5 Myths About Female ADD Symptoms That You Should Stay Clear Of
Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD often experience depression. This could lead to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women with ADD also are more likely to be unhappy when waiting, for example, when standing in line or waiting to get customer service.
adhd symptoms and treatment can change in response to hormonal fluctuations in females during puberty, menstrual cycle and menopausal perimenopausal cycles. They can be masked or exacerbated by estrogen and are less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who have inattentive ADD are often troubled by their difficulty in staying focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattention ADD symptoms can also cause problems with time management and the inability to follow instructions. Women with ADD have a higher risk of developing depression than women who do not suffer from the disorder. However both disorders can coexist.
Parents and teachers may find it more difficult to recognize adults suffering from non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms tend to be subtler. They may struggle to finish homework or schoolwork and could be absent from important lectures and are not able to concentrate in meetings at work. Adults who struggle may also struggle to find a job or keep a current job.
Inattention ADD is more prevalent in girls and women than boys. Often, these women and girls are not diagnosed with depression or anxiety as they enter puberty or experience mood swings that are associated with PMS and perimenopausal. Doctors usually look for more obvious behaviors that are indicative of ADD in males, but do not recognize these in girls or females, especially during this time.
Women with inattentive ADD are more likely to become frustrated by their inability to focus, which can cause anger or even frustration. They may also be more likely to internalize their anger, and express it in ways that could hurt their relationships. For instance, if a person interferes with her while she is trying to finish the task, she may storm off and leave the room. Inability to stay focused may cause her to make mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Life is full of fluctuations and ups. If your mood swings are intense and affecting your daily routine. You might feel as if you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. The frequent and extreme mood swings can indicate an underlying mental health issue that requires treatment.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly switch from feeling happy or upbeat to feeling angry or sad within just a few minutes. These changes could be caused by a variety of causes, including diet and blood sugar fluctuation, sleep disturbances and stress. Mood changes can also be a consequence of certain drugs and substances.
The majority of people experience occasional mood fluctuations however if you experience frequent and extreme mood swings, it may be time to consult your doctor. According to the reason, a variety of treatments can assist you in managing your symptoms, such as psychotherapy, medication or other lifestyle therapies.
Women are often experiencing mood changes 1 to 2 weeks before their period, as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue and changes in appetite. They can also cause constipation, depression, and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood swings are more intense during this time you should keep a detailed journal to see if it is possible to identify the cause. This will help you feel more comfortable opening questions to your doctor, and it could also provide some confirmation of how you are feeling.
Making changes to your diet and getting more rest can help reduce mood swings. If you're taking medication that is causing these symptoms, changing your dosage or trying a different drug may help alleviate your symptoms. The mood swings could be a sign of a range of psychological and medical disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to act quickly without considering the consequences. While some impulsive behaviors are normal, a consistent pattern of problems with impulse control may be a sign of ADD or a different condition. Someone who is impulsive may struggle to save money, spending more than they could afford, or disclose personal information to others without considering the consequences. They may also have trouble when it comes to activities that require careful planning, like driving or working in law enforcement.
It's normal for teens and children to be impulsive, but it's not unusual for adults too. If you're having problems with your work or relationships because of your impulsive behavior, it's important that you seek medical assistance.
There are many reasons for impulsive behavior, including the brain structure, genetics, chemical imbalances, as well environmental conditions. An emotional stress history or trauma can trigger an impulsive behaviour, as could having a parent who suffers from a mental illness. Certain medications, including antidepressants and stimulant drugs, can also cause an increase in impulsiveness.
It is important to differentiate between from compulsive and impulsive behaviors, which is routine and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, such as checking the oven repeatedly are compulsive, whereas impulse-driven behaviors, like buying something on impulse are impulsive. The tendency to be impulsive is a female ADD sign that is quite common especially in girls who are experiencing PMS or puberty, and during menopause, when estrogen levels start to decrease. Appearing aloof during conversations or struggling to finish tasks like laundry are also signs of ADD in women. In certain cases women's impulsiveness and inattention can lead them to be misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression. This condition may be treated with the proper medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to be nervous and worried at times, for example when you're preparing to take an exam or speaking engagement. However, if these feelings are frequent and intense, cause problems with your daily routine and last longer than normal, you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. You may also feel physical symptoms such as a pounding heart or the sensation of choking or having a heart attack.
Women who suffer from ADD are especially susceptible to the emotional swings and downs associated with anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and can be extremely sensitive to minor irritations. They can get extremely upset over a tiny mistake or being in a queue for a long period of time. They may storm off to avoid a situation or even abandon the task.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to threats or dangers, and it's designed to prepare your body and mind to defend yourself. When anxiety takes over it can cause people to become debilitated.
There are a myriad of treatment options for anxiety disorders, which include medication and therapy. The type of therapy you receive depends on the root cause. However both behavioral and cognitive methods can help you manage your anxiety and worry.
To ease anxiety, eat healthy and sleep enough. Avoid stimulants and caffeine that can trigger mood swings. Exercise, especially intense aerobic exercise, triggers brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join a support group, or contact friends in person or on the phone. Being with other people can decrease anxiety and reduce loneliness. A therapist can teach you methods to relax yourself by using guided visualization or gradual exposure to stressful situations.