Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD are usually depressed. This can lead to misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to be frustrated by waiting, for example, when standing in line or waiting to get customer service.
ADD
symptoms of adhd in older adults can alter with hormonal fluctuations in females throughout puberty, menstrual cycle, as well as menopausal or perimenopausal changes. They can also be covered by estrogen, and could be less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattention ADD typically have difficulty staying focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD can also cause problems with time management and an inability of following the instructions. Women with ADD are also more likely to suffer from depression than those who do not suffer from the disorder, even though both conditions can coexist.
In contrast to children with hyperactive ADD adults with the non-hyperactive form of ADD tend to be more difficult for teachers and parents to diagnose, because their symptoms are less obvious. They may not be able to finish their homework or schoolwork and could miss important lectures in class. They also may not pay attention when they attend meetings at work. These adults may also have difficulty finding a job or keeping a current one.
Inattentive ADD is more common for women and girls, in contrast to the hyperactive ADD seen more often in men and boys. Often, these girls and women are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when they enter puberty or experience mood swings that are associated with PMS and perimenopausal. This is because doctors search for the more overt behavioral traits of ADD in boys, but don't recognize them in girls and women, particularly during these times.
Women with inattentive ADD are more likely to be dissatisfied by their inability to concentration, which could cause anger or even frustration. They may also be more likely to internalize their anger, and express it in ways that could hurt their relationships. For instance, if a person interferes with her while she is trying to complete an assignment, she could storm off and leave the room. Her inability stay focused could cause her to make careless errors that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of ups and downs. If your mood swings are extreme they could affect your daily activities. It could feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. Extremely frequent and extreme mood swings may be a sign of a mental health problem.
Mood swings happen when you suddenly go from feeling upbeat, happy or positive to feeling depressed or angry within a short time. These changes could be caused by a myriad of factors such as diet and blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances and stress. Mood changes can also be a side effect of certain drugs and substances.
If you are experiencing frequent and intense mood changes, it's time to consult your doctor. Depending on the reason for your
nhs symptoms of adhd, you can manage them with a variety options, including medication, therapy or lifestyle changes.
Women often experience mood shifts 1 to 2 weeks before their period, as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue as well as changes in appetite. They can also cause anxiety, bloating, depression, and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood fluctuations are more intense during this time you should keep a detailed journal to see if you can track them to their source. This will help you feel more confident making an appointment with your doctor. It will also give you some confirmation of how you're feeling.
Making changes to your diet and getting more rest can reduce the frequency of mood swings. If you're taking a medication that triggers these symptoms, adjusting your dose or trying a different one could help ease your symptoms. The fluctuation in mood can be the result of a variety of medical and psychological disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity (
adhd adult symptoms), bipolar disorder, and depression.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is the tendency to make quick decisions and act without thinking about the consequences. An ongoing pattern of problems with impulse control may be an indication of ADD or other disorders. Someone who is impulsive might have difficulty saving money, spend more money than they can afford, or divulge personal information to other people without considering the consequences. They might also have difficulty in activities that require planning, like driving or working in the law enforcement field.
It's common for teenagers and children to be impulsive, however it is not uncommon for adults as well. If you're having issues in your relationships or at work due to your impulsive behavior it's important that you seek medical attention.
There are many causes of the impulsive behavior, such as the brain structure, genetics, chemical imbalances, as well environmental factors. An emotional stress history or trauma can contribute to impulsive behavior, as can having a family member who suffers from a mental health disorder. Certain medications can also contribute to the person's impulsiveness like antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It is important to differentiate between from compulsive and impulsive behaviors, which is repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, such as checking the oven frequently are compulsive, whereas impulse-driven behaviors, like buying something on impulse are an impulsive. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD sign that is quite common especially for girls experiencing puberty or PMS as well as during menopausal cycles when estrogen levels begin to drop. A lack of interest in conversations or struggling to finish tasks like laundry are also signs of ADD in women. In some instances, a woman's impulsiveness and inattention can lead to being misdiagnosed as having depression or bipolar disorder, which may be treated with the right medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to be anxious and worried at times, for example when you are preparing for an exam or public speaking engagement. If these feelings are extreme and constant, and interfere with your daily activities and last longer than you think is appropriate, you could have an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical
adhd symptoms in women test, such as a pounding pulse or the feeling of choking, or even a heart attack.
Women who suffer from ADD are especially susceptible to the emotional swings and downs associated with anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and are overly sensitive to minor irritations. They can be extremely angry over a small error or being held for a long time. They might storm off and avoid the issue or even drop the task altogether.
Anxiety is a natural response to threat or danger and is designed to prepare your body and mind to defend yourself. However, when it becomes overwhelming, people can become debilitated and in a state of disfunction.
There are many treatments for anxiety disorders, which include medication and therapy. The kind of therapy you choose will depend on the cause, however both behavioral and cognitive approaches can aid you in reducing your worries and emotions.
To lessen anxiety, eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep. Avoid caffeine and stimulants that can cause mood swings. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise at a brisk pace, releases brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support network or make a call or visit friends. Being with others can reduce anxiety and help to alleviate loneliness. A therapist can help you learn methods to relax, such as guided images or gradual exposure to situations that are uncomfortable.