ADD by appearing distant during conversations or unable to complete tasks such as laundry. In certain cases women's inattention or impulsiveness could lead to them being misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression. This condition may be treated by the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to feel anxious and nervous at times, such as when you're preparing to take an exam or public speaking event. If your feelings are intense and frequent, and interfere with your daily activities and last longer than you'd expect, you could have an anxiety disorder. You may also feel physical symptoms, such as an intense pulse or the feeling of choking, or even a heart attack.
Women suffering from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional turmoil and downs that are associated with anxiety. They can get easily frustrated and irritable to minor annoyances. For example, a small mistake or being placed on hold for long periods of time could make these women extremely angry. They may storm off or avoid a problem, or even abandon the task.
adhd adult symptoms is a natural response to danger or threat, and it's designed to prepare your body and mind to defend yourself. But when it takes over the body, people can become weak and unable to function normally.
There are a myriad of treatment options for anxiety disorders, including therapy and medication. The type of therapy depends on the cause, but both cognitive and behavioral methods can aid you in reducing your worries and emotions.
To reduce your anxiety, eat a balanced diet and get enough rest. Avoid caffeine and stimulants that can cause mood fluctuations. Exercise, particularly intense aerobic exercise, releases brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support group or make a call or visit friends. Being with other people can reduce anxiety and ease loneliness. A therapist can teach you methods to relax yourself through guided imagery or gradual exposure to situations that make you uncomfortable.