Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women who suffer from ADD are often frustrated by the inability to plan and organize, especially when they are in the midst of life. They are usually daydreamers or are impulsive. Even minor issues frustrate them so much that they get angry and frustrated.
Finding a reliable diagnosis and treatment for adult ADHD is difficult because many women do not exhibit all of the typical symptoms. There are indicators of ADD that women who are adults must be aware of.
1. Trouble focusing
Women who have difficulty focusing might lose their spot frequently in books or forget to make appointments. They may also discover themselves changing the topic of conversation frequently or even putting off tasks. These tendencies are often interpreted as normal behaviors due to stress, aging parents, or a busy work schedule. They could be signs of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) which is a well-known disorder.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have difficulty staying focused or remembering important things. This can cause issues at work, school, and at home. It also causes anxiety, which is common among women suffering from ADHD. Women who struggle to concentrate can easily be distracted by daydreaming or absorbed in their thoughts. They might even be stuck on something for days, hours or even weeks--often on a subject they find interesting or rewarding, and become unable to break free of it.
Many women who suffer from ADD also have a tendency to be impulsive, and they're unable to control themselves. They tend to behave or speak without thinking and can cause issues. They are more likely to interrupt other women in conversations, to blurt out things out that they regret and take more sexual risks than other women.
It's crucial for women to be aware that these issues aren't just an inevitable part of aging or a side effect of menopause and can cause depression and anxiety, poor relationships and low self-esteem. A diagnosis and treatment could enhance your life at work and at home. This can include counseling and medication.
2. Uncontrollable Moody Swings
While fluctuations in mood are normal aspects of life, they can be extremely disruptive. Mood swings can be difficult to control and can impact your relationships, performance at work and your ability to finish everyday tasks. These mood swings could be an indication of a mental illness, like Bipolar or borderline personality disorder. They may also be a result of certain medications, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers. Other causes of mood swings include nutritional issues (like malnutrition, caffeine or blood sugar peaking) and lack of quality sleep, stress, and environmental factors like weather.
For women, mood swings could be a sign of premenstrual syndrome, also known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), as well as hormone changes during menopausal, pregnancy and puberty. In fact, ADD symptoms often worsen during these times due to hormonal changes.
Speak to your doctor if you experience mood swings which are frequent, swift, or affect your daily routine. You can treat 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 moods may lead to suicidal behavior or thoughts of suicide. The early recognition of these symptoms can help you receive the treatment and support you require.
3. Irritability
Irritability is a symptom that can affect your personal life and your professional career. You might suffer from irritation if you're irritable with your partner, or easily frustrated by colleagues. Irritation can also cause you to be frustrated over seemingly minor things and become angry. Taking steps to reduce the irritability you feel can boost your mood and overall health.
Research has shown that irritability may be related to depression and other mood disorders. It can also cause depression and anxiety. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory, a trait-based measure of hostility includes an Irritability scale. A variety of other measures of irritability are also available, including the Irritability, Anger and Hostility Scale as well as the Anger, Irritability and Assault Questionnaire.
Speak to your doctor if you are prone to being irritable. They can help you identify the underlying cause and provide treatment options.
A doctor may request blood or urine tests to check your hormone levels and to exclude diabetes or other medical conditions that could be contributing to your irritability. They can also refer you to an expert in mental health therapy, or prescribe medication to manage your mood.
Some people may go through periods of being more upset than usual due to an infection caused by a virus or bacteria. Young children are often more irritable when they have an illness, and this usually passes quickly as they recover. The reason women are more prone to be irritable is due to the normal physiology that is associated with menstrual cycles or a medical issue such as illness, pregnancy or injury.
The irritability test created by Stringaris & Goodman contains 5 items that measure the most important symptom domains (annoyance anger tension hostile behavior and sensitivity). The Self-Rating Scale (SRS) and Observer Rating Scale (ORS) show good test-retest and inter-rater reliability.
4. Easily Distracted
Women suffering from ADD have difficulty completing everyday tasks. They may not remember important dates, miss appointments, or have trouble following instructions. They might also get caught up in their thoughts, or daydream often during boring and uninteresting tasks. they said may be prone to checking social media or news feeds or lose track of time while working on chores or projects.
Women may struggle with an impulsive nature. This can manifest as acting or talking without thinking. It can also cause financial issues as well as a messy house and relationship issues. They can be impulsive and engage in relationships and projects with a vengeance, only to regret it later or feel overwhelmed by the many obligations.
These symptoms are more prominent during menstruation when progesterone levels decrease and estrogen increases. This can exacerbate ADHD symptoms for women already experiencing hormonal changes. It is essential that women acknowledge and tackle their ADHD symptoms to enjoy the life they desire. A diagnosis of ADHD or ADD can help them overcome these challenges.
5. Impulsivity
Every person makes impulsive decisions whether it's getting that drastic haircut or snapping at your partner. If impulsive behavior turns into an ongoing problem, it could be a sign that you need to seek assistance.
Poor impulse control can sabotage relationships financial and self-esteem. It's especially difficult in adulthood when life is already chaotic and complicated. Deadlines at work are not met, bills aren't paid and the impulsive remarks of friends can be a source of discord. Even worse, impulsive behaviours can lead to hazardous and dangerous consequences, like driving while drowsy or taking illegal drugs.
For counselors, Skinner says, the first step is to determine whether impulse control is a real issue or a symptom of something else, such as anxiety or use of substances. She encourages clients to talk 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 impulsive behavior puts you into trouble - which it is the case for many - then it's time to change those feelings," she says.
Overspending and compulsive behavior, such as watching reality TV in a frenzied manner or shopping, are also common signs of an impulsive nature. It's important to understand that impulsive and compulsive are not the same thing, though. While impulsive behavior is typically associated with emotions like anger and frustration, compulsive behaviors are connected to a sense of addiction or obsession. It's also important to distinguish between the two since they have different treatments and are treated differently by mental health professionals. For instance, a client may be diagnosed with compulsive disorder, but still require treatment for their ADHD.