Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women suffering from ADD can be frustrated by the inability to plan and organize, especially when they are moving through life. These women are often daydreamers or act impulsively. Even minor inconveniences can frustrate them so much that they are angry and irritable.
Finding a reliable diagnosis and treatment for adults with ADHD is challenging because many women don't have all the typical symptoms. There are signs of ADD that adult women must be aware of.
1. Trouble focusing
Women who are struggling to concentrate may find that they frequently lose their place in a book, frequently forget appointments, often change topics in conversations, or are prone to procrastination. These behaviors are often mistaken for normal behavior due to stress, aging parents or the demands of a hectic schedule at work. They could be signs of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which is a well-known disorder.
The primary characteristic of ADHD for adults is having trouble staying on task or remembering things. This can cause problems at work, school, and at home. It also causes anxiety, which is already common among women suffering from ADHD. Women who struggle to concentrate are easily distracted by daydreaming, or lost in their thoughts. They might even be stuck on a topic for days, weeks or longer--often a topic they find fascinating or satisfying, and are unable to let go of it.
Additionally, a lot of women with ADD are highly impulsive and can't control their behavior, often leading to trouble by acting or speaking without thinking before. They are more likely to interrupt other women in conversations, to blurt out things out that they regret, and to take more sexual risks than other women.
Women need to be aware that these issues aren't only a part of aging, or a side effect of menopausal. They can lead to depression, anxiety, poor relationships, and low self-esteem. A diagnosis and treatment can enhance your life at work and at home. This usually includes counseling and medication.
2. Uncontrollable mood shifts
While mood swings are a part of everyday life, they can also be disruptive and extreme. Mood swings can be difficult to control and can affect your relationships, work performance and your ability to finish everyday tasks. Changes in mood could be an indication of a mental health issue, like bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. They could be a side effect of certain medications, such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants. Other reasons for mood swings are nutritional issues (like malnourishment, caffeine or blood sugar peaking), lack of high-quality sleep, stress and environmental factors like weather.
For women, mood swings can be a symptom of premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorders (PMDD), and also hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. In reality, ADD symptoms often worsen during these times due to hormonal changes.
Consult your physician for advice if you experience mood swings which are frequent, rapid or interfere with your routine. Mood disorders are treatable, however, you'll need to consult with a specialist who can assist you in determining an appropriate treatment plan.
Women are more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety in conjunction with ADD. This can increase mood swings. In some instances mood swings could lead to suicidal ideas or behaviors. Early recognition of these signs can help you get the treatment and support you require.
3. Irritability
Irritability can be a huge issue in your relationships and your job. You might suffer from anger if you're not able to communicate with your partner or easily annoyed by colleagues. The stress of being angry can cause you to feel angry over minor things and cause you to become angry. If you take steps to lessen your irritability, you can boost your mood as well as your overall health.
Studies have shown that irritability can be linked to depression and other mood disorders. It can also cause depression and anxiety symptoms. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI) is a trait-based measure of hostility, also includes an Irritability subscale. There are a variety of 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 offer treatment options.
A doctor may order blood or urine tests to assess your hormone levels and check for diabetes or any other condition that could be causing your irritation. They may also refer you to an expert in mental health therapy, or prescribe medication to help control your mood.
Certain people might experience an episode of being more angry than usual due to a viral or bacterial infection. Children who have a cold tend to be more upset but it usually goes away when they heal. Irritability in women can be due to the normal physiology associated with menstrual cycles or a medical issue like pregnancy, illness or injury.
The irritability test devised by Stringaris and Goodman contains 5 items that measure the most important symptoms domains (annoyance aggression tension hostile behaviour and sensitivity). The Self-Rating Scale (SRS) and Observer Rating Scale (ORS) have demonstrated good test-retest and inter-rater reliability.
4. You can easily be distracted
Women suffering from ADD typically have difficulty managing their daily activities and tasks. They may miss appointments or other obligations, become unprepared for important occasions, and have trouble following directions. They might also get caught up in their thoughts, or ponder in a way that is distracting and boring tasks. They might be compelled to browse news websites or social media feeds, or lose track of time while working on a project or task.
Women may struggle with an impulsive nature, which manifests itself as acting or speaking without thinking. It can cause financial problems as well as a chaotic home and problems in relationships. They may jump into relationships and projects in full force but regret their decision later or be overwhelmed by their numerous responsibilities.
These symptoms are most prominent during menstruation, when estrogen decreases and progesterone levels rise. This can exacerbate ADHD symptoms for women already experiencing hormonal changes. This is why it's important for women to identify and deal with their ADHD symptoms to live the life they want to. A diagnosis of ADHD or ADD can help them overcome these challenges.
5. Impulsivity
Every person makes impulsive decisions, whether it is getting an outrageous hairstyle or snapping at a partner. But when impulsive behavior becomes an ongoing problem it could be a sign that you need to seek assistance.
Poor impulse control can damage relationships financial, self-esteem, and relationships. It's particularly difficult to control as you grow older, especially when life is already incredibly busy and complicated. Deadlines at work aren't met, bills aren't paid and impulsive comments alienate friends. In addition an impulsive attitude can lead to dangerous and harmful outcomes, such as driving while drunk or taking illegal substances.
For counselors, Skinner says, the first step is figuring out whether the issue of impulse control is a genuine issue or a symptom of something else, such as anxiety or drug use. Skinner encourages her clients to discuss their feelings and the ways they deal with them, and also to think about where, when and why they're an impulsive.
adhd women uk reminds her clients to be aware that impulsive behavior are often tied to specific emotions like anger or frustration. "If your impulses get you in trouble, which they do for many people--then it's time to make a move toward changing those feelings," she adds.
Another indication of impulsivity is excessive spending and compulsive behaviors like buying things or binge-watching reality TV. However, it is important to recognize that impulsiveness and compulsiveness aren't the same thing. While impulsive behaviors are often linked to emotions, like anger or frustration, compulsive behavior are typically linked to an addiction or an obsession. It is also crucial to differentiate between the two, as they have different treatments and are treated differently by mental health professionals. A client may be diagnosed as having compulsive disorders, yet require treatment for ADHD.