Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women with ADD are often dissatisfied by their inability to plan and organize, particularly when they are navigating their life. These women are often daydreamers or act impulsively. Even minor inconveniences can frustrate them to the point where they are angry and irritable.
Finding a reliable diagnosis and treatment for adults with ADHD is difficult because many women do not exhibit all of the typical symptoms. There are indicators of ADD that women of adulthood should be aware of.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Women who have trouble staying focused might notice that they frequently lose their place in a book, are prone to forget appointments, regularly change the subject in conversations, or are prone 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 disorder (ADHD) which is a well-known disorder.
Adults with ADHD have difficulty staying focused or retaining important information. This can cause problems at work, school, and at home. It can also increase anxiety, which is prevalent among women with ADHD. Women who struggle to concentrate can easily be distracted by daydreaming, or lost in their thoughts. They might even be stuck on something for days, weeks or even weeks--often on a subject they find fascinating or satisfying, and are unable to let go of it.
Additionally, a lot of women with ADD are extremely impulsive and can't control their behavior, frequently leading to trouble when they are acting or speaking without thinking first. They're more likely to interrupt others during conversations and to speak out about things they later regret, and they tend to be more prone to sexual risk-taking (such as sex that is more casual, risky behaviors with alcohol or drugs, or unplanned pregnancy) than other women.
It's crucial for women to know that these issues aren't just an inevitable part of aging or a side effect of menopause, as they can cause depression and anxiety, poor relationships and low self-esteem. A diagnosis and treatment could enhance your life at work and at home. This often includes counseling and medication.
2. Uncontrollable mood shifts
While fluctuations in mood are a normal aspect of life, occasionally they can be extreme and disruptive. Changes in mood can be difficult to manage and can affect your relationships, work performance and ability to perform everyday tasks. The fluctuations in mood can be a sign of a mental illness, such as Bipolar or borderline personality disorder. The mood swings could be caused by certain medications like mood stabilizers or antidepressants. Other causes of mood fluctuations include nutritional issues (such as malnourishment or blood sugar spikes) stress, stress, and environmental factors like the weather.
Women may suffer from mood shifts due to premenstrual disorders or premenstrual dysfunction (PMDD), and hormone changes during puberty. In fact, ADD symptoms often worsen in these periods due to hormonal changes.
If you're experiencing mood swings that are frequently, rapid or impact your routine, talk to your doctor about it. Mood disorders are treatable, however, you'll need to consult with a doctor who can assist you in determining a treatment program.
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 moods may cause suicidal behavior or thoughts. The early recognition of these symptoms can help you receive the treatment and help you require.
3. Irritability
Irritability is a problem that can affect both your personal life as well as your job. If you're insecure with your partner or frustrated by your colleagues you may be experiencing irritability. The stress of being angry can cause you to be annoyed over small things and then become frustrated. By taking steps to reduce your anger, you will improve your mood as well as your overall health.
Studies have shown that irritability can be linked to depression and other mood disorders. It can also contribute to the development of anxiety and depressive symptoms. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory, a trait-based measure of hostility contains an Irritability scale. Several other measures of irritability exist, including the Irritability, Anger and Hostility Scale as well as the Anger, Irritability and Assault Questionnaire.
If you're experiencing symptoms of irritable, talk with your doctor. They can help you pinpoint the root of the problem and offer treatment options.
A doctor may request urine or blood tests to evaluate your hormone levels and check for diabetes or other issues that could be causing your irritation. They may also recommend you to an expert in mental health to receive therapy or prescribe medication to manage your mood.
A bacterial or viral illness can make people more irritable. Young children often appear more irritable when they have an illness. This usually passes quickly when they improve. Women who are prone to irritability could be due to the normal physiology associated with menstrual cycle or a medical issue such as illness, pregnancy or injuries.
The irritability test devised by Stringaris & Goodman includes five items that measure the most important symptom domains (annoyance anger tension hostile behaviour and sensitivity). The Self-Rating Scale (SRS) and Observer Rating Scale (ORS) have demonstrated good test-retest and inter-rater reliability.
4. You can easily get distracted
Women with ADD have difficulty completing daily tasks. They might miss appointments or other obligations, become forgetful of important occasions, and have trouble following directions. They may also lose themselves in their thoughts, or ponder excessively during boring and unstimulating tasks. They may be compelled to browse news websites or social media feeds or lose track of time when working on a project or task.
Women may struggle with the urge to be impulsive, which manifests in acting or speaking without thinking and can lead to financial problems, a chaotic home, and a rocky relationship. They might take on projects and relationships with a vengeance and regret it later or feel overwhelmed by their many obligations.
These symptoms are particularly pronounced during menstrual cycles, when estrogen decreases and progesterone levels increase. This can increase ADHD symptoms for women who are already experiencing hormone fluctuation. For this reason, it's essential for women to recognize and tackle their ADHD symptoms so that they can live the life they want to. A diagnosis of ADHD or ADD could assist them in overcoming their issues.
5. Impulsivity
Everyone makes impulsive choices whether it's deciding to get a dramatic haircut or snapping at a partner. But when signs of add in adult women becomes an ongoing issue it could be an indication that you need to seek assistance.
Insufficient control of your impulses can undermine relationships financial and self-esteem. It's especially difficult to manage in adulthood when life is already incredibly busy and complex. Deadlines at work aren't met, bills aren't paid and the impulsive remarks of friends can be a source of discord. And, even more troubling an impulsive attitude can lead to disastrous and negative consequences, such as driving drunk, or taking illegal drugs.
Skinner states that for counselors, the first thing to determine is whether impulse control is a real problem or is a symptom of a larger issue like substance abuse or anxiety. She encourages clients to talk about their emotions and how they are coping with them--and to think about the time, place, and why they may be in a state of impulsivity.
She also reminds her clients that impulsive behavior is usually associated with certain emotions, like anger and frustration. "If your impulsive behavior gets you in trouble - and it is the case for many - then it's time to change your attitude," she says.
Overspending and compulsive behavior, such as binge-watching reality TV or shopping, are common indications of impulsivity. However, it is important to recognize that compulsiveness and impulsiveness are not the exact same thing. While impulsive behaviors are often associated with emotions, like anger or frustration, compulsive behaviours are usually tied to an addiction or an obsession. It's important to differentiate between the two since they are treated differently and are treated differently by mental health professionals. A patient could be diagnosed with compulsive disorders, yet require treatment for ADHD.