Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women with ADD are often dissatisfied by their inability to plan and organize, particularly when they are in the midst of life. These women often daydream or make impulsive decisions. Even minor inconveniences can frustrate them to the point where they get angry and frustrated.
Getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment for adult ADHD is challenging because many women do not exhibit all of the typical symptoms. There are indicators of ADD that adult women should be aware of.
1. Problems with Focusing
Women who have trouble staying focused might find that they often lose their place in a book, easily forget appointments, often change the subject in conversations, or are prone to procrastination. These habits are often mistaken as normal behaviour due to stress, aging parents, or a busy schedule at work. But they could be symptoms of a common disorder called attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Adults with ADHD are unable to stay focused or remembering important details. This can cause problems in the workplace, at school and at home. It also increases anxiety, which is common among women with ADHD. Women who aren't able to concentrate are also more likely to be easily distracted by daydreaming or becoming lost in their thoughts and not paying attention to what they're doing. They might even be stuck on something for days, hours or even weeks--often on a subject they find interesting or rewarding, and find it difficult to get rid of it.
Additionally, a lot of women suffering from ADD are highly impulsive and can't control their behavior, which can lead to trouble when they act or speaking without thinking about it. They're more likely to interrupt other people in conversations and to speak out about things they later regret, and they are more likely to have high rates of sexual risk-taking (such as sex that is more casual or risky behavior when using alcohol or drugs, or even unplanned pregnancies) as compared to other women.
Women should be aware of these issues aren't only as a result of aging or a menopausal side effect. They can result in anxiety, depression, poor relationships, and low self-esteem. Finding a diagnosis and a treatment, which typically includes medication and therapy, can help improve life at home as well as at work.
2. Uncontrollable Mood Swings
While fluctuations in mood are normal aspects of life, sometimes they can become extreme and disruptive. Mood swings can be difficult to control and can affect your relationships, work performance and ability to complete everyday tasks. Changes in mood can also be an indication of a mental health problem, like bipolar or borderline personality disorder. The mood swings could be caused by certain drugs such as mood stabilizers or antidepressants. Other causes of mood swings include nutritional issues (like malnourishment, caffeine or blood sugar spikes), lack of high-quality sleep, stress and other environmental factors such as weather.
In women, mood shifts could be a sign of premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and also hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Hormonal changes can make ADD symptoms worse during these times.
Speak to your doctor if you experience mood swings that are frequent, fast or disrupt your routine. It is possible to treat mood disorders, but you will have to see an expert.
Women are more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression in conjunction with ADD. This can intensify mood swings. In some cases mood swings could lead to suicidal ideas or actions. Early recognition of these symptoms can help you receive the treatment and help you require.
3. Irritability
Irritability can be a major issue in your relationships and your job. If you find yourself being insecure with your partner or frustrated by your colleagues you may be experiencing anger. It can also cause you to be annoyed over small things and become frustrated. If you take steps to lessen your irritability, you'll be able to boost your mood as well as your overall health.
Research has shown that irritability may be associated with depression and other mood disorders. Irritation may also contribute to anxiety and depressive symptoms. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI), a trait measure of hostility, also includes an Irritability subscale. There are a variety of other measures of anger, 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 underlying causes and provide you with treatment options.
A doctor can order urine or blood tests to assess your hormone levels, and to rule out diabetes or any other conditions that could cause your irritability. They can also refer to an expert in mental health treatment or prescribe medication to manage your mood.
A bacterial or viral illness can make people more sensitive. Children with a cold tend to be more upset, but this usually passes after they recover. Irritability may also be present in women as a result of the normal physiology of menstrual cycle, or due to an illness, like pregnancy or an injury, illness or.
The irritability test devised by Stringaris & Goodman contains 5 items that test the core symptom domains (annoyance aggression tension hostile behaviour and sensitivity). The Self-Rating Scale and Observer Rating Scale show evidence of internal consistency with good test-retest reliability and interrater reliability.
4. easily distracted
Women with ADD are unable to complete everyday tasks. They might miss appointments or other obligations, become unprepared for important events, and have difficulty following instructions. They can also get lost in their thoughts, or daydream excessively during boring and unstimulating tasks. They might compulsively check social media or news feeds or lose track of time while working on a chore or project.
Women may struggle with the urge to be impulsive, which manifests in speaking or acting without thinking and can cause financial problems and a chaotic home and trouble in relationships. They may take on projects and relationships with full force and regret their decision later on or feel overwhelmed by the many obligations.
These symptoms are most prominent during menstrual cycles, when hormone levels decrease and progesterone increases. This can increase ADHD symptoms for women who are already experiencing hormonal fluctuation. For women and adhd , it's essential for women to recognize and deal with their ADHD symptoms so that they can enjoy the life they desire. A diagnosis of ADHD or ADD can aid them in overcoming these issues.
5. Impulsivity
Everyone makes impulsive choices whether it's getting an outrageous hairstyle or slapping a lover. When an impulsive behaviour develops into a problem or habit, it might be time to seek out help.
Uncontrolled impulses can harm relationships, finances, and self-esteem. It's even more difficult to control in adulthood, when life is already busy and complex. The bills aren't paid, deadlines are missed at work and unintentional remarks can cause a rift with friends. And, even more troubling an impulsive attitude can lead to disastrous and negative consequences, such as driving while drunk or taking illegal drugs.
For counselors, Skinner says, the first step is to determine whether the issue of impulse control is a genuine issue or is a symptom of something else, like anxiety or use of substances. Skinner advises clients to speak about their feelings and how they are dealing with them, and to think about the time, place, and why they tend to be an impulsive.
She reminds her clients to be aware that impulsive behavior are often tied to specific emotions such as anger or frustration. "If your impulses lead you in trouble -- and 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 such as shopping or binge-watching reality shows. It is important to understand that compulsiveness and impulsiveness are not the exact same thing. While impulsive behaviors are typically tied to emotions like anger or frustration, compulsive behaviors are connected to a sense of obsession or addiction. It's important to differentiate between the two, as they are treated differently and are treated differently by mental health professionals. For instance, a client might be diagnosed with compulsive disorder but still need to seek treatment for their ADHD.