Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women with ADD are often frustrated by their inability to plan and organize, especially when they are navigating their life. They tend to daydream or act impulsively. Little inconveniences can make them irritable.
Making a correct diagnosis and treatment for adult ADHD is a challenge because a lot of women don't have all the typical symptoms. There are however some indications of ADD in women of adulthood that you should be looking for.
1. Trouble focusing
Women who have trouble staying focused may find that they frequently lose their place in a book, frequently forget appointments, often change topics during conversations, or are susceptible to procrastination. The issue is that these behaviors are often dismissed as normal because of the stress of life such as aging parents, a busy job and other factors. They could be signs of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) which is a very common disorder.
The main indication of ADHD in adults is difficulty keeping track of things. This can lead to problems in the workplace, at school and at home. It also causes anxiety, which is already common among women suffering from ADHD. Women who struggle to concentrate are also more likely to be easily distracted, either through daydreaming or getting lost in their thoughts and not paying attention to what they're doing. They may even get stuck on a topic for days, hours or even weeks--often on a subject they find interesting or rewarding, and are unable to let go of it.
Many women with ADD are also prone to be impulsive, and they're unable to control themselves. They tend to act or speak without thinking and can cause problems. They tend to interrupt other women in conversations, to blurt out things out that they regret and take more sexual risk than other women.
Women should be aware of these issues aren't just as a result of aging or a menopausal side effect. They can lead to depression, anxiety, poor relationships, and low self-esteem. Getting a diagnosis and treatment, which usually includes therapy and medication can improve your life at home and at work.
2. Uncontrollable mood shifts
While fluctuations in mood are normal aspects of life, occasionally they can be extremely disruptive. Changes in mood can be challenging to manage and may affect your relationships, work performance and ability to perform everyday tasks. The fluctuations in mood can be an indication of a mental illness, like Bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. They can also be a result of certain drugs, including antidepressants and mood stabilizers. Other causes of mood changes are nutritional issues (such as malnourishment or blood sugar spikes), stress, and environmental factors like the weather.
For women, mood swings may be a sign of premenstrual syndrome, also known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), as well as hormone fluctuations during menopausal, pregnancy and puberty. Hormonal changes can make ADD symptoms worse during these periods.
Speak to your doctor for advice if you experience mood swings which are frequent, rapid or disrupt your daily routine. Mood disorders are treatable, however, you'll need to consult with a doctor who can help you develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Women are more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression when they are diagnosed with ADD. This can intensify mood swings. In some cases mood swings can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. The early recognition of these symptoms can help you receive the treatment and support you need.
3. Irritability
Irritability can be a huge problem in both your relationships and at work. It is possible to experience irritation if you're irritable with your partner or easily annoyed by your colleagues. It can also cause you to become angry over minor things and become angry. Making steps to manage your anger can improve your mood and overall health.
Studies have proven that irritability is linked to depression and other mood disorders. It is also a contributing factor to depression and anxiety. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory, a trait 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 in case you are feeling irritable. They can help you identify the underlying cause and provide treatment options.
A doctor can conduct urine or blood tests to assess your hormone levels 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 for treatment or prescribe medication that will help you manage your mood.
There are Home who experience periods of being more upset than usual due to a viral or bacterial infection. Children with colds are usually more sensitive but it usually goes away when they heal. The reason women are more prone to be irritable is due to the normal physiology that is associated with menstruation or a medical issue like pregnancy, illness or injury.
The irritability test devised by Stringaris & Goodman contains 5 items that assess core symptom domains (annoyance aggression 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 suffering from ADD are unable to complete everyday tasks. They might forget important dates, forget appointments, or have difficulty following instructions. They could also become lost in their thoughts or daydream often, even when they are doing boring, uninteresting tasks. They might compulsively check social media or news feeds or lose track of time while working on chores or projects.
Women may struggle with an impulsive nature, which manifests itself as speaking or acting without thinking. It can lead to financial problems, a chaotic home, and trouble in relationships. They might take on projects and relationships in full force and regret their decision later or be overwhelmed by their numerous responsibilities.
These symptoms are most prominent during menstruation when estrogen levels decrease and progesterone increases. This can worsen ADHD symptoms for women already experiencing hormone fluctuations. It is essential that women acknowledge and deal with their ADHD symptoms to live the life they want to. A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD can aid them in overcoming these issues.
5. Impulsivity
Everyone makes impulsive decisions, whether it's getting a dramatic haircut or yelling at your partner. But when impulsive behavior becomes a routine or a persistent problem, it could be an indication that you're in need of to seek assistance.
Poor impulse control can damage relationships financial, self-esteem, and relationships. It's especially difficult in adulthood, when life is already incredibly busy and complex. There is no payment for bills deadlines are missed at work, and impulsive remarks alienate friends. Even worse, impulsive behavior can have dangerous and harmful outcomes, such as driving drunk, or taking illegal drugs.
Skinner states that for counselors the first thing they need to do is determine if impulse control is a problem or is a sign of another problem, such as substance abuse or anxiety. Skinner encourages clients to talk about their feelings and the ways they deal with these feelings, and to think about where, when and why they tend be impulsive.
She reminds her clients, to be aware that impulsive behavior are often correlated with certain emotions such as anger or frustration. "If your impulses can get you in trouble, which they do for many people--then it's time to take steps to change your attitude," she adds.
Another common sign of impulsivity is overspending and compulsive behaviors like buying things or binge-watching reality TV. It is important to remember that impulsive and compulsive are not the same thing however. While impulsive behaviors are often associated with emotions, like anger or frustration, compulsive behavior tend to be a result of an addiction or obsession. It's important to differentiate between the two because they are treated differently and require different treatments. For instance, a person might be diagnosed with a compulsive disorder but still need to seek treatment for their ADHD.