Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women who suffer from ADD may be frustrated by their inability to organize and plan especially when they move through life. These women tend to daydream or make impulsive decisions. Minor inconveniences can make them unhappy.
Making a correct diagnosis and treatment for adults with ADHD is a challenge because a lot of women do not exhibit all of the typical symptoms. There are however some signs of ADD in women who are older to look out for.
1. Trouble focusing
Women who have trouble staying focused may find that they frequently lose their place in a book, are prone to forget appointments, often shift topics in conversations, or are prone to procrastination. The problem is that these issues can often be overlooked as normal because of the stress of life and ageing parents, a demanding job, and other factors. They could be signs of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) which is a well-known disorder.
The main indication of ADHD in adults is difficulty being on task or remembering things. adhd in women can cause problems at home, work or at school, and increases the anxiety common among women suffering from ADHD. Women who are unable to concentrate can easily be distracted by daydreaming, or lost in their thoughts. They can get stuck on a topic for a long time, or even for days. This is typically an area they find interesting or enjoyable.
Many women who suffer from ADD are also prone to be impulsive, and they're unable to manage themselves. They tend to behave or speak without thinking which can cause issues. They're more likely to interrupt others during conversations and talk about things that they later regret, and they are more likely to have higher rates of sexual risk-taking (such as more casual sex and risky behaviours with drugs or alcohol or unplanned pregnancy) as compared to other women.
Women should be aware of these issues aren't only as a result of aging or a menopause side effect. They can cause depression, anxiety, bad relationships, and low self-esteem. A diagnosis and treatment could enhance your life at work and at home. This usually includes counseling and medication.
2. Uncontrollable mood swings
While ups and downs in mood are a normal aspect of life, they can become extreme and disruptive. Changes in mood can be challenging to manage and may affect your relationships as well as your ability to get through daily tasks. These mood swings could be a sign of a mental illness, such as borderline personality disorder or Bipolar disorder. The mood swings could be caused by certain medications such as mood stabilizers or antidepressants. Other causes of mood swings include nutritional issues (like malnutrition, caffeine, or blood sugar peaking), lack of high-quality sleep, stress, and environmental factors like weather.
Women can have mood shifts due to premenstrual disorder, also known as premenstrual dysfunction (PMDD), and hormonal fluctuations during puberty. Changes in hormones can make ADD symptoms worse during these times.
If you're experiencing mood fluctuations that are frequent, rapid or impact your daily routine, speak to your doctor about it. You can treat mood disorders, but you'll require a consultation with a specialist.
Women are more likely to experience anxiety or depression in conjunction with ADD. This can increase mood swings. In some instances mood swings could lead to suicidal ideas or behaviors. Knowing the signs early can help you receive the treatment and support you require.
3. Irritability
Irritability is a significant problem in both your relationships as well as your job. If you are unfriendly with your spouse or frustrated by your colleagues, you might be suffering from irritation. It can also cause you to be angry and annoyed over small things. By taking steps to reduce your anger, you will improve your mood as well as your overall health.
Research has shown that irritability is linked to depression and other mood disorders. It is also a factor in the development of anxiety and depression symptoms. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI), a trait measure of hostility, has an Irritability subscale. There are other measures of Irritability, including the Irritability, Anger, and Hostility scale and the Anger, Irritability, and Assault Questionnaire.
If you're prone to feeling irritable, talk with your doctor. They can help identify the underlying cause and provide solutions.
A doctor may request urine or blood tests to assess your hormone levels and check for diabetes or other conditions which could be contributing to your anxiety. They may also recommend you to an expert in mental health for treatment or prescribe medication that will help you manage your mood.
Certain people might experience a period of being more upset than usual due to a viral or bacterial infection. Children with a cold tend to be more upset however, this tends to go away as soon as they recover. Irritability can also manifest in women due to the normal physiology of the menstrual cycle or because of an illness, like pregnancy or illness.
The irritability scale developed by Stringaris and Goodman includes five items that assess the most important symptom domains of anger (annoyance tension, anger and sensitivity).). The Self-Rating Scale and Observer Rating Scale demonstrate evidence of internal consistency with good test-retest reliability and interrater reliability.
4. You can easily get 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 events, and have difficulty following directions. They might also get lost in their thoughts, or even daydream often, even when they are doing boring, unstimulating tasks. They might compulsively check social media or web-based news feeds or lose track of time when working on a project or chores.
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 problems in relationships. They can be impulsive and take on projects and relationships with full force, only to regret their decision later on or feel overwhelmed by their many tasks.
These symptoms are most prominent during menstruation when estrogen levels decrease and progesterone increases. This can increase ADHD symptoms for women already experiencing hormonal fluctuations. This is why it's important for women to identify and address their ADHD symptoms so they can enjoy the life they desire. A diagnosis of ADHD or ADD could aid them in overcoming their difficulties.
5. Impulsivity
Every person makes impulsive decisions, whether it's getting a dramatic haircut or snapping at your partner. If impulsive behavior turns into a routine or a persistent problem, it could be an indication that you need to seek help.
Insufficient control of your impulses can undermine relationships financial and self-esteem. It's especially difficult to manage in adulthood, when life is already chaotic and complicated. Bills are not paid, deadlines are missed at work, and impulsive remarks alienate friends. Even worse, impulsive behaviours could lead to dangerous and harmful consequences, like driving while drunk or using illegal drugs.
Skinner states that for counselors, the first thing to do is determine whether impulse control is a real issue or is a symptom of a different issue, such as substance abuse or anxiety. Skinner encourages clients to talk about their feelings and how they cope with these feelings, and to think about where, when and why they tend be impulsive.
She reminds her clients, as well, that impulsive behavior are often tied to specific emotions such as anger or frustration. "If your impulsive behavior puts you in trouble - and it does for many people and it's time to change those feelings," she says.
Compulsive spending and spending such as watching reality TV in a frenzied manner or shopping, are also typical indications of the impulsivity. It's important to understand that impulsive and compulsive are not the same things however. While impulsive behavior is usually linked to feelings like anger or frustration, compulsive behaviors are linked to a feeling of addiction or obsession. It's important to differentiate between the two because they are treated differently and receive different treatments. For instance, a person may be diagnosed with compulsive disorder, but still need to seek treatment for their ADHD.