Adult ADD in Women
Adult ADD isn't always recognized in women because the symptoms may differ from those of males. Women suffering from ADD are often misdiagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder due to their mood swings, impulsivity and inability to cope with frustration.
Symptoms of add in adult women can be disguised by PMS and exacerbated when menopausal and perimenopausal.
Mood Swings
Mood swings can be described as rapid changes in mood that occur in a short time. They can cause problems with relationships or job performance, as well as household responsibilities. Often, mood disorders are associated with physical symptoms, such as digestive issues or headaches which can lead to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. Depression and anxiety can be ignored while persistent stomach pain is treated by medications. Bipolar disorder can also be characterized by mood swings. The symptoms of this disorder include feeling happy and content one moment, and then angry or upset about some minor issue the next.
Impatience
Women who suffer from ADD usually have the opposite symptoms of the more commonly recognized ADD in men, making it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Mood swings, such as being easily upset or overly emotional, can make it hard for women with ADD to stay to their goals and may cause them to be mistakenly diagnosed as bipolar disorder. In addition, impulsiveness is quite common among women suffering from ADD. Small inconveniences like waiting in line or being put on hold can cause women with ADD to become irritable.
Hyperactivity is a sign that makes women run full speed until they fall. This can cause problems with their lives at home, work and other pursuits. Women who suffer from ADD have a hypoactive personality and lack the energy to accomplish the tasks they have to do every day. They may have difficulty to take care of their children, manage the household, or remain in touch with their friends. This kind of ADD can make it difficult to stay in a relationship, or find a new job, which can be frustrating for both the woman as well as her partner. Insanity can be treated with the appropriate therapy.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a nagging feeling that alerts you to danger. It's a psychological and physical state that is characterized by negative expectations. It can be a continuous feeling of tension, or a particular anxiety disorder, phobia, or obsessive compulsive disorder. It may manifest as a feeling that you are constantly stressed and anxious or accompanied by difficulty sleeping or concentrating or tension in the muscles.
Occasional anxiety is normal and healthy. It helps you prepare yourself for new challenges or situations, and it can even be productive. When adhd in adult women becomes chronic or excessive it can affect your everyday life. This is what defines anxiety disorders.
There are a variety of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder (recurring episodes of fear) and fearful thoughts (excessive fear of certain objects or events) and obsessive-compulsive disorders (abnormal thoughts that trigger repetitive behavior). Anxiety disorders can also include separation anxiety disorder (fear of being away from home or family members) Social anxiety disorder (overwhelming anxiety about social situations) and selective mutatism (a fear of speaking in public).
It isn't known precisely what causes anxiety disorders, but there are some risk factors. Childhood experiences, genetics, and parenting practices like overprotection could all be risk factors. Stress and trauma could also be a factor, such as the loss of a loved-one or abuse.
Psychotherapy (counseling) as well as medication can be used to treat anxiety disorders. Lifestyle changes can also help reduce anxiety. This includes reducing your intake of caffeine that can trigger anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise (especially jogging) releases brain chemicals that reduce stress. Eating well and avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs that can exacerbate anxiety are also important. Also, speaking with a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety may be beneficial. They can help you learn relaxation and meditation techniques and help you learn ways to calm yourself when you are feeling anxious. add women can also help you connect with a support system to help you cope with your symptoms.
Depression
Many people feel depressed and sad at times. The loss of a close relative or being fired from a position or divorce are common reasons. If these feelings continue to linger, it could be a sign of depression (major-depressive disorder). Some of the symptoms include feeling depressed, angry or sad, and feeling empty. They might also have difficulty getting their thoughts or concentration right, experience an appetite loss and sleep more or less than normal, or lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed. Depression can be a problem for both women and men however it can manifest at different times in a woman's lifetime. For instance during pregnancy or just after the birth of a child. Depression also can occur in bipolar patients and depression, where the episodes may be mixed with episodes of mania or hypomania which can trigger an increase in energy and a feeling of "being in the top of the world."
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as medication, are used to treat depression. Talk therapy can teach you how to manage negative emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Antidepressants, for instance can aid in resolving the chemical imbalance in your brain that causes depression. It could take a while before the medication begins to take effect. In addition, it is essential to meet others and join a support group and avoid drinking and drugs.