Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women who suffer from ADD might be frustrated by their inability to organize and plan particularly as they move through their lives. These women tend to daydream or behave impulsively. Even minor issues frustrate them so much that they are angry and irritable.
It can be challenging to identify and treat adult ADHD because many women do not exhibit all of the typical symptoms. There are signs of ADD that women who are adults should be aware of.
1. Problems with Focusing
Women who have trouble staying focused might notice that they frequently lose their place in a book, are prone to forget appointments, regularly change the subject during conversations, or are susceptible to procrastination. These behaviors are often mistaken as normal behaviors due to stress, aging parents or the demands of a hectic work schedule. However, they could be signs of a common disorder called attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Adults suffering from ADHD struggle to stay focused or remembering important things. This can cause problems in the workplace, at school and at home. It also causes anxiety, which is already prevalent among women with ADHD. Women who struggle to concentrate are also more likely to be easily distracted, whether by daydreaming or getting lost in their thoughts and not paying attention to what they're doing. They could even become stuck on something for hours, days or even longer--often something they find interesting or rewarding, and are unable to let go of it.
Many women with ADD are also prone to be impulsive and they aren't able to control themselves. They often act or speak without thinking, which can lead to issues. They are more likely to interrupt other people during conversations and talk about things that they later regret, and tend to be more prone to sexual risk-taking (such as more casual sex or risky behavior when using alcohol or drugs, or unplanned pregnancy) as compared to other women.
Women should be aware that these issues are not just as a result of aging or a menopausal side effect. They can cause anxiety, depression, poor relationships and low self-esteem. A diagnosis and treatment can improve your life at workplace and at home. This can include counseling and medication.
2. Uncontrollable Mood Swings
While ups and downs in mood are a normal aspect of life, occasionally they can be extreme and disruptive. Changes in mood can be difficult to manage and affect your relationships, work performance and ability to perform daily tasks. Mood changes may also be an indication of a mental health condition, like borderline personality disorder or bipolar disorder. They may also be a side effect of certain medications, including mood stabilizers and antidepressants. Other causes of mood fluctuations are nutritional issues (such as malnutrition or blood sugar spikes) stress, stress, and environmental factors, such as the weather.
In women, mood shifts may be a sign of premenstrual syndrome, also known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), along with hormonal fluctuations during menopausal and puberty. Hormonal changes can make ADD symptoms worse during these periods.
If you're experiencing mood swings that are frequently, rapid or are affecting your routine, talk to your doctor about it. It is possible to treat mood disorders, but you'll have to see a specialist.
Women are more likely than men to have a coexisting depression or anxiety due to ADD and ADD, which can make their mood swings more intense. These moods may lead to suicidal behavior or thoughts. Recognizing these signs early on will allow you to receive the help and treatment you require.
3. Irritability
Irritability is a problem that can affect both your personal life and professional career. You might suffer from anger if you're not able to communicate with your partner, or easily frustrated by colleagues. It can also cause you to be frustrated and angry over minor things. Taking steps to overcome your anger can improve your mood and overall health.
Research has shown that irritability may be related to depression and other mood disorders. It can also contribute to the development of anxiety and depression symptoms. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI) is a trait-based measure of hostility, also includes an Irritability subscale. There are other measures of irritability, including the Irritability, Anger, and Hostility scale as well as the Anger, Irritability, and Assault Questionnaire.
If you're prone to feeling stressed, speak to your doctor. They will help you determine the root of the problem and provide you with treatment options.
A doctor can order urine or blood tests to determine your hormone levels, and to exclude diabetes or other conditions that could be causing your irritability. They can also refer you to an expert in mental health therapy, or prescribe medication to manage your mood.
A bacterial or viral infection can cause some people to become more sensitive. Children who have a cold tend to be more upset however, this tends to go away as soon as they recover. Irritability may also be present in women as a result of the normal physiology of the menstrual cycle or because of a medical condition, like pregnancy or illness.
The irritability test devised by Stringaris and Goodman includes five items that measure the most important symptom domains (annoyance anger tension hostile behavior and sensitivity). The Self-Rating Scale and Observer Rating Scale provide evidence of internal consistency with good test-retest reliability as well as interrater reliability.
4. Easily Distracted
Women suffering from ADD often have difficulty managing their daily tasks and activities. They might miss appointments or other obligations, become in a state of forgetfulness about important occasions, and have trouble following instructions. They may also lose themselves in their thoughts, or daydream excessively during boring and unstimulating tasks. Web Site might be compelled to browse news websites or social media feeds, or lose track of the time while working on a task or project.
Women may be afflicted by the urge to be impulsive, which manifests in acting or speaking without thinking. It can lead to financial problems, a chaotic home, and problems in relationships. They might jump into projects and relationships full-force and regret their choices later on or feel spread too thin by the many responsibilities and goals.
These symptoms are most prominent during menstruation when progesterone levels decrease and estrogen increases. This can exacerbate ADHD symptoms for women already experiencing hormonal fluctuations. It's important for women to identify and address their ADHD symptoms so they can enjoy the life they desire. A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD could assist them in overcoming their issues.
5. Impulsivity
Every person makes impulsive decisions, whether it is getting a dramatic haircut or slapping a lover. But when impulsive behavior becomes a routine or a persistent problem, it could be an indication that you're in need of to seek assistance.
A lack of control over your impulses can destroy relationships financial and self-esteem. It's harder to control in adulthood, when life is already hectic and complicated. Deadlines at work are not met bills aren't paid, and impulsive comments alienate friends. In addition the impulsive behavior could have disastrous and negative consequences like driving drunk, or taking illegal drugs.
For counselors, Skinner says, the first step is figuring out whether impulse control is a genuine problem or a sign of something else, like anxiety or substance use. She encourages clients to talk about their feelings and how they deal with these feelings, and to consider where, when and why they're in a state of impulsivity.
She reminds her clients, to be aware that impulsive behavior are often linked to certain emotions, such as anger or frustration. "If your impulsive behavior gets you into trouble - which it does for many people It's time to change those feelings," she says.
Another sign of impulsivity is overspending and compulsive behaviours, such as watching reality shows or shopping. It is important to remember that compulsive and impulsive are not the same thing however. While impulsive behavior is often associated with emotions, like anger or frustration, compulsive behaviours are usually tied to an addiction or an obsession. It's important to differentiate between the two as they are treated differently and have different treatment options. For instance, a person may be diagnosed with compulsive disorder and still require treatment for their ADHD.