Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women with ADD might be frustrated by their inability to plan and organize, especially as they move through their lives. They are usually daydreamers or act impulsively. Little inconveniences can make them irritable.
Getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment for adults with ADHD is difficult because many women don't exhibit all the typical symptoms. There are indicators of ADD that adult women should be aware of.
1. Trouble focusing
Women who struggle to focus might lose their spot frequently in books or forget to make appointments. They may also find themselves changing the subject of conversation frequently or even putting off tasks. The issue is that these habits are often viewed as normal due to the stress of everyday life such as aging parents, a busy job and many other factors. However, they could be signs of a disorder that is commonly known as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
adult adhd symptoms women Iam Psychiatry with ADHD struggle to stay focused or remembering important things. This can lead to problems in the workplace, at school, and at home. It also causes anxiety, which is prevalent among women with ADHD. Women who are unable to concentrate can easily be distracted by daydreaming, or lost in their thoughts. They may even get stuck on a subject for days, hours or even longer--often something they find interesting or gratifying--and become unable to break free of it.
Additionally, a lot of women with ADD are highly emotional and are unable to control their behavior, frequently leading to trouble by acting or speaking without thinking first. They're more likely to interrupt other people during conversations and to talk about things that 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 unplanned pregnancy) as compared to other women.
It's crucial for women to understand that these problems aren't simply an inevitable part of aging or a result of menopausal changes and can cause anxiety and depression, bad relationships and low self-esteem. A diagnosis and treatment can enhance your life at work and at home. This can include medication and counseling.
2. Uncontrollable mood shifts
Although mood swings are a regular part of life, they can also be disruptive and extreme. Changes in mood can be difficult to manage and may affect your relationships and work performance as well as your ability to get through everyday tasks. These mood swings could be an indication of a mental illness, like Bipolar or borderline personality disorder. Mood swings may also be caused by certain medications like mood stabilizers and antidepressants. Other reasons for mood swings are nutritional issues (like malnourishment, caffeine or blood sugar peaks) as well as a lack of quality sleep, stress and other environmental factors like weather.
Women can have mood fluctuations due to premenstrual disorder, also known as premenstrual dysfunction (PMDD), and hormonal fluctuations during puberty. Hormonal changes can make ADD symptoms worse during these times.
If you're experiencing mood swings that are frequent, rapid or have an impact on your routine, talk to your doctor about it. There are treatments for mood disorders, but you will have to see a specialist.
Women are more likely than men to have an anxiety or depression that is co-existing due to ADD and ADD, which can make their mood swings more intense. In some cases mood swings could lead to suicidal ideas or behavior. Being aware of these signs early can allow you to get the support and treatment you need.
3. Irritability
Irritability is a problem that can affect both your personal life and job. It is possible to experience irritation if you're irritable with your partner, or are easily annoyed by your colleagues. It can also cause you to be angry and annoyed over small things. If you take steps to lessen your anger, you will improve your mood as well as your overall health.
Studies have shown that irritability can be related to depression and other mood disorders. It is also a contributing factor to depression and anxiety. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory, a trait measure for hostility, includes an Irritability scale. Several other measures of irritability exist, including the Irritability, Anger and Hostility Scale, as well as the Anger, Irritability and Assault Questionnaire.
Talk to your doctor if you are prone to being irritable. They can help you identify the root of the problem and provide you with treatment options.
A doctor may order urine or blood tests to determine your hormone levels, and to exclude diabetes or other conditions that could be contributing to your irritability. They can also refer you to a mental health professional for treatment or prescribe medication to control your mood.
A viral or bacterial illness can make people more sensitive. Young children are often more stressed when they suffer from an illness, and this generally goes away as they get better. Women who are prone to irritability could be due to the normal physiology associated with menstrual cycles or a medical issue such as pregnancy, illness or injuries.
The irritability test created by Stringaris & Goodman includes five items that measure the most important symptom 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. Easily Distracted
Women with ADD often have difficulty managing their daily activities and tasks. They might miss appointments or other obligations, become in a state of forgetfulness about important events, and have trouble following directions. They can also get lost in their thoughts, or ponder often during boring and uninteresting tasks. They may be prone to checking social media or web-based news feeds or lose track of time when working on chores or projects.
Women can be troubled by impulsivity. This can manifest as acting or talking without thinking, and can lead financial problems as well as a messy house and even relationship issues. They may jump into projects and relationships with a vengeance and then regret their choices later or feel too thin with a myriad of obligations and goals.
These symptoms are particularly pronounced during menstruation which is when estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise. This can increase ADHD symptoms for women already experiencing hormonal fluctuation. It's important that women recognize and deal with their ADHD symptoms to live the life they deserve. A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD could assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
5. Impulsivity
Everyone makes impulsive choices whether it's getting a dramatic haircut or snapping at your spouse. If impulsive behavior turns into a habit or an ongoing problem it could be a sign that you need to seek help.
Poor impulse control can damage relationships as well as finances and self-esteem. It's especially difficult to manage in adulthood, when life is already hectic and complex. Deadlines at work are missed bills aren't paid, and impulsive comments alienate friends. Worse yet, impulsive behaviors can have dangerous and harmful consequences, such as driving drunk or using illegal drugs.
Skinner states that for counselors the first thing to do is determine whether impulse control is a real problem or is a sign of a larger issue like substance abuse or anxiety. Skinner encourages clients to talk about their feelings and how they cope with them, and to think about where, when and why they're in a state of impulsivity.
She reminds her clients, as well, that impulsive behavior are often correlated with certain emotions such as anger or frustration. "If your impulses get you in trouble, which they do for many people, then it's time to take steps toward changing those feelings," she adds.
Compulsive and overspending behavior like watching reality TV in a frenzied manner or shopping, are typical indications of an impulsive nature. It's important to note that impulsive and compulsive are not the same thing however. While impulsive behaviors are typically tied to emotions like anger or frustration, compulsive behavior are usually tied to an addiction or an obsession. It is important to distinguish between the two because they are treated differently and have different treatments. For instance, a client may be diagnosed with compulsive disorder and still require treatment for their ADHD.