Female ADD Symptoms: It's Not As Difficult As You Think
Identifying Female ADD Symptoms Women with ADD often experience depression. This could lead to a mistaken diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADD also are more likely to be unhappy when waiting for long periods of time, such as when waiting in line or waiting to get customer service. ADD symptoms can alter with hormonal fluctuations in females throughout puberty, menstrual cycle and menopausal or perimenopausal changes. They can be masked or worsened by estrogen and are less apparent in younger girls. 1. Inattentiveness Women who have inattentive ADD are often troubled by their difficulty staying focused on tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattention 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 don't have the disorder, though the two 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 recognize, since their symptoms are less obvious. They might not be able to complete their schoolwork or homework and may miss important lectures in classes. They might also not pay attention during meetings at work. Adults with disabilities may also have a difficult time finding an employment or maintaining their current one. Attention-deficit ADD is more prevalent in girls and women than boys. The girls and women with it can be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety when they reach puberty or when they experience mood swings linked with PMS or perimenopause. This is because doctors search for the more obvious behavior traits of ADD in boys but fail to recognize them in girls and women, particularly during these periods. Women with inattentive ADD may become annoyed by their inability to concentration. This can result in anger and frustration. These women are also more likely to feel anger and behave in ways that can harm their relationships. For example, if someone interferes with her while she is trying to complete a task, she might storm off and leave the room. Her inability to stay focused on a task could cause her to make impulsive mistakes that she later regrets. 3. Mood Swings Life is full of fluctuations and ups. But if your mood shifts are extreme, they may interfere with your daily activities and make you feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. Extremely frequent and extreme mood swings can be an indication of a mental health problem. Mood swings happen when you suddenly go from feeling cheerful, upbeat or optimistic to feeling sad or angry in an hour. These changes could be caused by a variety of causes, including diet and blood sugar fluctuation, sleep disturbances and stress. Certain medications and substances may cause mood changes. If you are experiencing frequent and intense mood changes, it's time to consult your doctor. Based on the reason, a variety of treatments can assist you in managing your symptoms, such as medication, psychotherapy or other treatments for lifestyle. Women are often experiencing mood changes between 1 and 2 weeks prior to their period as a result of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue as well as changes in appetite. They can also trigger depression, bloating 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 it is possible to track them to their source. This will help you feel more confident in bringing questions to your doctor. It will also give you a sense of validation of how you're feeling. Altering your diet and getting more rest can help decrease mood swings. If you're taking a medication that causes these symptoms adjusting your dose or trying a different drug may ease the symptoms. The fluctuation in mood can be an indication of a variety of mental and medical disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), depression and bipolar disorder. 4. Impulsivity Impulsivity is a tendency to act quickly and without thinking about the consequences. While some impulsive behaviors are normal, a consistent pattern of problems with impulse control may be an indication of ADD or a different condition. For example, a person who is impulsive might have trouble saving money, spend more than they can afford to or reveal personal information without thinking about the impact. They might also have difficulty with activities requiring careful planning, such as driving or working in the law enforcement field. It's not uncommon for children and teens to be impulsive. However, it is not uncommon for adults too. It's important to seek medical attention if struggling with your work or relationships because of impulsive actions. Many factors can contribute to an impulsive behaviour. These include genetics, brain structure, chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. A history of trauma or emotional distress can also contribute to an impulsive behavior, just as the presence of a family member suffering from mental disorders. Certain medications, like antidepressants and stimulant drugs can also cause an increase in impulsiveness. It's important to distinguish the difference between compulsive and impulsive behavior that is repetitive and ritualistic. For example, checking whether the oven is off repeatedly is a habitual behavior, whereas purchasing something on the spur of the moment is an impulsive act. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD characteristic that is prevalent, especially in girls who are experiencing puberty or PMS as well as during menopausal cycles, when estrogen levels start to decline. A lack of interest in conversations or unable to finish chores like washing laundry are also signs of ADD in women. In some instances women's impulsiveness and inattention can lead them to be incorrectly diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. This condition can be treated with the appropriate medication. 5. Anxiety It's normal to feel nervous and worried at times, like when you're preparing to take an exam or public speaking engagement. If your feelings are intense and persistent, and they disrupt your daily routine, and last for longer than is reasonable, you could have an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms like a pounding heart or the feeling of choking or a heart attack. Women who suffer from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional ups-and-downs associated with anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and irritable to minor annoyances. For example, a small mistake or being placed on hold for long periods of time could make these women very angry. They might flee to avoid a situation or even abandon the task. Anxiety is a natural response to danger or threat that is designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. When anxiety becomes a problem it can leave people debilitated. Treatment options for anxiety disorders include medication and therapy. The type of therapy you will receive is dependent on the root cause. However, both cognitive and behavioral methods can help you manage your emotions and worries. Sleep well and eat a balanced diet to ease anxiety. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, that can trigger mood swings. visit their website , especially brisk aerobic exercise, triggers brain chemicals that cut stress. Join a support network or call or visit friends. Being in the company of others can alleviate loneliness and decrease anxiety. A therapist can teach you techniques to calm yourself through guided imagery or gradual exposure to stressful situations.