Female ADD Symptoms It's Not As Hard As You Think
Identifying Female ADD Symptoms Women suffering from ADD often experience depression. This could lead to a mistaken diagnosis. Women with ADD also are more likely to be frustrated by waiting, such as while standing in line or waiting to get customer service. ADD symptoms in females may vary with hormone fluctuations during puberty, menstrual cycles and in perimenopause and menopause. They can also be masked by estrogen and be less noticeable in younger girls. 1. Inattentiveness Women suffering from inattention ADD typically have difficulty focusing on tasks, and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD symptoms also include trouble with managing time and a failure to follow through on instructions. Women with ADD are also more likely to suffer from depression than those who do not suffer from the disorder, though the two conditions can coexist. Parents and teachers may have a harder time trying to diagnose adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms tend to be more subtle. They may have difficulty finishing homework or schoolwork and might miss important class lectures as well as being not able to concentrate in meetings at work. These adults could be unable to find an employment or maintaining their current one. Inattentive ADD is more prevalent in women and girls than boys. Often, these women and girls are not diagnosed with depression or anxiety when they reach puberty or suffer the mood swings that accompany PMS and perimenopause. This is because doctors search for the more obvious behavior traits of ADD in boys and don't detect them in girls or women, especially during these periods. Women with inattentive ADD might be annoyed by their inability to concentration. This can result in anger and frustration. They are also more prone to internalizing their anger and can behave in ways that can harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her when she is completing a task, for example she could scream out of the room. Her inability stay focused could even lead her to make mistakes that she regrets later. 3. Mood Swings Life is full of fluctuations and ups. However, if your mood swings are extreme, they may affect your daily routine and make you feel like you're riding an emotional roller coaster. The frequent and severe mood swings may be an indication of a mental health problem. Mood swings occur when you suddenly change from feeling happy or upbeat to sad or angry in just a few minutes. These changes can be triggered by a variety of factors like blood sugar peaks and valleys, sleep disturbances, stress and weather conditions. Mood changes can also be a side effect of certain medications and substances. The majority of people experience occasional mood swings However, if you experience frequent and extreme mood swings, it could be time to speak with your doctor. Depending on the cause, a variety of treatments can assist you in managing your symptoms, such as medication, psychotherapy or other treatments for lifestyle. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common mood swing that can be experienced by women between 1 and two weeks prior to their period. These symptoms include fatigue as well as changes in appetite. They can also cause constipation, depression, and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood swings are more severe during this time you should keep a detailed journal to see if it is possible to track them to their source. This will make you feel more confident in taking them to your doctor and can provide some validation for your current state of mind. 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 is causing these symptoms, adjusting your dosage or trying a different medication may reduce the symptoms. Mood swings can be the result of a variety of mental and medical disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as bipolar disorder and depression. 4. Impulsivity The tendency to make rash decisions and act without considering the consequences. A pattern of constant problems with impulse control may be a sign that you have ADD or other disorders. Someone who is impulsive may have difficulty saving money, spending more than they can afford, or reveal personal information to others without considering the consequences. They might also have difficulty in activities that require planning, like driving or working in the field of law enforcement. It's normal for teens and children to be impulsive, however it is not uncommon for adults too. If you're having issues in your relationships or at work because of 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, and environmental factors. An emotional stress history or trauma can trigger 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 including antidepressants as well as stimulant drugs. It's also important to differentiate the impulsive behavior from compulsive ones, which are repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behavior, like checking the oven repeatedly, are compulsive, while the more impulsive actions, like buying something on impulse, are impulse-driven. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD sign that is quite common, especially for girls going through puberty or PMS as well as during menopausal cycles as estrogen levels begin to decrease. Women can also show signs of ADD by appearing distant during conversations or having difficulty completing tasks like washing. In certain instances, a woman's impulsiveness and inattention could lead to being misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression which may be treated with the right medication. 5. Anxiety It's perfectly normal to be nervous and worried at times, such as when you're preparing for an exam or public speaking engagement. If these feelings are extreme and constant, and disrupt your daily routine, and last for longer than you'd expect it's possible you have an anxiety disorder. There are also physical symptoms, such as an accelerating heartbeat or feeling like you're choking or having an attack of the heart. Women who suffer from ADD can be particularly vulnerable to the emotional fluctuations that accompany anxiety. They can get easily frustrated and overly sensitive to even minor aggravations. They can get extremely upset over a tiny error or being held for a long period of time. They might storm off or 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 to fight. However, when it gets too much the body, people can become weak and incapable of functioning normally. Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The kind of therapy you receive depends on the root cause. However both behavioral and cognitive strategies can help you control your emotions and worries. Eat healthy and sleep enough to reduce anxiety. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can exacerbate mood swings. signs and symptoms of adhd in adults , particularly aerobic exercise at a fast pace, triggers brain chemicals which reduce stress. Join an online support group or reach out to friends in person or via the phone. Being around others can help reduce anxiety and ease loneliness. A therapist can teach you strategies to relax through guided imagery or gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations.