Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women with ADD might be frustrated with their inability to plan and organize especially when they go about their lives. These women are often daydreamers or act impulsively. Small inconveniences can cause them to become irritable.
Finding a reliable diagnosis and treatment for adults with ADHD is difficult because many women don't have all the typical symptoms. There are however some indications of ADD in women of adulthood to look out for.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Women who struggle to focus can lose their place often in books or forget to make appointments. They might also find themselves changing the subject of conversation often or even putting off tasks. These tendencies are often interpreted for normal behavior due to stress, aging parents or the demands of a hectic schedule at work. However, they could be signs of a common disorder called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty staying focused or retaining important information. This can lead to problems at home, work and school, and also aggravates the anxiety that's present in women with ADHD. Women who struggle to concentrate are also more likely to be easily distracted by daydreaming or becoming lost in their thoughts and not paying attention to what they're doing. They could even become stuck on something for days, hours or longer--often a topic they find interesting or gratifying--and become unable to break free of it.
Many women who suffer from ADD are also prone to be impulsive, and they're unable to control themselves. They tend to behave or speak without thinking and can cause problems. They're more likely to interrupt other people in 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 or risky behavior when using alcohol or drugs, or unplanned pregnancies) in comparison to other women.
Women need to be aware that these issues aren't only a part of aging, or a menopausal side effect. They can cause depression, anxiety, poor relationships, and low self-esteem. A diagnosis and treatment can enhance your life at work and at home. This usually includes medication and counseling.
2. Uncontrollable mood shifts
While mood swings are a part of everyday life, they can also be disruptive and extreme. Changes in mood can be challenging to manage and affect your relationships as well as your ability to perform everyday tasks. Mood fluctuations can also be a sign of mental illness, like Bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. They may also be a side effect of certain medications, such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants. Other reasons for mood changes include nutritional issues (such as malnourishment or blood sugar spikes) stress, as well as environmental factors, like the weather.
For women, mood swings could be a sign of premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and also hormonal changes during menopausal, pregnancy and puberty. Hormonal changes can make ADD symptoms worse during these times.
Speak to your doctor for advice if you experience mood swings which are frequent, fast or disrupt your routine. There are treatments for mood disorders, but you'll have to see a specialist.
Women are more likely than men to have an anxiety or depression that is co-existing due to ADD, which can make their mood swings more intense. In some cases mood swings could lead to suicidal ideas or behaviors. Knowing the signs early will allow you to receive the help and treatment you require.
3. Irritability
Irritability is a significant issue in your relationships and at work. If you find yourself being short with your partner or easily annoyed by coworkers You may be suffering from anger. Irritation can also cause you to be angry over minor things and then become frustrated. By taking steps to reduce your irritability, you'll be able to improve your mood as as your overall health.
Studies have shown that irritability is linked to depression and other mood disorders. Irritation may also contribute to anxiety and depressive symptoms. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI) is a measure of trait hostility, has 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.
Consult your physician if you are prone to feeling irritable. They can help identify the underlying cause and provide solutions.
A doctor can order urine or blood tests to check your hormone levels and to exclude diabetes or other medical conditions that could cause your irritability. They may also recommend you to an expert in mental health for treatment or prescribe medication that will manage your mood.
A viral or bacterial illness can make people more upset. Young children are often more upset when they are suffering from an illness, and this usually passes quickly as they get better. Irritability can also occur in women as part of the normal physiology of menstrual cycle, or due to an illness, like pregnancy or illness.
The irritability test devised by Stringaris & Goodman contains 5 items that assess core symptoms domains (annoyance anger tension hostile behaviour and sensitivity). The Self-Rating Scale and Observer Rating Scale provide evidence of internal consistency, with good test-retest reliability as well as interrater reliability.
4. You can easily be distracted
Women with ADD struggle to complete daily tasks. They may forget appointments or other obligations, be unprepared for important occasions, and have trouble following directions. They might also get lost in their thoughts or think excessively, even during boring, uninteresting activities. They may be prone to checking social media or web-based news feeds or lose track of time while working on chores or projects.
Women can be troubled by an impulsive nature. This may manifest in the form of speaking or acting without thinking. It could also cause financial issues, a messy home, and issues with relationships. They may jump into projects and relationships full-force and regret their decisions later or feel too thin with many responsibilities and goals.
These symptoms are especially evident during menstruation as estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise. This can cause ADHD symptoms in women who are already experiencing hormonal fluctuations. It is crucial that women recognize and address their ADHD symptoms in order to enjoy the life they desire. A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD could aid them in overcoming their difficulties.
5. Impulsivity
Everyone makes impulsive choices whether it's getting an outrageous hairstyle or yelling at a friend. If impulsive behavior becomes a problem or a habit, it may be time to seek help.
A lack of control over your impulses can destroy relationships financial and self-esteem. It's even more difficult to control as you get older, and when life is already hectic and complex. The bills aren't paid deadlines are missed at work, and impulsive remarks alienate friends. Even worse, impulsive behavior can have negative and dangerous consequences, such as driving drunk or taking illegal substances.
For counselors, Skinner says, the first step is to determine whether the issue of impulse control is a real issue or is a symptom of something else, like anxiety or substance use. Skinner advises clients to speak about their emotions and how they are dealing with them, and to think about the time, place, and why they may be impulsive.
She reminds her clients, too, that impulsive behaviors are often correlated with certain emotions like anger or frustration. "If your impulses lead you into trouble--and they do for a lot of people, then it's time to take steps towards changing your feelings," she adds.
Another indication of impulsivity is spending too much and compulsive behavior, such as watching reality shows or shopping. It's important to understand that impulsive and compulsive aren't the same thing, though. While adhd in women adults are typically associated with emotions, such as anger and frustration, compulsive behaviors are connected to a sense of obsession or addiction. It's also important to distinguish between the two, as they have different treatment options and are treated differently by mental health professionals. A patient could be diagnosed as having compulsive disorders but require treatment for ADHD.