Identifying adhd symptoms women with ADD frequently experience depression. This can lead to a mistaken diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to be annoyed by waiting, for example, when waiting in line or waiting for customer service.
ADD symptoms in females may fluctuate with hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, puberty, and during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. They can also be covered by estrogen and be less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattentive ADD often have difficulty focus on tasks, and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattentive ADD symptoms also include trouble with time management and the inability to follow instructions. Women who suffer from ADD have a higher risk of developing depression than women without the disorder. However the two disorders may coexist.
As opposed to children with hyperactive ADD, adults with the non-hyperactive subtype of ADD tend to be more difficult for teachers and parents to identify, as their symptoms are more subtle. They may not be able to finish their homework or schoolwork, and they might not attend important classes in class. They may also not pay attention to meetings at work. These adults could also have a difficult time finding an employment or maintaining their current one.
Inattentional ADD is more prevalent in girls and women, as compared to the hyperactive ADD that is more prevalent in males and boys. Often, these women and girls are not diagnosed with anxiety or depression as they reach puberty or suffer the mood swings that accompany PMS and perimenopausal. This is because doctors look for the more obvious behavior traits of ADD in boys, but don't identify them in girls and women, particularly during these times.
Women who have inattention ADD are more likely to become frustrated by their inability to concentration, which could lead to anger or frustration. These women are also more likely to dwell on their frustration, and act out in ways that can harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her when she is working, for example she could scream out of the room. The inability to focus on a task might even cause her to make careless mistakes that she later regrets.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of ups and downs. If your mood swings are severe they could affect your daily activities. You may feel like you are on an emotional rollercoaster. Extremely frequent and intense mood fluctuations can be a sign of an underlying mental health condition that requires treatment.
Mood swings happen when you suddenly go from feeling happy, upbeat or optimistic to feeling sad or angry in an hour. These changes can be caused by a myriad of factors such as diet and blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances, and stress. Certain medications and substances may cause mood changes.
Many people experience occasional mood swings, but if you have frequent and severe mood swings, it may be time to talk to your doctor. Based on the root of your symptoms, you can manage them with a variety treatments, such as treatment, medication, or lifestyle adjustments.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common mood swing that is common in women who are between 1 and two weeks prior to their period. These symptoms include fatigue, changes in appetite depression, bloating, and other discomforts. Keep a detailed diary to track your mood changes. This will make you feel more confident about making an appointment with your doctor. It will also provide some validation for your current state of mind.
Making changes to your diet and getting more rest can help reduce mood swings. If you're taking medication that causes these symptoms altering your dosage or experimenting with a different medication might help alleviate the symptoms. The fluctuation in mood can be an indication of a variety of mental and medical disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to make quick decisions and act without considering the consequences. A persistent pattern of issues with impulse control could be a sign that you have ADD or other conditions. For instance, a person who is impulsive could struggle to save money, spend more than they are able to, or divulge personal information without thinking about the consequences. They may also struggle with activities which require careful planning, such as driving or working in law enforcement.
A certain amount of impulsivity is normal in teens and children however it's not unusual for adults to suffer from this issue too. It's important to seek medical attention if you are having trouble with your work or relationships because of an impulsive behavior.
Many factors can trigger the impulsive behavior. These include the brain's structure, genetics chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. A history of emotional distress or trauma can trigger impulsive behavior, as can having a family member that suffers from a mental health issue. Certain medications can also increase the impulsiveness of a person like antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It's also important to distinguish between impulsive and compulsive behaviors that are routine and ritualistic. For example, checking whether the oven is off repeatedly is a compulsive habit, whereas purchasing something on the spur of the moment is an impulsive action. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD symptom that is common particularly in girls who are experiencing PMS or puberty, and during menopause when estrogen levels begin to decline. Being withdrawn during conversations or unable to finish tasks like laundry are signs of ADD in women. In certain instances, a woman's impulsiveness and inattention could lead to being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression, which can be treated with the correct medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to be anxious and nervous at times, like when you are preparing for an exam or public speaking event. If your feelings are intense and constant, and affect your daily activities, and last for longer than you think is appropriate it's possible you have an anxiety disorder. You may also feel physical symptoms like an intense pulse or the sensation of choking or having a heart attack.
Women who suffer from ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional turbulences that accompany anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and irritable to minor irritations. For example, a small error or being put on hold for long periods of time could make these women extremely angry. They might flee, avoid a problem or even stop the work.
Anxiety is a natural response to danger or threat and is designed to prepare your body and mind to fight. However, when it becomes overwhelming, people can become debilitated and incapable of functioning normally.
There are a variety of treatment options for anxiety disorders, which include medication and therapy. The kind of therapy you receive depends on the underlying cause. However both behavioral and cognitive strategies can help you control your anxiety and worry.
Sleep well and eat a balanced diet to reduce anxiety. Avoid caffeine and stimulants that can trigger mood swings. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise at a brisk pace, helps release brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join an online support group or contact friends in person or over 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.