Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADD often suffer from depression. This could lead to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women with ADD are also more likely to be frustrated while waiting, whether waiting in line to get customer service or while standing on hold.
ADD symptoms in females may vary with hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles, puberty and during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. They may also be concealed by estrogen and may be less obvious in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women suffering from inattentive ADD often have difficulty focus on tasks, and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentional ADD can also cause problems with time management and a lack of ability to follow the instructions. Women with ADD are more at risk of developing depression than those who are not affected by the disorder. However, the two disorders can coexist.
Parents and teachers might be unable to recognize adults suffering from non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are less obvious. They may have trouble finishing homework or schoolwork and might miss important class lectures and are unable to pay attention in meetings at work. Adults with disabilities may also have difficulty finding an employment or maintaining their current one.
Inattentional ADD is more common in women and girls as compared to the hyperactive ADD seen more often in males and boys. These girls and women can be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression when they reach puberty or if they experience mood swings linked with PMS or perimenopause. This is because doctors search for the more overt behavioral traits of ADD in boys, but don't detect them in girls or women, particularly during these times.
Women who are inattentive ADD may become frustrated by their lack of focus. This can result in anger and frustration. These women can also be more likely to dwell on their anger and can behave in ways that may harm their relationships. For instance, if someone interrupts her while trying to finish an assignment, she could quit and leave the room. The inability to focus on a task could cause her to make impulsive mistakes that she later regrets.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a natural part of life. However, if your mood swings are extreme, they may disrupt your daily activities and make you feel like you're riding an emotional roller coaster. The frequent and extreme mood swings could be an indication of an underlying mental health problem that requires treatment.
Mood swings happen when you suddenly switch from feeling upbeat, happy or optimistic to feeling sad or angry within an hour. These changes can be triggered by a variety of factors such as blood sugar peaks and valleys, sleep disturbances, stress, and weather conditions. Certain drugs and substances can also trigger mood changes.
Most people have occasional mood swings However, if you experience frequent and severe mood swings, it might be time to consult your doctor. Based on the reason, a variety of treatments can help you manage your symptoms, including psychotherapy, medication or other lifestyle therapies.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common mood swing that is common in women between 1 and 2 weeks before their period. These symptoms include fatigue and changes in appetite. They can also cause depression, bloating, and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood fluctuations are more intense during this time keep a detailed record to determine if you are able to track them to their source. This will make you feel more confident in making an appointment with your doctor and can help you understand your current state of mind.
Making iampsychiatry to your diet, getting more rest, exercising and practicing relaxation techniques can all help reduce mood swings. If you're taking medications that cause these symptoms, changing the dosage or experimenting with a different medication may alleviate your symptoms. Changes in mood can be a sign of a range of medical and psychological disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to make rash decisions and act without thinking about the consequences. An ongoing pattern of impulse control problems can be an indication of ADD or other conditions. For instance, a person who is impulsive could struggle to save money, spend more than they can afford to, or divulge personal information without considering the impact. They might also have difficulty when it comes to activities that require careful planning, such as driving or working in the field of law enforcement.
It's common for children and teens to be impulsive, but it's not unusual for adults too. If you're having problems in your relationships or at work due to your impulsive behavior it's crucial to seek medical help.
There are a variety of causes for an impulsive behaviour, including the brain structure, genetics, chemical imbalances, as well environmental conditions. An emotional stress history or trauma can trigger impulsive behavior, as can having a family member that suffers from a mental illness. Certain medications, such as stimulant drugs and antidepressants, can also cause an increase in impulsiveness.
It is also crucial to distinguish between impulsive and compulsive behaviors, which are repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, for example, checking the oven frequently, are compulsive, while impulse-driven behaviors, like buying something on impulse are impulse-driven. Impulsiveness is a typical female ADD sign, especially in girls during puberty, PMS, and during menopausal periods when estrogen levels decrease. Women may also exhibit symptoms of ADD by appearing distant during conversations or having difficulty completing chores like washing. In some instances, women's impulsiveness or inattention can cause them to be incorrectly diagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression. This condition can be treated by the right 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 engagement. If the feelings are severe and constant, and disrupt your daily routine, and last for longer than is reasonable it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms such as a pounding heart or the feeling of choking or having a heart attack.
Women with ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional turmoil and downs associated with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and can be extremely sensitive to minor irritations. They can be extremely angry over a small error or being held for a long time. They may flee, avoid the problem or even abandon the project altogether.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to danger or threat, and it's designed to prepare your body and mind to fight. But when it takes over individuals can be afflicted and unable to function normally.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The type of therapy you receive depends on the cause. However, both cognitive and behavioral methods can help you manage your anxiety and worry.
Eat healthy and sleep enough to ease anxiety. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can exacerbate 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 on the phone. Being in the company of others can help alleviate loneliness and decrease anxiety. A therapist can teach you techniques to calm down by using guided imagery or gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations.