Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD are often depressed. This can lead to misdiagnosis. Women with ADD are also more likely to become frustrated while waiting, whether in line for customer service or while standing on hold.
ADD symptoms can change with hormonal changes in females during puberty, menstrual cycle and menopausal or perimenopausal changes. They can be masked or exacerbated by estrogen, and are less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattentive ADD are often plagued by their inability to stay focused on their work and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattention 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 suffer from depression than those without the disorder, though both conditions can coexist.
Teachers and parents may have a harder time trying to diagnose adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms tend to be less obvious. They may have trouble finishing homework or schoolwork and could not attend important classes as well as being not able to concentrate in meetings at work. Adults with disabilities may be unable to find jobs or keeping their current one.
Attention-deficit ADD affects more women and girls than boys. A lot of times, these women and girls are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression as they enter puberty or experience the mood swings that accompany PMS and perimenopausal. Doctors are more likely to look for more obvious behaviors that are indicative of ADD in males, and do not be able to recognize the symptoms in females or girls, especially during this time.
Women who have inattention ADD are more likely to become frustrated due to their lack of concentration, which could cause anger or even frustration. They may also be more likely to dwell on their anger and can behave in ways that may harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her while she is working on a project, for example she could scream out of the room. The inability to focus on a task might even cause her to make impulsive mistakes that she later regrets.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of ups and downs. If your mood fluctuations are extreme, they may disrupt your daily activities and make you feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. Frequent and severe mood changes could be an indication of an underlying mental health problem that requires treatment.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly change from feeling happy or upbeat to angry or sad in a short period of time. These changes could be caused by a variety of factors that include diet, blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances and stress. Mood changes can also be a consequence of certain drugs and substances.
If you are experiencing frequent and severe mood changes, it's time to consult your physician. Depending on the cause, a variety of treatments can assist you in managing your symptoms, such as psychotherapy, medication or other lifestyle therapies.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a frequent mood swing that occurs in women 1 to 2 weeks before their period. These symptoms include fatigue as well as changes in appetite. They can also cause anxiety, bloating, depression and other discomforts. Keep a detailed diary to keep track of the changes in your mood. This will make you feel more confident bringing them up to your doctor. It will also provide some validation for the way you're feeling.
Altering your diet and getting more sleep can reduce the frequency of mood swings. If you're taking medication that triggers these symptoms, adjusting your dose or trying a different one could help ease the symptoms. The fluctuation in mood can be the result of a variety of mental and medical disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to make hasty decisions and act without thinking about the consequences. A persistent pattern of issues with impulse control could be a sign that you have ADD or other conditions. Someone who is impulsive could be unable to save money, spending more than they could afford, or disclose personal information to other people without considering the consequences. They may also struggle with activities requiring careful planning, like driving or working in the law enforcement field.
An impulsive streak is common in teenagers and children however it's not unusual for adults to suffer from this condition too. It is important to seek medical attention if experiencing difficulties with your job or relationships because of the impulsiveness of your actions.
There are a variety of causes for the impulsive behavior, such as genetics, brain structure and chemical imbalances, as well as environmental factors. Full Document of emotional trauma or distress can trigger impulsive behaviors, as can an individual in the family with a mental disorder. Certain medications can also increase the impulsiveness of a person including antidepressants as well as stimulant drugs.
It is also crucial to distinguish between impulsive and compulsive behaviors, which are repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, such as checking the oven over and over again are compulsive, whereas impulsive behaviors, such as buying something on impulse, are an impulsive. The tendency to be impulsive is a common female ADD symptom, particularly in girls who are puberty, PMS, and during menopausal changes when estrogen levels decrease. Women may also exhibit symptoms of ADD by appearing disengaged during conversations or having trouble completing chores like washing. In certain instances women's impulsiveness and inattention can lead to being misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression, which can be treated with the correct medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to feel anxious and nervous at times, like when you are preparing for an exam or speaking engagement. But if these feelings are frequently and severe, interfere with your daily routine and last longer than is normal, you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms, like an accelerating heartbeat or the feeling that you're choked or having a heart attack.
Women suffering from ADD are especially susceptible to the emotional swings and downs associated with anxiety. They can easily become frustrated and are extremely sensitive to minor irritations. These women can become extremely upset over a tiny error or being held for a long time. They might storm off and avoid the issue or even abandon the project altogether.
Anxiety is a natural response to threat or danger that is designed to prepare the body and mind for battle. When anxiety becomes a problem it can cause people to become feel weak.
There are a myriad of treatment options for anxiety disorders, which include medication and therapy. The type of therapy you will receive is dependent on the root cause. However both behavioral and cognitive methods can help you manage your anxiety and worry.
To ease anxiety, eat healthy and sleep enough. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger mood swings. Exercise, specifically intense aerobic exercise, triggers brain chemicals that cut stress. Join a support group or make a call or visit friends. Being with others can reduce anxiety and ease loneliness. A therapist can guide you through methods to relax yourself, such as guided visualization or gradual exposure to stressful situations.