Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women who suffer from ADD can be frustrated by the inability to plan and organize, particularly when they are navigating their life. These women are often daydreamers or are impulsive. Even minor issues frustrate them to the point where they get angry and frustrated.
It can be challenging to identify and treat adult ADHD because many women don't exhibit all the typical symptoms. There are indicators of ADD that women of adulthood must be aware of.
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 prone to procrastination. These tendencies are often interpreted for normal behavior due to stress, aging parents, or a busy schedule at work. They could be signs of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) which is a well-known disorder.
signs of add in adult women of ADHD for adults is having trouble being on task or remembering things. This can cause problems in the workplace, at school and at home. It also increases anxiety, which is prevalent among women with ADHD. Women who aren't able to concentrate are also more likely to be easily distracted through daydreaming or getting lost in their thoughts and not paying attention to what they're doing. They could even become stuck on a topic for days, weeks or even weeks--often on a subject they find interesting or rewarding, and become unable to break free of it.
Additionally, many women suffering from ADD are extremely emotional and are unable to control their behavior, which can lead to trouble when they act or speaking without thinking first. They are more likely to interrupt others during conversations and speak out about things they later regret, and tend to have higher rates of sexual risk-taking (such as sex that is more casual or risky behavior when using alcohol or drugs, or unplanned pregnancies) as compared to other women.
Women should be aware that these issues are not just as a result of aging or a menopausal side effect. They can cause depression, anxiety, bad relationships and low self-esteem. Getting a diagnosis and treatment, which often includes therapy and medication, can improve your life at home and at work.
2. Uncontrollable Moody Swings
Although mood swings are regular part of life, they can be extreme and disruptive. The fluctuations in mood are difficult to manage and can affect your relationships, work performance and ability to complete daily tasks. These mood swings could be a sign of a mental illness, like Bipolar or borderline personality disorder. Mood swings may also be caused by certain medications such as mood stabilizers or antidepressants. Other reasons for mood swings are nutritional issues (like malnutrition, caffeine or blood sugar spikes), lack of high-quality sleep, stress, and environmental factors like weather.
Women may suffer from mood swings as a result of premenstrual disorder or premenstrual dysfunction (PMDD), and hormone fluctuations during puberty. In reality, ADD symptoms often worsen during these times due to hormonal changes.
Consult your physician for advice if you experience mood swings that are frequent, rapid or interfere with your daily routine. There are treatments for mood disorders, but you'll need to consult an expert.
Women are more likely than men to have an anxiety or depression that is co-existing due to ADD which can cause their mood swings more intense. In some cases mood swings can lead to suicidal thoughts or behavior. Knowing the signs early will allow you to receive the support and treatment you need.
3. Irritability
Irritability can be a huge problem in both your relationships and your job. You might suffer from anger if you're not able to communicate with your partner or easily frustrated by colleagues. It can also cause you to be angry over minor things and cause you to become angry. If you take steps to lessen your irritability, you'll be able to improve your mood as well as your overall health.
Studies have demonstrated that irritability is related to depression and other mood disorders. It is also a factor in the development of anxiety and depressive symptoms. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI), a trait measure of hostility, includes an Irritability subscale. There are other measures of Irritability, including the Irritability, Anger, and Hostility scale, as well as the Anger, Irritability, and Assault Questionnaire.
If you're experiencing symptoms of stressed, speak to your doctor. They can assist in determining the root cause and offer treatment options.
A doctor may request urine or blood tests to assess your hormone levels and check for diabetes or other conditions that could be causing your anxiety. They can also refer to an expert in mental health treatment, or prescribe medication to help control your mood.
There are people who experience a period of being more angry than usual because of an infection caused by a virus or bacteria. Children often seem more irritable when they have an illness. This generally goes away as they get better. Irritability can also occur in women as a result of the normal physiology of menstrual cycle or as a result of a medical condition, like pregnancy, illness or injury.
The irritability test devised by Stringaris and 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 and interrater reliability.
4. It is easy to be distracted
Women with ADD often have difficulty managing their daily tasks and activities. They may forget appointments or other obligations, be forgetful of important events, and have difficulty following directions. They may also get lost in their thoughts, or even daydream excessively, even during boring, uninteresting activities. They might be forced to browse news websites or social media feeds, or lose track of time when working on a project or task.
Women may be prone to impulsivity. This can manifest as acting or talking without thinking. It can also cause financial issues and a messy home and relationship issues. They may jump into relationships and projects in full force, only to regret their decision later on or be overwhelmed by their numerous obligations.
These symptoms are particularly pronounced during menstrual cycle as estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase. This can exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women who are already experiencing hormonal fluctuation. It is crucial that women recognize and address their ADHD symptoms in order to live the life they want to. A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD could aid them in overcoming these issues.
5. Impulsivity
Everyone makes impulsive choices whether it's getting that dramatic haircut or yelling at your partner. If impulsive behavior develops into a problem or habit, it could be time to seek out help.
Poor impulse control can damage relationships as well as finances and self-esteem. It's especially difficult to manage as you grow older, especially when life is already hectic and complicated. Deadlines at work are missed bills aren't paid, and the impulsive remarks of friends can be a source of discord. Worse yet, impulsive behaviors can lead to hazardous and dangerous consequences, like driving while drunk or using illegal drugs.
For counselors, Skinner says, the first step is to determine whether impulse control is an actual presenting problem or a sign of something else, such as anxiety or use of substances. Skinner advises her clients to discuss their feelings and how they cope with these feelings, and to think about where, when and why they are an impulsive.
She reminds her clients too, that impulsive behaviors are often linked to certain emotions such as anger or frustration. "If your impulses can get you into trouble--and they do for a lot of people, then it's time to take action towards changing your feelings," she adds.
Another common sign of impulsivity is overspending and compulsive behavior such as buying things or binge-watching reality TV. But it's important to know that impulsiveness and compulsiveness are not the exact same thing. While impulsive behaviors are typically tied to emotions like anger or frustration, compulsive behavior is linked to a feeling of obsession or addiction. It's important to differentiate between the two since they have different treatment options and are treated differently by mental health professionals. For instance, a patient may be diagnosed with compulsive disorder, but still require treatment for their ADHD.