Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD are usually depressed. This can lead to misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women who suffer from ADD also are more likely to be annoyed by waiting, such as while waiting in line or on hold for customer service.
ADD symptoms can alter with hormonal changes in females during puberty, menstrual cycle, and menopausal or perimenopausal changes. They can be concealed or exacerbated by estrogen, and are less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women suffering from inattentive ADD typically have difficulty focusing on tasks, and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattention ADD symptoms also include trouble with time management and an inability to follow instructions. Women who suffer from ADD have a higher chance of developing depression than those without the disorder. However both disorders can coexist.
Parents and teachers might have a harder time trying to diagnose adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are less obvious. They may struggle to finish homework or schoolwork, and may miss important class lectures, as well as being not able to concentrate in meetings at work. These adults could also have a difficult time finding jobs or keeping their current one.
Inattention ADD is more prevalent in females and girls than males. Women and girls may be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety when they reach puberty, or if they experience mood swings linked with PMS or perimenopausal. Doctors usually look for more explicit behavior-related signs of ADD in males, and do not recognize the symptoms in females or girls particularly during this time.
Women with inattentive ADD are more likely to be frustrated with their lack of concentration, which could result in anger or frustration. These women may also be more likely to dwell on their anger and behave in ways that can harm their relationships. For example, if someone interrupts her while she is trying to finish the task, she may get angry and leave the room. Her inability stay focused could even lead her to make careless errors that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a natural part of life. If your mood swings are extreme, it can affect your daily activities. It could feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. The frequent and extreme mood swings could be an indication of an underlying mental health problem that requires treatment.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly switch from feeling upbeat or happy to feeling angry or sad within an extremely short time. These mood swings can be caused by a variety of causes such as diet, blood sugar peaks and valleys sleep disturbances, stress or weather conditions. Changes in mood can also be a side effect of certain drugs and substances.
his explanation experience occasional mood swings, but if you have frequent and severe mood swings, it may be time to consult your doctor. Depending on the cause, a variety of treatments can aid in managing your symptoms, such as medication, psychotherapy or other lifestyle therapies.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common mood swing that is common in women between 1 and two weeks prior to their period. These symptoms can include fatigue, changes in appetite depression, bloating, and other aches. If you notice that your mood fluctuations are more intense during this time you should keep a detailed journal to determine if you are able to identify the cause. This will help you feel more confident about taking them to your doctor and provide some validation for how you're feeling.
Altering your diet and getting more sleep can help reduce mood swings. If you're taking medication that is causing these symptoms, changing your dose or trying another medication may alleviate your symptoms. The mood swings could be a sign of a range of medical and psychological disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is the tendency to make quick decisions without taking into account the consequences. An ongoing pattern of problems with impulse control may be a sign that you have ADD or other issues. A person who is impulsive could be unable to save money, or spending more than they can afford, or divulge personal information to other people without considering the consequences. They may also have trouble doing things that require careful planning, such as driving or working in law enforcement.
An impulsive streak is common in teenagers and children however it's not unusual for adults to struggle with this issue too. It's important to seek medical attention if you're having trouble with your work or relationships due to the impulsiveness of your actions.
Many factors can trigger impulsive behavior. This includes the brain's structure, genetics as well as chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. A history of emotional trauma or distress can trigger an impulsive behavior, just as the presence of a family member suffering from mental disorders. Certain medications, like antidepressants and stimulant drugs, can also boost the impulsiveness of a person.
It is crucial to differentiate between impulsive behavior and compulsive behavior that is routine and ritualistic. For instance, checking if the oven is turned off frequently is a compulsive habit, while buying something on a whim is an impulsive action. The tendency to be impulsive is a female ADD symptom that is common especially in girls who are experiencing puberty or PMS, and during menopause as estrogen levels begin to decline. Women may also exhibit symptoms of ADD by appearing distant in conversations or having trouble completing tasks such as laundry. In certain instances the woman's impulsiveness or inattention could lead to being misdiagnosed as having depression or bipolar disorder, which can be treated with the appropriate medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to be anxious or worried from time to time, such as when you're preparing for a public speaking engagement or test. If the feelings are severe and frequent, and disrupt your daily routine and last longer than you think is appropriate it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms, such as an accelerating heartbeat or feeling like you're in a choke or suffering from an attack on your heart.
Women who suffer from ADD are more prone to the emotional swings and downs that are associated with anxiety. They can easily become frustrated and are overly sensitive to minor irritations. They can be very angry at a minor mistake or being on hold for a long period of time. They might flee, avoid a problem or even abandon the task.
Anxiety is a natural response to threat or danger and is a reaction designed to prepare the body and mind for battle. When anxiety becomes a problem, it can make people weak and weakened.
There are a variety of treatments for anxiety disorders, which include medication and therapy. The type of therapy you choose depends on the cause, however both cognitive and behavioral methods can assist you in controlling your anxiety and feelings.
To ease anxiety, eat well and get enough rest. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which can cause mood swings. Exercise, especially vigorous aerobic exercise, triggers brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join a support group or call or visit friends. Being with other people can alleviate loneliness and ease anxiety. A therapist can help you learn methods to relax, such as guided images or gradual exposure to uncomfortable scenarios.