Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women who suffer from ADD might be frustrated with their inability to organize and plan especially when they move through life. They tend to daydream or act impulsively. Minor inconveniences can make them irritable.
Making a correct diagnosis and treatment for adults with ADHD is difficult because many women don't exhibit all the typical symptoms. There are signs of ADD that adult women should be aware of.
1. Trouble focusing
Women who have difficulty focusing might lose their spot frequently in the book or forget appointments. They may also find themselves changing the subject of conversation often or putting off work. These habits are often mistaken for normal behavior due to stress, aging parents, or an overloaded work schedule. They could be a sign of a disorder that is commonly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The most prominent indication of ADHD in adults is the difficulty of being on task or remembering things. This symptom can cause problems at home, work or at school, and aggravates the anxiety that's common among women suffering from ADHD. Women who are unable to concentrate can easily become distracted by daydreaming or lost in their thoughts. They may even get stuck on a topic for days, hours or even weeks--often on a subject they find interesting or gratifying--and are unable to let go of it.
Many women with ADD also tend to be impulsive and they're unable to control themselves. They tend to behave or speak without thinking and can cause issues. They're more likely to interrupt others in conversations and to speak out about things they later regret, and tend to be more prone to sexual risk-taking (such as sex that is more casual and risky behaviours with alcohol or drugs, or even unplanned pregnancies) in comparison to other women.
It's important for women to understand that these issues aren't an inevitable part of aging or a result of menopausal changes and can lead to depression and anxiety, poor relationships and low self-esteem. A diagnosis and treatment can help you live your best life at work and at home. This can include counseling and medication.
2. Uncontrollable Mood Swings
Although mood swings are a part of everyday life, they can be extreme and disruptive. Mood swings are difficult to manage and can impact your relationships, work performance and ability to complete daily tasks. Mood changes may also be the sign of a mental health condition, like bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. They may be a side effect of certain medications, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers. Other reasons for mood changes are nutritional issues (such as malnourishment or blood sugar spikes) stress, stress, and environmental factors, like the weather.
Women can experience mood swings as a result of premenstrual disorder, also known as premenstrual dysfunction (PMDD) and hormone changes during puberty. Changes in hormones can cause ADD symptoms worse during these periods.
Talk to your doctor for advice if you experience mood swings that are frequent, fast, or affect your routine. Disorders of mood are treatable however, you'll need to consult with a doctor who can assist you in determining the best treatment strategy.
Women are more likely to experience anxiety or depression when they are diagnosed with ADD. This can increase mood swings. In some instances, these moods can lead to suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Being aware of these signs early can help you receive the support and treatment you need.
3. Irritability
Irritability is a condition that can affect both your personal life and your career. If you're insecure with your partner or frustrated by your colleagues, you might be suffering from irritability. Irritation can also cause you to become frustrated over seemingly minor things and cause you to become angry. By taking steps to reduce your anger, you will improve your mood as well as your overall health.
Studies have demonstrated that irritability can be linked to depression and other mood disorders. It is also a factor in the development of anxiety and depressive symptoms. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI), a trait measure of hostility, also includes an Irritability subscale. Several other measures of irritability are also available, including the Irritability, Anger and Hostility Scale and the Anger, Irritability and Assault Questionnaire.
If you're prone to feeling uneasy, consult your doctor. They can assist in determining the root cause of your problem and provide treatment options.
A doctor can conduct blood or urine tests to check your hormone levels, and to determine if you have diabetes or other conditions that could be causing your irritability. They may also recommend you to an expert in mental health for therapy or prescribe medication to help you manage your mood.
There are people who experience periods of being more irritable than usual because of an infection that is bacterial or viral. Children with colds are often more irritable however, this tends to go away as soon as they recover. Irritability can also manifest in women as a result of the normal physiology of the menstrual cycle or because of an illness, such as pregnancy, illness or injury.
The irritability scale developed by Stringaris and Goodman includes 5 items assessing core symptom domains of anger (annoyance, anger, tension and sensitivity).). The Self-Rating Scale (SRS) and Observer Rating Scale (ORS) have demonstrated good test-retest and inter-rater reliability.
4. inattentive adhd in women are easily distracted
Women with ADD have difficulty completing daily tasks. They may miss important dates, forget appointments, or have trouble following instructions. They could also become lost in their thoughts, or even daydream excessively, even during boring, uninteresting activities. They might be compelled to check online news or social media feeds or lose track of time when working on a task or project.
Women may be prone to impulsivity. This may manifest in the form of speaking or acting without thinking, and can cause financial issues as well as a messy house and even relationship issues. They might jump into projects and relationships with a vengeance and regret their choices later on or feel spread too thin with a myriad of responsibilities and goals.
These symptoms are more prominent during menstruation when progesterone levels decrease and estrogen increases. This can exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women who are already experiencing hormonal changes. It's important that women recognize and deal with their ADHD symptoms to live the life they want to. A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD can help them overcome these challenges.
5. Impulsivity
Every person makes impulsive decisions whether it's getting that dramatic haircut or yelling at your partner. But when impulsive behavior becomes a habit or an ongoing issue, it could be a sign that you need to seek assistance.
Inattention to impulses can cause damage to relationships as well as finances and self-esteem. It's especially difficult in adulthood, when life is already incredibly busy and complicated. The bills aren't paid, deadlines are missed at work and the impulsive comments of friends can be a source of discord. Worse yet, impulsive behaviors can have dangerous and harmful consequences, such as 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. Skinner advises clients to talk about their feelings and the ways they cope with them, and to consider where, when and why they tend be impulsive.
She reminds her clients to be aware that impulsive behavior are often tied to specific emotions like anger or frustration. "If your impulses can get you into trouble--and they do for a lot of people, then it's time to take action to change your attitude," she adds.
Another common indication of impulsivity is spending too much and compulsive behaviours like buying things or binge-watching reality TV. It is important to understand that compulsiveness and impulsiveness aren't the same thing. While impulsive behaviors are often linked to emotions, like anger or frustration, compulsive behavior are usually tied to an addiction or obsession. It's also important to distinguish between the two since they have different treatment options and are treated differently by mental health professionals. For instance, a person may be diagnosed with compulsive disorder, but still require treatment for their ADHD.