Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADD often suffer from depression. This can lead to misdiagnosis. Women with ADD also are more likely to be unhappy when waiting for long periods of time, such as when standing in line or on hold for customer service.
ADD symptoms in females can vary with hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles, puberty as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transitions and men. They may be disguised or exacerbated by estrogen and are less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattention ADD are often plagued by their inability to stay focused on tasks and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentive ADD can also cause problems with time management, and a lack of ability to follow the instructions. Women who suffer from ADD have a higher risk of developing depression than women who are not affected by the disorder. However the two disorders may coexist.
Parents and teachers may have a harder time trying to recognize adults suffering from non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are subtler. They may not be able to finish their homework or schoolwork and may not attend important classes in classes. They may also not be attentive to meetings at work. These adults may also struggle to find a job or keep a current job.
Inattentive ADD affects more females and girls than males. The girls and women with it are often misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when they reach puberty, or when they experience mood swings associated with PMS or perimenopausal. Doctors tend to look for more explicit behaviors that are indicative of ADD in males, and do not be able to recognize the symptoms in females or girls especially during this period.
Women who have inattention ADD are more likely to become frustrated due to their lack of focus, which can cause anger or even frustration. They may also be more likely to dwell on their frustration, and act out in ways that could hurt their relationships. If someone interrupts her as she is completing a task for instance she might scream out of the room. Her inability to stay focused on a particular task may cause her to make careless mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a normal part of life. If your mood swings are extreme, it can affect your daily activities. You might feel as if you're on an emotional rollercoaster. Extremely frequent and intense mood fluctuations can indicate an underlying mental health problem that requires treatment.
Mood swings can occur when you suddenly switch from feeling cheerful or happy to feeling angry or sad within just a few minutes. These changes can be triggered by many different things such as diet, blood sugar peaks and valleys, sleep disturbances, stress or weather conditions. The mood changes could also be a consequence of certain medications and substances.
Many people experience occasional mood swings, but if you have frequent and severe mood swings, it could be time to speak with your doctor. Based on the reason various treatments can assist you in managing your symptoms, such as psychotherapy, medication, or other treatments for lifestyle.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a typical mood swing that can be experienced by women 1 to 2 weeks prior to their period. These symptoms can include fatigue, changes in appetite as well as depression, bloating, and other discomforts. Keep a journal to keep track of your mood fluctuations. This will make you feel more comfortable opening questions to your doctor, and it can also provide some validation of how you are feeling.
Change your diet, obtaining more sleep and exercising, as well as practicing relaxation techniques can all aid in reducing mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms, changing your dosage or trying a different one might help alleviate your symptoms. Mood swings can be the result of a variety of psychological and medical conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to make hasty decisions and act without considering the consequences. While some of the impulsive behavior is normal, a pattern of problems with impulse control could be an indication of ADD or a different condition. Someone who is impulsive may be unable to save money, or spending more than they could afford, or disclose personal information to others without thinking about the consequences. They may also struggle with activities which require careful planning, like driving or working in law enforcement.
It's common for teens and children to be impulsive. However, it's not unusual for adults, too. If you're experiencing problems with your work or relationships due to your impulsive behavior it's essential to seek medical assistance.
Numerous factors can cause the impulsive behavior. This includes the brain's structure, genetics, chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. A background of trauma or emotional distress can trigger the impulsive behavior, as could a family member with mental illness. Certain medications, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs can also cause an increase in impulsiveness.
It is crucial to differentiate between the difference between compulsive and impulsive behavior, which is repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, for example, checking the oven over and over again are compulsive. On the other hand, the more impulsive actions, like buying something on impulse are an impulsive. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD symptom that is common particularly in girls who are experiencing puberty or PMS as well as during menopausal cycles when estrogen levels begin to decrease. A lack of interest in conversations or struggling to finish chores like washing laundry are also symptoms of ADD in women. In some instances, women's impulsiveness or inattention could lead to them being mistakenly diagnosed as having depression or bipolar disorder. This disorder can be treated with the proper medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to feel nervous and worried at times, for example when you're preparing to take an exam or public speaking engagement. If these feelings are extreme and frequent, and affect your daily activities, and last for longer than you'd expect, you could have an anxiety disorder. There are also physical symptoms, like a pounding heartbeat or the feeling that you're choking or having a heart attack.
Women suffering from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional ups and downs associated with anxiety. They can easily become frustrated and are extremely sensitive to minor irritations. For instance, a minor error or being put on hold for long periods of time can cause these women to become extremely angry. They may flee, avoid the problem or even abandon the project completely.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to threat or danger, and it's designed to prepare your body and mind to fight. When anxiety becomes a problem, it can make people weak and weakened.
There are a myriad of treatments for anxiety disorders, which include therapy and medication. The kind of therapy you choose will depend on the cause, however both cognitive and behavioral methods can aid you in reducing your anxiety and feelings.
To lessen content , eat healthy and get enough rest. Avoid stimulants and caffeine that can cause mood swings. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise at a brisk pace, helps release brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join an online support group or connect with friends in person or over the phone. Being with others can decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can teach you techniques to calm down through guided imagery or gradual exposure to uncomfortable scenarios.