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Sexton Holman posted an update 3 months, 1 week ago
Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADD frequently experience depression. This could lead to a mistaken diagnosis. Women with ADD are also more likely to be annoyed by waiting for long periods of time, such as when 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 menopausal perimenopausal cycles. They may also be concealed by estrogen and be less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattentive ADD are often troubled by their difficulty in staying focused on tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentional ADD can also cause problems with time management, as well as an inability of following the directions given to them. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to develop depression than those who do not suffer from the disorder, but both conditions can coexist.
Unlike children with hyperactive ADD, adults with the non-hyperactive type 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 finish their homework or schoolwork and could be absent from important lectures in classes. They might also not be attentive to meetings at work. Adults may also be struggling to find a job or keep their current job.
Inattentive ADD is more prevalent in women and girls in contrast to the hyperactive ADD that is more prevalent in men and boys. Often, these girls and women are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when they reach puberty or suffer the mood swings that accompany PMS and perimenopausal. This is because doctors search for the more obvious behavioral characteristics of ADD in boys but fail to recognize them in girls and women, especially during these times.
symptoms of adhd in adults I Am Psychiatry UK who are inattentive ADD may become annoyed by their inability to concentration. This can result in anger and frustration. These women can also be more likely to dwell on their anger and can behave in ways that could damage their relationships. For example, if someone interrupts her while trying to complete the task, she may quit and leave the room. The inability to focus on a task might even 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 can affect your daily routine and make you feel like you’re on an emotional roller coaster. Extremely frequent and intense mood fluctuations could be an indication of an underlying mental health condition that requires treatment.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly go from feeling cheerful, upbeat or optimistic to feeling sad or angry in an hour. These changes can be triggered by a variety of factors that include diet, blood sugar fluctuation, sleep disturbances and stress. Mood changes can also be a side effect of certain medications and substances.
If you experience frequent and severe mood changes, it’s time to consult your doctor. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, you may be able to manage them with a variety treatments, such as treatment, medication, or lifestyle changes.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common mood swing that occurs in women who are between 1 and 2 weeks before their period. These symptoms include fatigue as well as changes in appetite. They can also cause depression, bloating and other discomforts. Keep a detailed journal to keep track of the changes in your mood. This will make you feel more comfortable bringing concerns to your doctor. It can also provide some validation of how you feel.
Change your diet, obtaining more sleep, exercising and using relaxation techniques can all help reduce mood swings. If you’re taking medication that causes these symptoms, changing your dosage or trying a different one could help ease the symptoms. Mood shifts can be a symptom of a variety of medical and psychological disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder and depression.
4. Impulsivity
The term “impulsivity” refers to the tendency to make hasty decisions without taking into account the consequences. While some of the impulsive behavior is normal, a consistent pattern of issues with impulse control can be a sign of ADD or a different condition. For instance, someone who is impulsive could have trouble saving money, spend more than they are able to, or disclose personal information without thinking about the impact. They might also have difficulty when it comes to activities that require careful planning, such as driving or working in the law enforcement field.
An impulsive streak is natural in children and teens however it’s not unusual for adults to experience this condition too. If you’re having issues in your relationships or at work due to your impulsive behavior it’s important that you seek medical help.
There are many reasons for the impulsive behavior, such as genetics, brain structure and chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. A background of emotional trauma or distress can be a contributing factor to the impulsive behavior, as could an individual in the family with a mental disorder. Certain medications can also contribute to the impulsiveness of a person, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It is important to differentiate between from compulsive and impulsive behaviors that is routine and ritualistic. For instance, checking if the oven is turned off frequently is a compulsive behavior, whereas buying something on a whim is an impulsive behavior. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD characteristic that is prevalent particularly for girls experiencing PMS or puberty as well as during menopausal cycles, when estrogen levels start to decline. Women can also show signs of ADD by appearing disengaged during conversations or unable to complete tasks such as laundry. In some cases the woman’s impulsiveness or inattention may result in being misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression which may be treated with the correct medication.
5. Anxiety
It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious and worried at times, for example when you are preparing for an exam or speaking engagement. But if these feelings are frequently and severe, interfere with your daily routine and last longer than what’s reasonable, you may have an anxiety disorder. You may also feel physical symptoms, such as a pounding heart or the sensation of choking or a heart attack.
Women who suffer from ADD can be particularly vulnerable to the emotional fluctuations that come with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and overly sensitive to even minor annoyances. For instance, a minor error or being put on hold for long periods of time could make these women extremely angry. They could flee or avoid the issue, or abandon the task altogether.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to threat or danger and is a reaction designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. When anxiety becomes a problem, it can make people feel weak.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include medication and therapy. The type of therapy you receive depends on the cause. However, both cognitive and behavioral approaches can help control your emotions and worries.
Eat healthy and sleep enough to ease anxiety. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which can cause mood swings. Exercise, particularly intense aerobic exercise, releases brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join a support group or contact friends in person or via the phone. Being with other people can reduce anxiety and ease loneliness. A therapist can teach you strategies to relax by using guided imagery or gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations.