Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women who suffer from ADD might be frustrated by their inability to organize and plan especially when they move through their lives. These women are often daydreamers or act impulsively. Even minor inconveniences can frustrate them to the point where they become irritable and annoyed.
It can be difficult to identify and treat adult ADHD because many women don't exhibit all of the typical symptoms. However, there are some indicators of ADD in women who are older that you should look for.
1. Trouble focusing
Women who struggle to focus may lose their place frequently in the book or forget appointments. They might also be prone to changing the topic of conversation often or even putting off tasks. The problem is that these issues can often be overlooked as normal because of the stress of life, aging parents, a busy job, and other factors. They could be a sign of a disorder that is commonly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Adults who suffer from ADHD have difficulty staying focused or remembering important things. This issue can cause issues at home, work or at school, and increases the anxiety already prevalent in women with ADHD. Women who aren't able to concentrate are also likely to be easily distracted, either by daydreaming or getting lost in their thoughts and not paying attention to what they're doing. They could even become stuck on a subject for days, weeks or even longer--often something they find interesting or gratifying--and are unable to let go of it.
Additionally, a lot of women suffering from ADD are highly indecisive and have difficulty controlling their behavior, often leading to trouble when they act or speaking without thinking before. They're more likely to interrupt other people during conversations and speak out about things they later regret, and tend to be more prone to sexual risk-taking (such as more casual sex or risky behavior when using drugs or alcohol or unplanned pregnancies) than other women.
Women should be aware of these issues aren't only a part of aging, or a menopause side effect. They can cause depression, anxiety, poor relationships and low self-esteem. The diagnosis and treatment, which often includes medication and therapy, can improve your life at home as well as at work.
2. Uncontrollable mood swings
While ups and downs in mood are a normal part of life, sometimes they can be extreme and disruptive. The fluctuation in mood are difficult to manage and can impact your relationships, performance at work and your ability to accomplish everyday tasks. Mood changes may also be the sign of a mental health problem, like bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. Mood swings can also be caused by certain drugs like mood stabilizers and antidepressants. adult adhd in women for mood swings are nutritional issues (like malnutrition, caffeine or blood sugar peaks) as well as a lack of quality sleep, stress and environmental factors such as weather.
Women can suffer from mood shifts due to premenstrual disorders or premenstrual dysfunction (PMDD) and hormone fluctuations during puberty. In fact, ADD symptoms often worsen in these periods due to hormonal changes.
If you're experiencing mood swings that are frequently or rapid, or are affecting your daily routine, talk to your doctor about it. Disorders of mood are treatable however, you'll need to consult with a doctor who can help you develop the best treatment program.
Women are more likely than men to have an anxiety or depression that is co-existing as a result of ADD and ADD, which can make their mood swings more intense. In some instances mood swings can trigger suicidal thoughts or actions. The 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. You may experience irritation if you're irritable with your partner, or are easily frustrated by colleagues. The stress of being angry can cause you to feel annoyed over small things and cause you to become frustrated. Taking steps to reduce your irritability can improve your mood and overall health.
Studies have proven that irritability can be linked to depression and other mood disorders. Irritation can also contribute to the development of anxiety and depressive symptoms. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI) is a measure of trait hostility, includes an Irritability subscale. There are a variety of 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 stressed, speak to your doctor. They can help you pinpoint the root cause and offer treatment options.
A doctor can request urine or blood tests to assess the levels of your hormones and check for diabetes or other issues that may 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 bacterial or viral infection can make some people more sensitive. Children often seem more upset when they are suffering from an illness. This generally goes away as they get better. Irritability can also manifest in women due to the normal physiology of menstrual cycle or because of a medical condition, such as pregnancy or an injury, illness or.
The irritability test developed by Stringaris and Goodman includes five items that measure the most important symptoms domains (annoyance anger 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. You are easily distracted
Women suffering from ADD often have difficulty managing their day-to-day tasks and activities. They might miss appointments or other obligations, be unprepared for important events, and have difficulty following directions. They can also get lost in their thoughts, or daydream often during boring and uninteresting tasks. They may be compelled to check online news or social media feeds or lose track of the time when working on a project or task.
Women can struggle with an impulsive nature, which manifests itself as speaking or acting without thinking. It can result in financial issues, a chaotic home, and a rocky relationship. They may take on projects and relationships with a vengeance and regret their choices later on or feel spread too thin with many tasks and goals.
These symptoms are most prominent during menstrual cycle, when estrogen decreases and progesterone levels rise. This can exacerbate ADHD symptoms for women already experiencing hormonal fluctuation. It is essential that women acknowledge and address their ADHD symptoms to live the life they deserve. A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD may aid them in overcoming their difficulties.
5. Impulsivity
Everyone makes impulsive choices whether it's deciding to get a dramatic hairstyle or yelling at a friend. But when impulsive behavior becomes an ongoing problem is a sign that you need to seek assistance.
Insufficient control of your impulses can undermine relationships, finances and self-esteem. It's harder to control as you get older, and when life is already busy and complex. Deadlines at work are not met bills aren't paid, and impulsive comments alienate friends. Even worse, impulsive behavior can have negative 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 genuine problem or a sign of something else, like anxiety or drug use. Skinner encourages clients to talk about their feelings and how they are managing them. They should also consider when, where and why they may be in a state of impulsivity.
She reminds her clients, as well, that impulsive behavior are often linked to certain emotions such as anger or frustration. "If your impulsive behavior puts you in trouble - and it happens to many people It's time to alter your feelings," she says.
Compulsive and overspending behavior such as binge-watching reality TV or shopping, are also common indicators of impulsivity. It's important to understand that compulsive and impulsive are not the same thing, though. While impulsive behavior is often associated with emotions, like anger or frustration, compulsive behaviors tend to be a result of an addiction or an obsession. It's also important to distinguish between the two because they have different treatment options and are treated differently by mental health professionals. For instance, a patient may be diagnosed with compulsive disorder, but still require treatment for their ADHD.