Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD often experience depression. This can lead to a misdiagnosis for bipolar disorder. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to be frustrated by waiting, for example, when standing in line or on hold for customer service.
ADD symptoms in females can change with the fluctuation of hormones during menstrual cycles, puberty as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transitions and men. They can also be masked by estrogen, and could be less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattentive ADD often have difficulty staying focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD symptoms also include trouble with time management and the inability to follow instructions. Women who suffer from ADD have a higher chance of developing depression than women who do not suffer from the disorder. However, the two disorders can coexist.
Teachers and parents may find it more difficult to diagnose adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are less obvious. They might not be able to finish their schoolwork or homework and could be absent from important lectures in classes. They might also not be attentive to meetings at work. These adults may also have difficulty finding a job or keeping a current one.
Attention-deficit ADD affects more girls and women than boys. These girls and women can be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety once they reach puberty, or if they experience mood swings linked with PMS or perimenopausal. Doctors are more likely to look for more overt behavior-related signs of ADD in males, and do not recognize them in females or girls particularly during this time.
Women with inattention ADD can be frustrated with their lack of focus. signs of adhd can result in anger and frustration. They may also be more likely to internalize their frustration, and act out in ways which could harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her while she is working, for example, she may storm out of the room. Her inability to stay focused on a task might even cause her to make impulsive mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a natural part of life. But if your mood shifts are severe, they could disrupt your daily activities and cause you to feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. Frequent and severe mood swings can be a sign of a mental health condition.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly go from feeling cheerful, upbeat or optimistic to feeling sad or angry in a short time. These changes can be triggered by many different things such as diet, blood sugar peaks and valleys sleep disturbances, stress, and weather conditions. The mood changes could also be a result of certain medications and substances.
If you are experiencing frequent and extreme mood swings you should consult your doctor. Based on the root of your symptoms, you can manage them using a variety of treatments, such as treatment, medication, or lifestyle changes.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common mood swing that is common in women who are between 1 and 2 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 keep a detailed record to determine if you are able to trace them back to the source. This will make you feel more confident about bringing them up to your doctor and help you understand the way you're feeling.
Making changes to your diet and getting more sleep can reduce the frequency of mood swings. If you're taking medication that is causing these symptoms, changing your dosage or trying a different drug may help reduce the symptoms. Mood shifts can be a sign of a range of medical and psychological disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a tendency to act quickly and without considering the consequences. While some impulsive behavior is normal, a persistent pattern of issues with impulse control may be an indication of ADD or another condition. For example, a person who is impulsive may have trouble saving money, or spend more than they can afford to, or divulge personal information without considering the impact. They may also have issues with activities requiring careful planning, like driving or working in the law enforcement field.
A certain amount of impulsivity is common in teens and children, but it's not uncommon for adults to struggle with this condition too. It's important to seek medical attention if you're having trouble with your work or relationships due to impulsive actions.
Many factors can trigger impulsive behavior. These include genetics, brain structure chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. A history of trauma or emotional distress can trigger the impulsive behavior, as could the presence of a family member suffering from mental disorders. Certain medications, including stimulant drugs and antidepressants, can also boost the impulsiveness of a person.
It is crucial to differentiate between impulsive behavior and compulsive behavior that is a repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, for example, checking the oven over and over again, are compulsive, while the more impulsive actions, like buying something on impulse are an impulsive. The tendency to be impulsive is a female ADD sign that is quite common especially for girls going through puberty or PMS and also during menopausal, when estrogen levels start to decrease. Women may also exhibit symptoms of ADD by appearing distant in conversations or having trouble completing tasks like washing. In some instances, women's impulsiveness or inattention can cause them to be misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression. This disorder can be treated by the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to be anxious or anxious from time to occasion, like when you're preparing for a public speaking engagement or test. If your feelings are intense and constant, and affect your daily activities, and last for longer than is reasonable, you could have an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms like an intense pulse or the feeling of choking, or even a heart attack.
Women suffering from ADD are more susceptible to the emotional fluctuations that come with anxiety. They can get easily frustrated and become extremely sensitive to minor irritations. They can get very angry at a minor error or being held for a long time. They might flee or avoid a problem, or even abandon the task.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to threat or danger, and it's designed to prepare your body and your mind to fight. When anxiety is a major factor, it can make people weak and weakened.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The type of therapy you will receive is dependent on the root cause. However, both cognitive and behavioral approaches can help control your emotions and worries.
Eat healthy and sleep enough to ease anxiety. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger mood swings. Exercise, particularly intense aerobic exercise, triggers brain chemicals that cut stress. Join a support group or reach out to friends in person or on the phone. Being with others can ease feelings of isolation and reduce anxiety. A therapist can guide you through methods to relax yourself, such as guided imagery or gradual exposure to stressful situations.