Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADD frequently experience depression. This can lead to a mistaken diagnosis. Women with ADD also are more likely to be annoyed by waiting, for example, when waiting in line or on hold to get customer service.
ADD symptoms can alter with hormonal changes in females during puberty, menstrual cycle, as well as perimenopause or menopause. They can be concealed or worsened by estrogen and are less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who have inattention ADD are often troubled by their difficulty in staying focused on their work and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD symptoms can also be characterized by difficulties with time management and an inability to follow through on instructions. Women with ADD have a higher risk of developing depression than those who do not suffer from the disorder. However the two disorders may coexist.
Teachers and parents may find it more difficult to diagnose adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms tend to be subtler. They may not be able complete their homework or schoolwork and may miss important lectures in classes. They might also not be attentive when they attend meetings at work. Adults who struggle may also struggle to find work or keep their current job.
Inattentive ADD is more common in girls and women, as opposed to the hyperactive ADD which is more common in men and boys. The girls and women with it can be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety when they reach puberty or if they experience mood swings associated with PMS or perimenopausal. Doctors are more likely to look for more overt behavior-related signs of ADD in males, and do not be able to recognize them in females or girls especially during this period.
Women with inattentive ADD may become annoyed by their inability to focus. This can result in anger and frustration. These women are also more likely to feel anger and behave in ways that could hurt their relationships. If someone interrupts her when she is working, for example she might scream out of the room. Inability to stay focused may cause her to make mistakes she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of ups and downs. If your mood swings are severe and affecting your daily activities. inattentive adhd symptoms might feel as if you're on an emotional rollercoaster. The frequent and extreme mood swings can be a sign of an underlying mental health condition that requires treatment.
Mood swings can occur when you suddenly shift from feeling upbeat or happy to angry or sad in just a few minutes. These changes can be caused by a variety of factors that include diet, blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances and stress. Certain medications and substances can also cause mood changes.
If i thought about this are experiencing frequent and extreme mood swings then it's time to talk to your physician. Depending on the cause there are a variety of treatments that can assist you in managing your symptoms, such as medication, psychotherapy or other lifestyle therapies.
Women are often experiencing mood changes up to two weeks prior to their period as a result of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms can include fatigue, changes in appetite, depression, bloating and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood fluctuations are more intense during this time keep a detailed record to see if it is possible to trace them back to the source. This will help you feel more comfortable opening concerns to your doctor, and it will also give you a sense of validation of how you're feeling.
Change your diet, getting more rest and exercising, as well as practicing relaxation techniques can all help to reduce mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms adjusting your dose or experimenting with a different medication may ease your symptoms. Mood shifts can be a sign of a variety of medical and psychological disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to act quickly without thinking about the consequences. While some impulsive behavior is normal, a persistent pattern of problems with impulse control may be an indication of ADD or a different condition. For example, a person who is impulsive might have trouble saving money, spending more than they can afford to or reveal personal information without thinking about the implications. They may also struggle in activities that require planning, like driving or working in the law enforcement field.
An impulsive streak is common in children and teens however it's not unusual for adults to struggle with this issue too. It's important to seek medical attention if experiencing difficulties with your job or relationships due to your an impulsive behavior.
There are a variety of causes for the impulsive behavior, such as the brain structure, genetics, chemical imbalances, and environmental factors. An emotional stress history or trauma can contribute to the impulsive behavior, and so can having a family member who suffers from a mental illness. Certain medications can increase a person's impulsiveness, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It is crucial to differentiate between impulsive behavior and compulsive behavior, which is a repetitive and ritualistic. For instance, checking whether the oven is turned off frequently is a compulsive habit, while purchasing something on the spur of the moment is an impulsive act. The tendency to be impulsive is a female ADD characteristic that is prevalent especially for girls experiencing puberty or PMS, and during menopause, when estrogen levels start to decrease. Women may also exhibit symptoms of ADD by appearing disengaged during conversations or having difficulty completing tasks like washing. In certain cases women's inattention or impulsiveness can cause them to be incorrectly diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. This disorder can be treated with the proper medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to feel anxious and nervous at times, like when you are preparing for an exam or public speaking event. But if these feelings are frequently and severe, interfere with your daily routine and last longer than is reasonable, you may have an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms, like a pounding heartbeat or feeling like you're choked or having an attack of the heart.
Women suffering from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional ups and downs that come with anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and overly sensitive to even minor aggravations. For instance, a minor mistake or being placed on hold for long periods of time can cause these women to become extremely angry. They may flee and avoid the issue or abandon the task altogether.
Anxiety is a natural response to threat or danger and is a reaction designed to prepare the body and mind for battle. But when it takes over the body, people can become weak and in a state of disfunction.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The kind of therapy you receive is contingent on the root cause. However, both cognitive and behavioral approaches can help control your worries and emotions.
Eat healthy and sleep enough to ease anxiety. Avoid stimulants and caffeine that can trigger mood fluctuations. Exercise, especially brisk aerobic exercise, helps release brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support network or make contact with friends. Being with others can reduce anxiety and ease loneliness. A therapist can teach you ways to relax by using guided imagery or gradual exposure to situations that make you uncomfortable.