Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women suffering from ADD may be frustrated by their inability to organize and plan, especially as they move through life. They often think about their daydreams or act impulsively. Even minor inconveniences can frustrate them so much that they are angry and irritable.
It can be difficult 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 should be aware of.
1. Problems with Focusing
Women who have trouble staying focused might find that they often lose their place in a book, frequently forget appointments, frequently change the subject during conversations, or are susceptible to procrastination. These behaviors are often mistaken as normal behaviour due to stress, aging parents, or the demands of a hectic work schedule. They could be signs of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), a common disorder.
Adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty staying focused or remembering important details. This symptom can cause problems at work, home or at school, and increases the anxiety present in women with ADHD. Women who struggle to concentrate can easily be distracted by daydreaming, or lost in their thoughts. They could even become stuck on a subject for days, weeks or even weeks--often on a subject they find fascinating or satisfying, and find it difficult to get rid of it.
In addition, many women suffering from ADD are highly indecisive and have difficulty controlling their behavior, frequently leading to trouble when they are acting or speaking without thinking about it. They're more likely to interrupt other people during conversations and to speak out about things they later regret, and they tend to be more prone to sexual risk-taking (such as more casual sex, risky behaviors with drugs or alcohol or unplanned pregnancies) as compared to other women.
It is crucial for women to understand that these issues aren't just a normal part of aging, or a consequence of menopausal symptoms as they can lead to anxiety and depression, bad relationships and low self-esteem. The diagnosis and treatment, which often includes therapy and medication can improve your life at home as well as at work.
2. Uncontrollable mood changes
Although mood swings are regular part of life, they can also be extreme and disruptive. The fluctuation in mood are difficult to manage and may affect your relationships, work performance and your ability to finish daily tasks. Changes in mood could be a sign of a mental health problem such as bipolar or borderline personality disorder. The mood swings could be caused by certain drugs like mood stabilizers and antidepressants. Other causes of mood swings include nutritional issues (like malnourishment, caffeine or blood sugar peaking) and lack of quality sleep, stress and other environmental factors such as weather.
adhd in adults women may have mood swings as a result of premenstrual disorders or premenstrual dysfunction (PMDD) and hormonal changes during puberty. Hormonal changes can make ADD symptoms worse during these periods.
Speak to your doctor If you are experiencing mood swings which are frequent, swift, or affect your routine. Mood disorders are treatable, but you'll have to work with a specialist who can help you find a treatment plan.
Women are more likely than men to have anxiety or depression as a result of ADD, which can make their mood swings more intense. These mood swings can lead to suicidal behavior or thoughts. Knowing the signs early can allow you to get the treatment and support you need.
3. Irritability
Irritability can be a major problem in both your relationships and your job. If you're short with your partner or easily annoyed by coworkers, you might be experiencing irritation. It can also cause you to feel angry over minor things and become angry. Making steps to manage your irritability can boost your mood and overall health.
Research has shown that irritability is linked to depression and other mood disorders. It can also cause depression and anxiety symptoms. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI) is a measure of trait hostility, includes an Irritability subscale. There are several other measures of irritability, including the Irritability, Anger, and Hostility scale, as well as the Anger, Irritability, and Assault Questionnaire.
Talk to your doctor when you start being irritable. They can assist in determining the root cause and offer treatment options.
A doctor may request urine or blood tests to determine your hormone levels and check for diabetes or other conditions which could be contributing to your irritation. They can also refer to a mental healthcare professional for treatment, or prescribe medication to manage your mood.
There are people who experience an episode of being more irritable than usual because of an infection caused by a virus or bacteria. Young children are often more irritable when they have an illness, and this generally goes away as they get better. Irritability in women can be due to the normal physiology involved with menstrual cycle or a medical issue like pregnancy, illness or injuries.
The irritability scale developed by Stringaris and Goodman contains five items to assess the main symptom domains that cause anger (annoyance tension, anger and sensitivity).). The Self-Rating Scale (SRS) and Observer Rating Scale (ORS) show good test-retest and inter-rater reliability.
4. easily distracted
Women with ADD struggle to complete daily tasks. They may miss appointments or other obligations, be forgetful of important events, and have difficulty following instructions. They might also get lost in their thoughts or think frequently, even during boring, unstimulating tasks. They may be compelled to browse news websites or social media feeds or lose track of time when working on a task or project.
Women may be afflicted by an impulsive nature, which manifests itself as speaking or acting without thinking. It can cause financial problems and a chaotic home and trouble in relationships. They might engage in relationships and projects in full force, only to regret their decision later on or feel overwhelmed by their many obligations.
These symptoms are particularly pronounced during menstrual cycles as estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise. This can exacerbate ADHD symptoms for women already experiencing hormone changes. It is essential that women acknowledge and address their ADHD symptoms 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 a dramatic haircut or snapping at your spouse. If impulsive behavior turns into a habit or an ongoing problem is an indication that you need to seek assistance.
A lack of control over your impulses can destroy relationships as well as self-esteem, finances and relationships. It's even more difficult to control in adulthood, when life is already hectic and complex. Deadlines at work aren't met, bills aren't paid and impulsive comments alienate friends. Even worse an impulsive attitude can lead to negative and dangerous consequences like driving while drunk or taking illegal substances.
Skinner states that for counselors the first thing they need to determine is whether impulse control is a real issue or is a sign of a larger issue, such as anxiety or substance abuse. Skinner encourages clients to talk about their feelings and how they're dealing with them, and to think about when, where and why they are likely to be an impulsive.
She reminds her clients too, that impulsive behaviors are often correlated with certain emotions, such as anger or frustration. "If your impulsive behavior puts you into trouble - which it happens to many people It's time to change your attitude," she says.
Compulsive spending and spending like watching reality TV in a frenzied manner or shopping, are also common indications of impulsivity. It's important to note that impulsive and compulsive are not the same things, though. While impulsive behaviors are often associated with emotions, such as anger or frustration, compulsive behavior are typically linked to an addiction or an obsession. It's important to differentiate between the two because they are treated differently and receive different treatments. For instance, a client might be diagnosed with compulsive disorder and still require treatment for their ADHD.