Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women who suffer from ADD may be frustrated by their inability to plan and organize especially when they go about their lives. These women are often daydreamers or act impulsively. Little inconveniences can make them unhappy.
Finding a reliable diagnosis and treatment for adults with ADHD is difficult because many women do not exhibit all of the typical symptoms. There are however some indicators of ADD in women of adulthood that you should look for.
1. Problems with Focusing
Women who struggle to focus might notice that they frequently lose their place in a book, are prone to forget appointments, regularly change topics during conversations, or are susceptible to procrastination. The problem is that these issues can often be overlooked as normal because of the stress of everyday life and aging parents, a busy job and other factors. But they could be symptoms of a disorder that is commonly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The most prominent indication of ADHD in adults is the difficulty of staying on task or remembering things. This issue can cause issues at work, at home and school, and also can increase anxiety that is present in women with ADHD. Women who are unable to concentrate can easily be distracted by daydreaming, or losing themselves in their thoughts. They could be stuck on a topic for hours, even days. This is usually an area they find interesting or rewarding.
add women who suffer from ADD are also prone to be impulsive, and they aren't able to manage themselves. They tend to behave or speak without thinking, which can lead to problems. They're more likely to interrupt others during conversations and to blurt out things they later regret, and tend to be more prone to sexual risk-taking (such as sex that is more casual and risky behaviours with alcohol or drugs, or even unplanned pregnancies) than other women.
Women should be aware that these issues are not just a part of aging, or a side effect of menopausal. They can cause anxiety, depression, poor relationships and low self-esteem. A diagnosis and treatment could enhance your life at workplace and at home. This can include medication and counseling.
2. Uncontrollable mood shifts
While ups and downs in mood are a normal aspect of life, occasionally they can become extreme and disruptive. The fluctuation in mood can be difficult to control and can impact your relationships, performance at work and ability to complete everyday tasks. Changes in mood could be an indication of a mental health condition, like borderline personality disorder or bipolar disorder. They could be a side effect of certain medications, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers. Other causes of mood swings include nutritional issues (like malnourishment, caffeine or blood sugar peaking) as well as a lack of quality sleep, stress, and environmental factors such as weather.
For women, mood swings could be a sign of premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), as well as hormone fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. In fact, ADD symptoms often worsen in these periods due to hormonal changes.
Speak to your doctor for advice if you experience mood swings that are frequent, fast, or affect your daily routine. Mood disorders are treatable, but you'll need to work with a specialist who can help you develop a treatment strategy.
add adult women are more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety in conjunction with ADD. This can cause mood swings. These moods may cause suicidal behavior or thoughts of suicide. Recognizing these signs early on will allow you to receive the help and treatment you need.
3. Irritability
Irritability can be a huge problem in both your relationships and at work. If you find yourself being unfriendly with your partner or easily frustrated by your colleagues, you might be experiencing irritability. It can also cause you to become annoyed over small things and cause you to become angry. Making steps to manage your anger can improve your mood and overall health.
Studies have shown that irritability is related to depression and other mood disorders. It is also a contributing factor to depression and anxiety. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI), a trait measure of hostility, also includes an Irritability subscale. There are several other measures of anger, including the Irritability, Anger, and Hostility scale and the Anger, Irritability, and Assault Questionnaire.
Talk to your doctor if you are prone to feeling irritable. They will help you determine the root of the problem and offer treatment options.
A doctor can order urine or blood tests to assess your hormone levels and to determine if you have diabetes or other medical conditions that could be contributing to your irritability. They may also refer you to an expert in mental health to receive therapy or prescribe medication to manage your mood.
There are people who experience an episode of being more irritable than usual because of a viral or bacterial infection. Children with a cold 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 involved with menstrual cycles or a medical condition such as pregnancy, illness or injuries.
The irritability scale devised by Stringaris and Goodman includes 5 items assessing the main symptom domains that cause irritation (annoyance tension, anger and sensitivity).). The Self-Rating Scale (SRS) and Observer Rating Scale (ORS) have demonstrated good test-retest and inter-rater reliability.
4. It is easy to be distracted
Women suffering from ADD struggle to complete daily tasks. They may miss appointments or other obligations, become in a state of forgetfulness about important events, and have difficulty following instructions. They may also lose themselves in their thoughts, or ponder excessively during boring and unstimulating tasks. They may be compelled to keep tabs on news sites or social media feeds, or lose track of the time while working on a project or task.
Women may be afflicted by an impulsive nature, which manifests itself as acting or speaking without thinking and can lead to financial problems as well as a chaotic home and a rocky relationship. They might jump into projects and relationships with a vengeance and regret their decisions later on, or feel too thin by the many responsibilities and goals.
These symptoms are more apparent during menstrual cycles, when hormone levels decrease and progesterone increases. This can increase ADHD symptoms for women already experiencing hormonal changes. For this reason, it's important for women to identify and address their ADHD symptoms so they can live the life they deserve. A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD could assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
5. Impulsivity
Every person makes impulsive decisions whether it's getting that drastic haircut or snapping at your spouse. When an impulsive behaviour becomes a problem or a habit, it may be time to seek help.
Inattention to impulses can cause damage to relationships financial, self-esteem, and relationships. It's harder to control as you get older, and when life is already busy and complicated. Deadlines at work are missed and bills aren't being paid. Additionally, impulsive comments alienate friends. Worse yet, impulsive behaviors could lead to dangerous and harmful consequences, such as driving while drunk or using illegal drugs.
Skinner says that for counselors, the first thing to do is determine whether impulse control is a problem or is a sign of another problem, such as anxiety or substance abuse. She encourages clients to talk about their feelings and the ways they manage these feelings, and to think about the places, times and why they tend be in a state of impulsivity.
She reminds her clients that impulsive behavior can be related to certain emotions, including anger and frustration. "If your impulsive behavior puts you into trouble - and it is the case for many - then it's time to alter your feelings," she says.
Another common indication of impulsivity is excessive spending and compulsive behaviors, such as 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 linked to emotions, such as anger or frustration, compulsive behaviours tend to be a result of an addiction or an obsession. It is also crucial to differentiate between the two because they are treated differently and are treated differently by mental health professionals. A patient may be diagnosed with compulsive disorders, yet require treatment for ADHD.