Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADD frequently experience depression. This can lead to mistaken diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to become annoyed when waiting, whether it is waiting in line for customer service or while standing on hold.
ADD symptoms in females may vary with hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles, puberty 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 inattention ADD are often troubled by their inability to stay focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentive ADD symptoms can also be characterized by difficulties with time management and the inability to follow through on instructions. Women with ADD are also more likely to be depressed than those without the disorder, though the two can coexist.
As opposed to children with hyperactive ADD, adults with the non-hyperactive subtype of ADD tend to be more difficult for teachers and parents to diagnose, because their symptoms are less obvious. They might not be able to complete their schoolwork or homework and could miss important lectures in class. They might also not be attentive to meetings at work. These adults may also have a difficult time finding jobs or keeping their current one.
Inattentional ADD is more common for women and girls, as opposed to the hyperactive ADD that is more prevalent in boys and men. These girls and women are often misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when they reach puberty or when they experience mood swings that are associated with PMS or perimenopausal. This is because doctors look for the more obvious behavioral characteristics of ADD in boys but fail to detect them in girls or women, particularly during these phases.
Women who have inattention ADD are more likely to be dissatisfied by their inability to concentration, which could cause anger or even frustration. These women can also be more prone to internalizing their anger and may behave in ways that could damage their relationships. For instance, if a person interferes with her while she is trying to finish an assignment, she could storm off and leave the room. Her inability stay focused could result in her making mistakes she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of ups and downs. If inattentive adhd symptoms are intense and affecting your daily activities. It could feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. Frequent and severe mood swings could be a sign of a mental health issue.
Mood swings can occur when you suddenly switch from feeling cheerful or happy to angry or sad in just a few minutes. These changes can be triggered by many different things, including blood sugar peaks and valleys, sleep disturbances, stress, and weather conditions. Certain medications and substances can also trigger mood changes.
Many people experience occasional mood fluctuations However, if you experience frequent and extreme mood swings, it may be time to speak with your doctor. Based on the reason, a variety of treatments can assist you in managing your symptoms, including medication, psychotherapy or other lifestyle therapies.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a frequent mood swing that occurs in women who are between 1 and two weeks prior to their period. These symptoms can include fatigue, changes in appetite as well as depression, bloating, and other aches. If you notice that your mood swings are more intense during this time you should keep a detailed journal to see if it is possible to identify the cause. This will help you feel more confident taking them to your doctor and give you some confirmation of the way you're feeling.
Changing your diet, obtaining more sleep and exercising as well as practicing relaxation techniques can all help to reduce mood swings. If you're taking medication that causes these symptoms adjusting your dose or trying a different one may ease your symptoms. Changes in mood can be a sign of a variety of psychological and medical disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is the tendency to make rash decisions and act without thinking about the consequences. A persistent pattern of problems with impulse control may be a sign that you have ADD or other conditions. An individual who is impulsive might struggle to save money, or spending more than they could afford, or disclose personal information to others without considering the consequences. They may also have issues when it comes to activities that require careful planning, like driving or working in the field of law enforcement.
It's common for teens and children to be impulsive, but it's not uncommon for adults, too. If you're having issues with your job or relationships due to impulsive behavior, it's crucial to seek medical assistance.
Many factors can trigger impulsive behavior. This includes genetics, brain structure, chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. A history of emotional distress or trauma can trigger impulsive behavior, as can having a parent who suffers from a mental illness. Certain medications can also increase the impulsiveness of a person, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It is important to differentiate between the difference between compulsive and impulsive behavior that is routine and ritualistic. For example, checking whether the oven is on or off is a compulsive habit, while buying something on a whim is an impulsive behavior. The tendency to be impulsive is a common female ADD sign, especially in girls during puberty, PMS and through menopause when estrogen levels drop. Being withdrawn during conversations or unable to finish tasks like laundry are symptoms of ADD in women. In some cases women's impulsiveness and inattention may result in being misdiagnosed as having depression or bipolar disorder, which can be treated with the correct medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to be anxious or anxious from time to time, such as when you're prepping for a public speaking event or test. However, if these feelings are frequent and intense, cause problems with daily activities and last longer than is normal, you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms, like heartbeats that are pounding 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 ups and downs that are associated with anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and irritable to minor irritations. They can get extremely upset over a tiny mistake or being on hold for a long period of time. They could flee, avoid a problem or even quit the job.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to danger or threat and is a reaction designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. But when it takes over individuals can be afflicted and in a state of disfunction.
There are a myriad of treatments for anxiety disorders, which include therapy and medication. The type of therapy depends on the cause, however both cognitive and behavioral approaches can help you learn to control your anxieties and emotions.
To ease anxiety, eat a balanced diet and sleep enough. Avoid stimulants and caffeine that can cause mood fluctuations. Exercise, specifically vigorous aerobic exercise, triggers brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support group, or connect with friends in person or over the phone. Being around others can help reduce anxiety and help to alleviate loneliness. A therapist can show you methods to relax yourself by using guided imagery or gradual exposure to stressful situations.