Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women suffering from ADD may be frustrated by their inability to organize and plan, especially as they move through their lives. These women are often daydreamers or act impulsively. Little inconveniences can make them unhappy.
Finding a reliable diagnosis and treatment for adult ADHD is difficult because many women do not exhibit all of the typical symptoms. However, there are a few signs of ADD in adult women that you should be looking for.
1. Trouble focusing
Women who have trouble staying focused might notice that they frequently lose their place in a book, easily forget appointments, often change topics in conversations, or are prone to procrastination. The issue is that these issues can often be overlooked as normal because of the stress of life such as ageing parents, a demanding job and other factors. They could be signs of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a common disorder.
The most prominent indication of ADHD in adults is the difficulty of being on task or remembering things. This symptom can cause problems at work, home or at school, and can increase anxiety that is already prevalent in women with ADHD. Women who struggle to concentrate are easily distracted by daydreaming or absorbed in their thoughts. They may become stuck on a topic for hours, or even days. This is usually a topic that they find interesting or rewarding.
Many women with ADD also tend to be impulsive and they aren't able to control themselves. They tend to behave or speak without thinking and can cause problems. They tend to interrupt other women in conversations, to blurt things out that they regret and to take greater sexual risks than other women.
Women need to be aware that these issues are not just as a result of aging or a menopausal side effect. They can lead to depression, anxiety, poor relationships and low self-esteem. A diagnosis and treatment could enhance your life at work and at home. This usually includes medication and counseling.
2. Uncontrollable mood shifts
Although mood swings are normal part of life, they can also be disruptive and extreme. Mood changes can be difficult to manage and can affect your relationships as well as your ability to perform daily tasks. Mood changes may also be a sign of a mental health issue, like bipolar or borderline personality disorder. high functioning adhd in women can also be caused by certain medications like mood stabilizers and antidepressants. high functioning adhd in women for mood swings are nutritional issues (like malnourishment, caffeine or blood sugar peaking), lack of high-quality sleep, stress and other environmental factors such as weather.
In women, mood shifts can be a symptom of premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and also hormonal changes during menopausal, pregnancy and puberty. In reality, ADD symptoms often worsen in these periods due to hormonal changes.
Talk to your doctor if you experience mood swings which are frequent, fast or disrupt your routine. There are treatments for mood disorders, but you will require a consultation with an expert.
Women are more likely than men to suffer from a coexisting depression or anxiety as a result of ADD and ADD, which can make their mood swings more intense. These mood swings can cause suicidal behavior or thoughts of suicide. Recognizing these signs early on will allow you to receive the treatment and support you require.
3. Irritability
Irritability can be a major problem in both your relationships as well as your job. If you are short with your partner or easily frustrated by your colleagues you may be experiencing anger. The stress of being angry can cause you to feel annoyed over small things and become angry. If you take steps to lessen your irritability, you'll be able to improve your mood as as your overall health.
Research has shown that irritability may be associated with depression and other mood disorders. Irritation can also contribute to the development of anxiety and depressive symptoms. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory, a trait measure of hostility, contains an Irritability scale. There are several 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 irritable, talk with your doctor. They can help you identify the root cause and offer treatment options.
A doctor can order blood or urine tests to assess your hormone levels and check for diabetes or other conditions which could be contributing to your anxiety. They may also recommend you to an expert in mental health to receive therapy or prescribe medication that will help you manage your mood.
A viral or bacterial infection can make some people more irritable. Young children are often more stressed when they suffer from an illness. This generally goes away as they get better. Irritability can also manifest in women due to the normal physiology of the menstrual cycle, or due to an illness, like pregnancy or an injury, illness or.
The irritability scale created by Stringaris and Goodman includes 5 items assessing the main symptom domains that cause irritability (annoyance tension, anger and sensitivity).). The Self-Rating Scale (SRS) and Observer Rating Scale (ORS) demonstrate good test-retest and interrater reliability.
4. You are easily distracted
Women with ADD are unable to complete everyday tasks. They might miss appointments or other obligations, become forgetful of important occasions, and have trouble following instructions. They might also get lost in their thoughts, or even daydream frequently, even during boring, uninteresting tasks. They may 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 afflicted by an impulsive nature, which manifests itself as acting or speaking without thinking. It can lead to financial problems as well as a chaotic home and a rocky relationship. They may be tempted to jump into projects and relationships with a vengeance and regret their decisions later or feel too thin by the many tasks and goals.
These symptoms are more prominent during menstruation when hormone levels decrease and progesterone increases. This can exacerbate ADHD symptoms for women who are already experiencing hormonal fluctuation. For this reason, it's essential for women to recognize and address their ADHD symptoms to live the life they deserve. A diagnosis of ADHD or ADD could help them overcome their challenges.
5. Impulsivity
Everyone makes impulsive choices whether it's deciding to get a dramatic hairstyle or slapping a lover. However, if impulsive behavior becomes a habit or an ongoing issue is a sign that you need to seek help.
Insufficient control of your impulses can undermine relationships, finances and self-esteem. It's harder to manage in adulthood, as life is already hectic and complicated. There is no payment for bills deadlines are missed at work and impulsive remarks alienate friends. Even worse the impulsive behavior could have disastrous and negative consequences like driving drunk, or taking illegal drugs.
For counselors, Skinner says, the first step is figuring out whether impulse control is a genuine issue or is a symptom of something else, such as anxiety or drug use. She encourages clients to talk about their feelings and how they're dealing with them, and to consider when, where and why they tend to be in a state of impulsivity.
She reminds her clients too, that impulsive behaviors are often correlated with certain emotions like anger or frustration. "If your impulses lead you in trouble -- and they do for a lot of people, then it's time to make a move toward changing those feelings," she adds.
Another common sign of impulsivity is overspending and compulsive behaviors like buying things or binge-watching reality TV. But it's important to know that compulsiveness and impulsiveness are not the same thing. While impulsive behaviors are typically linked to feelings, such as anger and frustration, compulsive behaviors are linked to a feeling of addiction or obsession. It's important to differentiate between the two since they have different treatments and are treated differently by mental health professionals. A client may be diagnosed with compulsive disorders, but still require treatment for ADHD.