Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADD often experience depression. This could lead to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women who suffer from ADD also are more likely to be frustrated by waiting, such as while standing in line or on hold for customer service.
ADD symptoms can change in response to hormonal changes in females during puberty, the menstrual cycle, as well as perimenopause or menopause. They can also be covered by estrogen, and could be less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattention ADD frequently have trouble staying focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentive ADD can also cause problems with time management and an inability of following through on instructions. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to develop depression than those who do not suffer from the disorder, even though the two conditions can coexist.
Parents and teachers 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 might not be able complete their homework or schoolwork and could not attend important classes in classes. They also may not pay attention to 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 opposed to the hyperactive ADD seen more often in males and boys. Women and girls may be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression when they reach puberty or when they experience mood swings that are associated with PMS or perimenopausal. Doctors usually look for more overt 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 are inattentive ADD may become frustrated by their lack of concentration. This can result in anger and frustration. They may also be more prone to internalizing their anger and can behave in ways that can harm their relationships. For instance, if someone interrupts her while trying to complete an assignment, she could storm off and leave the room. The inability to focus on a task could result in her making careless mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a normal part of life. If your mood swings are extreme and affecting your daily activities. You may feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. Extremely frequent and extreme mood swings could be an indication of a mental health condition.
Mood swings happen when you suddenly go from feeling upbeat, happy or positive to feeling depressed or angry 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 result of certain medications and substances.
If you experience frequent and severe mood changes then it's time to talk to your physician. Depending on the reason for your symptoms, you can manage them with a variety treatments, such as therapies, medication or lifestyle adjustments.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a frequent mood swing that is common in women between 1 and 2 weeks prior to their period. These symptoms include fatigue as well as changes in appetite. They can also trigger constipation, depression, and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood fluctuations are more intense during this time, keep a detailed log to determine if you are able to identify the cause. This will help you feel more confident about bringing them up to your doctor. It will also give you some confirmation of the way you're feeling.
Making changes to your diet, getting more rest and exercising as well as practicing relaxation techniques can all help reduce mood swings. If you're taking a medications that cause these symptoms, changing your dose or trying another medication may reduce the symptoms. Mood swings can be a sign of many psychological and medical conditions including attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a tendency to act quickly and without thinking about the consequences. An ongoing pattern of impulse control problems can be a sign that you have ADD or other disorders. For instance, a person who is impulsive might have difficulty saving money, or spend more than they are able to, or disclose personal information without considering the consequences. visit site may also struggle when it comes to activities that require careful planning, such as driving or working in law enforcement.
It's not uncommon for children and teens to be impulsive. However, it is not uncommon for adults as well. If you're having problems with your work or relationships due to your impulsive behavior it's important that you seek medical attention.
There are a variety of causes for impulsive behavior, including genetics, brain structure and chemical imbalances, as well as environmental conditions. A history of emotional or physical trauma can be a contributing factor to the impulsive behavior, as could a family member with mental illness. Certain medications, including antidepressants and stimulant drugs, can also cause an increase in impulsiveness.
It is important to differentiate between the difference between compulsive and impulsive behavior, which is a repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behavior, like checking the oven repeatedly are compulsive, whereas impulse-driven behaviors, like purchasing something on impulse, are impulsive. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD characteristic that is prevalent particularly for girls experiencing puberty or PMS as well as during menopausal cycles, when estrogen levels start to drop. Women can also show symptoms of ADD by appearing disengaged during conversations or having trouble completing tasks such as laundry. In certain instances women's impulsiveness and inattention could lead to her being misdiagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder, which can be treated with the correct medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to be anxious or anxious from time to occasion, like when you're prepping for a public speaking event or test. If these feelings become frequent and extreme, interfere with your daily activities and last longer than is normal, you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. You may also feel physical symptoms such as an intense pulse or the feeling of choking or a heart attack.
Women who suffer from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional fluctuations associated with anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and become extremely sensitive to minor aggravations. They can get extremely upset over a tiny mistake or being in a queue for a long time. They may flee and avoid the issue or even drop the task altogether.
Anxiety is a natural response to threats or dangers, and it's designed to prepare your body and mind to defend yourself. When anxiety is a major factor it can leave people weak and weakened.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The type of therapy you choose depends on the cause, however both behavioral and cognitive approaches can help you learn to control your anxieties and emotions.
To ease anxiety, eat well and get enough sleep. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, that can trigger mood swings. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise at a fast pace, helps release brain chemicals which reduce stress. Join a support network or call or visit friends. Being with other people can decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can show you ways to relax, such as guided visualization or gradual exposure to stressful situations.