Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD are frequently depressed. This can lead to mistaken diagnosis. Women with ADD also are more likely to be annoyed by waiting, such as while waiting in line or on hold to get customer service.
ADD symptoms can change with hormonal fluctuations in females throughout puberty, menstrual cycle, as well as perimenopause or menopause. They can also be masked by estrogen, and could be less obvious in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattention ADD typically have difficulty focusing on tasks, and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD can also cause issues with time management and a lack of ability to follow through on instructions. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to suffer from depression than those who don't have the disorder, but the two can coexist.
Teachers and parents may have a harder time trying to identify adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms tend to be more subtle. They may not be able to complete their schoolwork or homework and could be absent from important lectures in class. They may also not pay attention when they attend meetings at work. These adults may also have difficulty finding jobs or keeping their current one.
Attention-deficit ADD affects more women and girls than boys. The girls and women with it are often misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression when they reach puberty or when they experience mood swings linked with PMS or perimenopause. This is because doctors look for the more overt behavioral traits of ADD in boys and don't detect them in girls or women, particularly during these periods.
Women with inattentive ADD are more likely to be frustrated by their inability to concentration, which could lead to anger or frustration. These women may also be more likely to dwell on their frustration, and act out in ways which could harm their relationships. For example, if someone interrupts her while she is trying to complete the task, she may storm off and leave the room. Inability to remain focused on a task could cause her to make careless mistakes later regretted.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a normal part of life. If your mood fluctuations are extreme, they can affect your daily routine and cause you to feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. Frequent and severe mood swings may be a sign of a mental health problem.
Mood swings happen when you suddenly switch from feeling happy, upbeat or optimistic to feeling down or angry in a short time. These changes could be caused by a variety of factors that include diet, blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances and stress. The mood changes could also be a side effect of certain medications and other substances.
If you experience frequent and extreme mood swings, it's time to consult your physician. Depending on the cause various treatments can assist you in managing your symptoms, including medication, psychotherapy 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, fluctuations in appetite depression, bloating, and other aches. If you notice that your mood swings are more intense during this period keep a detailed record to see if it is possible to identify the cause. This will make you feel more comfortable bringing up your concerns with your doctor, and it will also give you a sense of validation of how you are feeling.
Making changes to your diet and getting more sleep can help decrease mood swings. If you're taking medication that causes these symptoms, changing your dose or trying another drug may help reduce the symptoms. Mood swings can be a sign of many psychological and medical conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
The term "impulsivity" refers to the tendency to make rash decisions without taking into account the consequences. A pattern of constant issues with impulse control could be an indication that you suffer from ADD or other disorders. For example, a person who is impulsive might struggle to save money, spending more than they are able to, or disclose personal information without thinking about the consequences. They may also struggle when it comes to activities which require careful planning, like driving or working in law enforcement.
A certain amount of impulsivity is natural in children and teens However, it's not uncommon for adults to struggle with this symptom too. It's important to seek medical attention if you're having trouble with your work or relationships due to impulsive actions.
There are a variety of causes for an impulsive behaviour, including genetics, brain structure and chemical imbalances, and environmental factors. A background of emotional trauma or distress can also contribute to an impulsive behavior, just as a family member with a mental disorder. Certain medications, like antidepressants and stimulant drugs, can also increase someone's impulsiveness.
It's also important to differentiate the impulsive behavior from compulsive ones that are repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, for example, checking the oven frequently are compulsive, whereas the more impulsive actions, like purchasing something on impulse, are impulsive. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD sign that is quite common especially in girls who are experiencing puberty or PMS and also during menopausal when estrogen levels begin to decline. Women can also show symptoms of ADD by appearing distant in conversations or unable to complete tasks like washing. In some cases women's inattention or impulsiveness could lead to them being mistakenly diagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression. This disorder can be treated with the appropriate medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to be anxious or worried from time to occasion, like when you're preparing for a public speaking event or test. But if these feelings are frequent and extreme, interfere with your daily routine and last longer than is reasonable, you may have an anxiety disorder. You may also feel physical symptoms, such as an intense pulse or the feeling of choking or having a heart attack.
Women who suffer from ADD are more prone to the emotional turmoil and downs associated with anxiety. They can get easily frustrated and overly sensitive to even minor annoyances. They can get very angry at a minor error or being held for a long time. signs of adhd could flee or avoid a problem, or even quit the job.
Anxiety is a natural response to danger or threat and is a reaction designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. When anxiety is a major factor it can cause people to become feel weak.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include medication and therapy. The kind of therapy you choose will depend on the root cause, however both cognitive and behavioral methods can help you learn to control your worries and emotions.
To ease anxiety, eat healthy and get enough sleep. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can exacerbate mood swings. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise at a brisk pace, triggers brain chemicals which reduce stress. Join an online support group or contact friends in person or over the phone. Being in the company of other people can reduce loneliness and ease anxiety. A therapist can show you strategies to relax by using guided imagery or gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations.