Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women who suffer from ADD are often dissatisfied by their inability to plan and organize, particularly when they are moving through life. They are usually daydreamers or are impulsive. Even minor issues frustrate them so much that they are angry and irritable.
Making a correct diagnosis and treatment for adults with ADHD is a challenge because a lot of women don't exhibit all the typical symptoms. There are signs of ADD that women of adulthood should be aware of.
1. Trouble focusing
Women who have difficulty focusing might lose their spot frequently in books or forget to make appointments. They may also find themselves changing the subject of conversation often or putting off work. These habits are often mistaken as normal behaviour due to stress, aging parents, or the demands of a hectic schedule at work. But they could be symptoms of a more common disorder known as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty staying focused or retaining important information. This can lead to problems at work, school, and at home. It can also increase anxiety, which is prevalent among women with ADHD. Women who aren't able to concentrate are also likely to be easily distracted, either by daydreaming or becoming lost in their thoughts and not paying attention to what they're doing. They could even become stuck on a topic for days, weeks or longer--often a topic they find interesting or rewarding, and become unable to break free of it.
Many women who suffer from ADD also tend to be impulsive, and they aren't able to manage themselves. They often act or speak without thinking, which can lead to problems. They're more likely to interrupt other people during conversations and to blurt out things they later regret, and tend to have higher rates of sexual risk-taking (such as more casual sex or risky behavior when using alcohol or drugs, or even unplanned pregnancy) as compared to other women.
Women should be aware that these issues aren't only as a result of aging or a side effect of menopausal. They can result in depression, anxiety, poor relationships, and low self-esteem. A diagnosis and treatment can improve your life at work and at home. This often includes counseling and medication.
2. Uncontrollable mood changes
While mood swings are a normal part of life, they can also be extremely disruptive and disruptive. Mood changes can be difficult to manage and affect your relationships, work performance and ability to complete everyday tasks. Changes in mood could be a sign of a mental health problem such as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. Mood swings may also be caused by certain drugs like mood stabilizers or antidepressants. Other causes of mood swings include nutritional issues (like malnourishment, caffeine or blood sugar peaking), lack of high-quality sleep, stress and other environmental factors like weather.
For women, mood swings could be a sign of premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) along with hormonal fluctuations during menopausal, pregnancy and puberty. Hormonal changes can make ADD symptoms worse during these times.
If you're experiencing mood swings that are frequently or rapid, or have an impact on your daily routine, speak to your doctor about it. There are treatments for mood disorders, but you will need to consult an expert.
Women are more likely than men to have an anxiety or depression that is co-existing due to ADD which can cause their mood swings more intense. These moods can sometimes lead to suicidal behavior or thoughts of suicide. Being aware of these signs can help you get the treatment and help you need.
3. Irritability
Irritability is a significant issue in your relationships as well as your job. If you find yourself being unfriendly with your partner or frustrated by your colleagues you may be experiencing anger. Irritation may also make you angry and frustrated over minor things. Making steps to manage the irritability you feel can improve your mood and overall health.
Studies have shown that irritability is linked to depression and other mood disorders. Irritation can also contribute to the development of anxiety and depression symptoms. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory, a trait measure of hostility, includes an Irritability scale. There are other measures of irritability, including the Irritability, Anger, and Hostility scale and the Anger, Irritability, and Assault Questionnaire.
Speak to treatment for adhd in women in case you are being irritable. They can help you identify the underlying cause and provide treatment options.
A doctor can order blood or urine tests to evaluate your hormone levels and look for diabetes or other issues that could be causing your irritability. They can also recommend you to an expert in mental health to receive therapy or prescribe medication that will manage your mood.
Certain people might experience a period of being more upset than usual because of a viral or bacterial infection. Children who have a cold are usually more sensitive however, this tends to go away after they recover. Irritability may also be present in women due to the normal physiology of menstrual cycle or as a result of an illness, such as pregnancy or illness.
The irritability scale devised by Stringaris and Goodman includes 5 items assessing core symptom domains of irritability (annoyance tension, anger as well as sensitivity, hostile behavior and). The Self-Rating Scale (SRS) and Observer Rating Scale (ORS) show good test-retest and inter-rater reliability.
4. easily distracted
Women suffering from ADD struggle to complete daily tasks. They may forget appointments or other obligations, be forgetful of important events, and have difficulty following instructions. They might also get lost in their thoughts or think often, even when they are doing boring, uninteresting activities. They may find themselves constantly checking social media or online news feeds or lose track of time when working on chores or projects.
Women can struggle with an impulsive nature, which manifests itself as acting or speaking without thinking and can cause financial problems as well as a chaotic home and problems in relationships. They might take on projects and relationships with a vengeance and then regret their choices later on or feel spread too thin by the many responsibilities and goals.
These symptoms are most prominent during menstrual cycle as estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase. This can increase ADHD symptoms for women already experiencing hormonal fluctuations. This is why it's essential for women to recognize and address their ADHD symptoms so they can enjoy the life they desire. A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD may assist them in overcoming their issues.
5. Impulsivity
Everyone makes impulsive choices whether it's getting a dramatic hairstyle or yelling at a friend. If impulsive behavior turns into a routine or a persistent issue is an indication that you're in need of to seek assistance.
Poor impulse control can sabotage relationships, finances and self-esteem. It's especially difficult to manage as you grow older, especially when life is already chaotic and complicated. The bills aren't paid deadlines are missed at work and unintentional remarks can cause a rift with friends. Worse yet, impulsive behaviors can lead to dangerous and harmful consequences, such as driving while drunk or taking illegal drugs.
Skinner says that for counselors, the first thing to do is determine whether impulse control is a real problem or is a sign of a different issue, such as substance abuse or anxiety. She encourages clients to talk about their feelings and how they manage them, and also to think about where, when and why they are an impulsive.
She reminds her clients as well, that impulsive behavior are often tied to specific emotions, such as anger or frustration. "If your impulses get you in trouble, which they do for many people, then it's time to make a move towards changing your feelings," she adds.
Another common sign of impulsivity is overspending and compulsive behavior, such as buying things or binge-watching reality TV. It is important to understand that impulsiveness and compulsiveness are not the exact same thing. While impulsive behaviors are typically tied to emotions like anger or frustration, compulsive behavior is linked to a feeling of obsession or addiction. It's important to differentiate between the two as they are treated differently and require different treatments. For instance, a client may be diagnosed with compulsive disorder and still require treatment for their ADHD.