Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women who suffer from ADD are often dissatisfied by their inability to plan and organize, particularly when they are in the midst of life. They tend to daydream or act impulsively. Little inconveniences can make them irritable.
Making a correct diagnosis and treatment for adult ADHD is difficult because many women don't exhibit all the typical symptoms. There are however some indications of ADD in women of adulthood that you should be looking for.
1. Trouble focusing
Women who struggle to focus may find that they frequently lose their place in a book, are prone to forget appointments, regularly shift topics during conversations, or are susceptible to procrastination. These habits are often mistaken as normal behaviour due to stress, aging parents or an overloaded work schedule. But they could be symptoms of a more common disorder known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Adults with ADHD struggle to stay focused or retaining important information. This can lead to problems at work, school, and at home. It also causes anxiety, which is already common among women with ADHD. Women who have trouble concentrating are also likely to be easily distracted by daydreaming or becoming lost in their thoughts and not paying attention to what they're doing. They could even become stuck on a subject for hours, days or longer--often a topic they find fascinating or satisfying, and find it difficult to get rid of it.
In addition, many women with ADD are extremely impulsive and can't control their behavior, often leading to trouble when they act or speaking without thinking before. They are more likely to interrupt other people during conversations and to talk about things that they later regret, and they are more likely to have higher rates of sexual risk-taking (such as sex that is more casual and risky behaviours with drugs or alcohol or unplanned pregnancy) in comparison to other women.
Women need to 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 can help you live your best life at workplace and at home. This can include medication and counseling.
2. Uncontrollable mood shifts
Although mood swings are normal part of life, they can be extreme and disruptive. Changes in mood can be challenging to manage and affect your relationships, work performance and ability to perform daily tasks. Mood fluctuations can also be a sign of a mental illness, such as Bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. They may also be a side effect of certain drugs, including mood stabilizers and antidepressants. Other reasons for mood swings are nutritional issues (like malnutrition, caffeine, or blood sugar peaking) as well as a lack of quality sleep, stress, and environmental factors such as weather.
In women, mood changes can be a symptom of premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and also hormonal fluctuations during menopausal and puberty. In fact, ADD symptoms often worsen during these times due to hormonal changes.
If you're experiencing mood fluctuations that are frequent or rapid, or are affecting your routine, talk to your doctor about it. There are treatments for mood disorders, but you'll require a consultation with a specialist.
Women are more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression in conjunction with ADD. This can increase mood swings. In some instances mood swings could lead to suicidal ideas or behavior. Knowing the signs early can allow you to get the help and treatment you require.
3. Irritability
Irritability is a significant problem in both your relationships and your job. If you find yourself being unfriendly with your partner or annoyed by coworkers you may be experiencing irritation. It can also cause you to be frustrated and angry over minor things. By taking steps to reduce your irritability, you'll be able to improve your mood as well as your overall health.
Studies have proven that irritability is related to depression and other mood disorders. It can also contribute to the development of anxiety and depression symptoms. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory, a trait measure for hostility, contains an Irritability scale. There are a variety of other measures of anger, including the Irritability, Anger, and Hostility scale and the Anger, Irritability, and Assault Questionnaire.
Speak to your doctor if you are prone to being irritable. adhd in women checklist can help you identify the root cause and offer solutions.
A doctor can order blood or urine tests to assess your hormone levels and look for diabetes or any other condition which could be contributing to your irritability. They can also refer to an expert in mental health treatment or prescribe medication to help control your mood.
A viral or bacterial infection can cause some people to become more irritable. Children with colds tend to be more upset but it usually goes away when they heal. Women who are prone to irritability could be due to the normal physiology involved with menstruation or a medical condition such as illness, pregnancy or injuries.
The irritability scale developed by Stringaris and Goodman includes 5 items assessing the most important symptom domains of irritability (annoyance tension, anger as well as sensitivity, hostile behavior and). The Self-Rating Scale and Observer Rating Scale demonstrate evidence of internal consistency and good test-retest reliability as well as interrater reliability.
4. It is easy to be distracted
Women suffering from ADD often have difficulty managing their daily tasks and activities. They may miss appointments or other obligations, become unprepared for important events, and have trouble following directions. They might also get lost in their thoughts or 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 while working on a chore or project.
Women can be troubled by an impulsive nature. It can manifest itself in the form of speaking or acting without thinking. It could also result in financial problems and a messy home and relationship issues. They might take on projects and relationships with a vengeance and regret their decision later or feel overwhelmed by the many responsibilities.
These symptoms are especially evident during menstruation, when estrogen decreases and progesterone levels rise. This can cause ADHD symptoms for women who are already experiencing hormonal fluctuations. It's important that women recognize and tackle their ADHD symptoms in order to live the life they deserve. A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD may aid them in overcoming their difficulties.
5. Impulsivity
Every person makes impulsive decisions whether it's getting a dramatic hairstyle or yelling at a friend. But when impulsive behavior becomes an ongoing problem, it could be a sign that you need to seek assistance.
Uncontrolled impulses can harm relationships, finances, and self-esteem. It's even more difficult to manage in adulthood, as life is already hectic and complex. The bills aren't paid, deadlines are missed at work, and the impulsive comments of friends can be a source of discord. And, even more troubling, impulsive behavior can have disastrous and negative consequences, such as driving drunk or taking illegal substances.
For counselors, Skinner says, the first step is figuring out whether impulse control is an actual presenting problem or a sign of something else, like anxiety or use of substances. She encourages clients to talk about their feelings and the ways they deal with them, and also to think about the places, times and why they're in a state of impulsivity.
She reminds her clients as well, that impulsive behavior are often tied to specific emotions such as anger or frustration. "If your impulses lead you in trouble -- and they do for many people--then it's time to make a move to change your attitude," she adds.
Another indication of impulsivity is excessive spending and compulsive behaviours like shopping or binge-watching reality shows. However, it is important to recognize that compulsiveness and impulsiveness are not the same thing. While impulsive behaviors are typically tied to emotions, such as anger and frustration, compulsive behaviors are connected to a sense of obsession or addiction. It's important to differentiate between the two because they are treated differently and require different treatment options. For instance, a person may be diagnosed with compulsive disorder but still require treatment for their ADHD.