20 Things You Need To Know About Female ADD Symptoms
Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD are often depressed. This can lead to misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women with ADD are also more likely to get annoyed when waiting, whether it is waiting in line to get customer service or waiting on hold.
ADD symptoms can change in response to hormonal fluctuations in females throughout puberty, the menstrual cycle, as well as menopausal or perimenopausal changes. They can also be masked by estrogen and may be less obvious in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattention ADD typically have difficulty focus on tasks, and are easily distracted by internal or external stimuli. Inattention ADD symptoms can also cause problems with managing time and a failure to follow instructions. Women with ADD are also more likely to be depressed than those without the disorder, though the two conditions can coexist.
Teachers and parents may find it more difficult to recognize adults suffering from non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms tend to be more subtle. They might not be able to complete their homework or schoolwork and could not attend important classes in classes. They may also not pay attention when they attend meetings at work. These adults may also have difficulty finding jobs or keeping their current one.
Attention-deficit ADD affects more females and girls than males. In many cases, women and girls are not diagnosed with anxiety or depression as they reach puberty or suffer mood swings that are associated with PMS and perimenopausal. This is because doctors look for the more overt behavioral traits of ADD in boys but fail to detect them in girls or women, especially during these phases.
Women with inattentive ADD are more likely to become frustrated with their lack of focus, which can cause anger or even frustration. These women are also more likely to feel anger, and express it in ways that can harm their relationships. For instance, if someone interrupts her while trying to complete the task, she may get angry and quit the room. Her inability stay focused could cause her to make mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of ups and downs. But if your mood shifts are severe, they could affect your daily routine and cause you to feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. Extremely frequent and intense mood fluctuations can be a sign of an underlying mental health condition that requires treatment.
Mood swings are when you suddenly switch from feeling cheerful, upbeat or positive to feeling depressed or angry in an hour. These changes could be caused by a myriad of factors such as diet and blood sugar fluctuation, sleep disturbances and stress. Certain drugs and substances can cause mood changes.
If you experience frequent and intense mood changes, it's time to consult your physician. Based on the reason various treatments can assist you in managing your adhd asd symptoms, such as medication, psychotherapy or other lifestyle therapies.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a typical mood swing that can be experienced by women who are between 1 and 2 weeks before their period. These lesser known adhd symptoms include fatigue, changes in appetite depression, bloating, and other aches. Keep a detailed diary to keep track of your mood fluctuations. This will make you feel more confident in taking them to your doctor. It will also give you some confirmation of the way you're feeling.
Altering your diet and getting more sleep can reduce the frequency of mood swings. If you're taking medication that causes these symptoms, changing your dosage or trying a different drug may ease your symptoms. Mood shifts can be a symptom of a range of medical and psychological disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd inattentive type symptoms) and depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to make rash decisions without taking into account the consequences. An ongoing pattern of impulse control problems can be an indication of ADD or other conditions. A person who is impulsive might be unable to save money, or spending more than they can afford, or divulge personal information to others without considering the consequences. They might also have difficulty with activities requiring careful planning, such as driving or working in the law enforcement field.
It's normal for teens and children to be impulsive, however it's not unusual for adults too. If you're having issues in your relationships or at work due to your impulsive behavior it's crucial to seek medical help.
There are many reasons for the impulsive behavior, such as the brain structure, genetics, chemical imbalances, as well as environmental factors. A history of emotional distress or trauma may contribute to an impulsive behaviour, as could having a family member that suffers from a mental illness. Certain medications can also increase a person's impulsiveness, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It's also important to distinguish between impulsive and compulsive behaviors, which are repetitive and ritualistic. For example, checking whether the oven is turned off frequently is a compulsive behavior and buying something on a whim is an impulsive act. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD symptom, particularly during puberty, PMS, and during menopausal periods when estrogen levels decrease. Appearing aloof during conversations or unable to finish chores like washing laundry are also signs of ADD in women. In certain instances, a woman's impulsiveness and inattention may result in being misdiagnosed as having depression or bipolar disorder, which can be treated with the correct medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to be nervous and worried at times, like when you are preparing for an exam or public speaking engagement. If these feelings become frequent and extreme, interfere with your daily activities and last longer than is reasonable, you may have an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms of adhd in adult women, such as an accelerating heartbeat or the feeling that 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 become extremely sensitive to minor aggravations. These women can become extremely upset over a tiny mistake or being on hold for a long period of time. They might storm off or avoid the issue, or even drop the task completely.
Anxiety is a natural response to danger or threat and is a reaction designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. However, when it becomes overwhelming the body, people can become weak and incapable of functioning normally.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The type of therapy you choose depends on the root cause, however both cognitive and behavioral approaches can aid you in reducing your anxiety and feelings.
To reduce your anxiety, eat well and get enough rest. Avoid caffeine and stimulants that can cause mood swings. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise at a fast pace, triggers brain chemicals which reduce stress. Join a support network or make contact with friends. Being with others can decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can show you methods to relax yourself through guided imagery or gradual exposure to situations that make you uncomfortable.