Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women suffering from ADD may be frustrated by their inability to organize and plan especially when they go about their lives. They tend to daydream or are impulsive. Even minor inconveniences can frustrate them so much that they become irritable and annoyed.
It can be difficult to identify and treat adult ADHD because many women do not exhibit all of the typical symptoms. There are signs of ADD that women of adulthood must be aware of.
1. Trouble focusing
Women who have trouble staying focused may find that they frequently lose their place in a book, easily forget appointments, regularly shift topics during conversations, or are susceptible to procrastination. These habits are often mistaken for normal behavior due to stress, aging parents, or a busy schedule at work. However, they could be signs of a disorder that is commonly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Adults who suffer from ADHD have difficulty staying focused or retaining important information. This issue can cause issues at work, home and at school, and can increase anxiety that is present in women with ADHD. Women who are unable to concentrate can easily be distracted by daydreaming or lost in their thoughts. They might even be stuck on a subject for days, hours or even longer--often something they find fascinating or satisfying, and are unable to let go of it.
Many women who suffer from ADD also tend to be impulsive and they're unable to manage themselves. They often act or speak without thinking, which can lead to problems. They are more likely to interrupt other women in conversations, to blurt things out that they regret and to take greater sexual risks than other women.
Women should be aware that these issues aren't just an inevitable part of aging or a menopause side effect. They can result in depression, anxiety, bad relationships and low self-esteem. Finding a diagnosis and a treatment, which typically includes therapy and medication can make a difference at home and at work.
2. Uncontrollable Moody Swings
While ups and downs in mood are a normal aspect of life, occasionally they can be extremely disruptive. The fluctuation in mood are difficult to manage and can impact your relationships, work performance and your ability to finish everyday tasks. Mood fluctuations can also be a sign of mental illness, like Bipolar or borderline personality disorder. Mood swings may also be caused by certain drugs like mood stabilizers and antidepressants. Other causes of mood changes are nutritional issues (such as malnutrition or blood sugar spikes), stress, and environmental factors like the weather.
In women, mood changes can be a symptom of premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) along with hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Changes in hormones can make ADD symptoms worse during these times.
If you're experiencing mood swings that are frequently, rapid or impact your routine, talk to your doctor about it. Disorders of mood are treatable but you'll need to work with a specialist who can help you find a treatment plan.
Women are more likely than men to suffer from anxiety or depression due to ADD and ADD, which can make their mood swings more intense. In some instances, these moods could lead to suicidal ideas or behavior. Recognizing these signs early on can help you receive the help and treatment you require.
3. Irritability
Irritability can be a huge problem in both your relationships as well as your job. If try these out with your spouse or annoyed by your coworkers, you might be experiencing irritation. Irritation can also cause you to become annoyed over small things and then become frustrated. If you take steps to lessen your irritability, you'll be able to boost your mood as well as your overall health.
Research has shown that irritability is linked to 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 for hostility, contains an Irritability scale. Several other measures of irritability exist, including the Irritability, Anger and Hostility Scale, as well as the Anger, Irritability and Assault Questionnaire.
Talk to your doctor when you start experiencing irritability. They can help you identify the root of the problem and provide you with treatment options.
A doctor can request blood or urine tests to check your hormone levels and to determine if you have diabetes or other conditions that could be causing your irritability. They may also refer you to an expert in mental health for treatment or prescribe medication to help control your mood.
A bacterial or viral infection can cause some people to become more irritable. Children with colds are usually more sensitive, but this usually passes when they heal. Irritability may also be present in women due to the normal physiology of the menstrual cycle or as a result of an illness like pregnancy or an injury, illness or.
The irritability scale developed by Stringaris and Goodman includes five items that assess the most important symptom domains of irritability (annoyance tension, anger, hostile behaviour and sensitivity). The Self-Rating Scale and Observer Rating Scale demonstrate evidence of internal consistency with good test-retest reliability as well as interrater reliability.
4. Easily Distracted
Women suffering from ADD are unable to complete daily tasks. They may miss appointments or other obligations, become in a state of forgetfulness about important occasions, and have trouble following directions. They can also get lost in their thoughts, or daydream often during boring and uninteresting tasks. They may be prone to checking social media or online news feeds or lose track of time when working on a chore or project.
Women may struggle with impulsivity. This can manifest in the form of speaking or acting without thinking, and can result in financial problems, a messy home, and issues with relationships. They can be impulsive and take on projects and relationships with a vengeance, only to regret it later or feel overwhelmed by the many obligations.
These symptoms are more prominent during menstruation when estrogen levels decrease and progesterone increases. This can increase ADHD symptoms in women who are already experiencing hormonal fluctuations. It's crucial for women to recognize and address their ADHD symptoms to live the life they want to. A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD may help them overcome their challenges.
5. Impulsivity
Everyone makes impulsive choices whether it's getting a dramatic haircut or yelling at a friend. When an impulsive behaviour develops into a problem or habit, it might be time to seek help.
Poor impulse control can sabotage relationships as well as self-esteem, finances and relationships. It's even more difficult to control in adulthood, when life is already hectic and complicated. Deadlines at work are missed, bills aren't paid and impulsive comments alienate friends. Even worse, impulsive behaviours can have hazardous and dangerous consequences, such as driving drowsy or taking illegal drugs.
Skinner says that for counselors the first thing they need to determine is whether impulse control is a problem or is a sign of a larger issue, such as anxiety or substance abuse. Skinner advises clients to speak about their feelings and how they're dealing with them, and to consider when, where and why they tend to be impulsive.
She also reminds her clients that impulsive behavior can be tied to certain emotions, including anger and frustration. "If your impulses can get you in trouble -- and they do for many people--then it's time to take steps towards changing your feelings," she adds.
Compulsive spending and spending like binge-watching reality TV or shopping, are common indications of the impulsivity. It's important to understand that impulsive and compulsive are not the same things however. While impulsive behaviors are typically associated with emotions, such as 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 receive different treatments. A patient could be diagnosed with compulsive disorders but require treatment for ADHD.