Identifying adult adhd symtoms suffering from ADD often experience depression. This can lead to a misdiagnosis for bipolar disorder. Women with ADD also are more likely to be annoyed by waiting, such as while standing in line or waiting for customer service.
ADD symptoms can alter with hormonal changes in females during puberty, the menstrual cycle, as well as perimenopause or menopause. They can be masked or exacerbated by estrogen, and are less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women suffering from inattention ADD typically have difficulty focusing on tasks, and are easily distracted by external or internal 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.
In contrast to children with hyperactive ADD, adults with the non-hyperactive form of ADD tend to be more difficult for parents and teachers to identify, as their symptoms are more subtle. They may not be able to complete their homework or schoolwork and could miss important lectures in class. They also may not be attentive when they attend meetings at work. Adults who struggle may also struggle to find a job or keep a current job.
Inattention ADD affects more women and girls than boys. These girls and women can be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression when they reach puberty or if they experience mood swings that are associated with PMS or perimenopausal. This is because doctors look for the more obvious behavior characteristics of ADD in boys but fail to detect them in girls or women, particularly during these periods.
Women who are inattentional ADD are more likely to become frustrated with their lack of focus, which can result in anger or frustration. They may also be more likely to internalize their anger and behave in ways which could harm their relationships. For example, if someone interrupts her while trying to complete a task, she might quit and quit the room. Inability to remain focused on a particular task may cause her to make careless mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are an inevitable part of life. But if your mood shifts are extreme, they may interfere with your daily activities and cause you to feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. The frequent and severe mood swings can be a sign of a mental health issue.
Mood swings are when you suddenly switch from feeling happy, upbeat or optimistic to feeling sad or angry within a short time. These changes can be caused by a myriad of factors, including diet and blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances, and stress. Certain drugs and substances can cause mood changes.
Many people experience occasional mood changes however if you experience frequent and severe mood swings, it could be time to speak with your doctor. Based on the root of your symptoms, you can manage them using a variety of treatments, including medication, therapy or lifestyle changes.
Women often experience mood shifts between 1 and 2 weeks prior to their period, as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue as well as changes in appetite. They can also cause anxiety, bloating, depression, and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood swings are more intense during this period you should keep a detailed journal to see if it is possible to track them to their source. This will make you feel more confident in bringing them up to your doctor and provide some validation for your current state of mind.
Altering your diet and getting more sleep can reduce the frequency of mood swings. If you're taking medication that is causing these symptoms, adjusting the dosage or experimenting with a different drug may help ease your symptoms. Mood swings are the result of a variety of medical and psychological disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a tendency to act quickly and without considering the consequences. A persistent pattern of problems with impulse control may be an indication of ADD or other conditions. For instance, someone who is impulsive might struggle to save money, or spend more than they can afford to or reveal personal information without considering the consequences. They might also have difficulty with activities requiring careful planning, such as driving or working in the law enforcement field.
An impulsive streak is normal in teenagers and children, but it's not uncommon for adults to experience this symptom too. It's important to seek medical attention if experiencing difficulties with your job or relationships because of the impulsiveness of your actions.
Many factors can trigger impulsive behavior. This includes genetics, brain structure, chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. adhd symptoms in adult women of emotional or physical trauma can also contribute to the impulsive behavior, as could a family member with mental illness. Certain medications can also increase the impulsiveness of a person like antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It's important to distinguish from compulsive and impulsive behaviors, which is repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behavior, like checking the oven over and over again, are compulsive, while the more impulsive actions, like buying something on impulse are impulse-driven. The tendency to be impulsive is a common female ADD sign, especially during puberty, PMS, and during menopausal periods when estrogen levels decrease. Women can also show symptoms of ADD by appearing distant in conversations or having trouble completing tasks such as laundry. In some instances women's inattention or impulsiveness can lead them to be incorrectly diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. This disorder can be treated with the proper medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to be anxious or worried from time occasion, like when you're preparing for a public speaking opportunity or test. If your feelings are intense and constant, and disrupt your daily routine and last longer than you'd expect it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms like an intense pulse or the feeling of choking or having a heart attack.
Women with ADD are especially susceptible to the emotional ups and downs that come with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and are overly sensitive to minor irritations. These women can become extremely angry over a small error or being held for a long period of time. They could flee or 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. When anxiety becomes a problem it can cause people to become debilitated.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The type of therapy depends on the cause, however both cognitive and behavioral methods can aid you in reducing your anxieties and emotions.
To lessen anxiety, eat a balanced diet and get enough rest. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, that can trigger mood swings. Exercise, particularly vigorous aerobic exercise, triggers brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support group or make contact with friends. Being with others can help reduce isolation and reduce anxiety. A therapist can guide you through methods to relax yourself through guided imagery or gradual exposure to stressful situations.