Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women suffering from ADD may be frustrated by their inability to plan and organize especially when they move through their lives. These women tend to daydream or act impulsively. Little inconveniences can make them irritable.
It can be difficult to recognize and treat adult ADHD because many women do not show all of the typical symptoms. However, there are some indicators of ADD in adult women that you should look for.
1. Problems with Focusing
Women who struggle to focus may lose their place frequently in a book or forget appointments. They might also be prone to changing the topic of conversation often or putting off work. These habits are often mistaken for normal behavior due to stress, aging parents or a busy work schedule. They could be a sign of a common disorder called attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Adults who suffer from ADHD have difficulty staying focused or remembering important things. This can lead to problems at work, school and at home. It also increases anxiety, which is common among women suffering from ADHD. Women who aren't able to concentrate are also likely to be easily distracted, either by daydreaming or getting lost in their thoughts and not paying attention to what they're doing. They could be stuck on a subject for hours, even days. This is usually an area they find interesting or enjoyable.
Many women suffering from ADD also tend to be impulsive and they're unable to manage themselves. They tend to behave or speak without thinking and can cause issues. They are more likely to interrupt other people during conversations and to talk about things that they later regret, and they tend to have high rates of sexual risk-taking (such as more casual sex or risky behavior when using drugs or alcohol or unplanned pregnancies) as compared to other women.
Women should be aware of these issues are not just as a result of aging or a menopausal side effect. They can cause anxiety, depression, poor relationships and low self-esteem. Getting a diagnosis and treatment, which usually includes therapy and medication can improve your life at home and at work.
2. Uncontrollable mood changes
While ups and downs in mood are a normal part of life, sometimes they can be extreme and disruptive. The fluctuation in mood are difficult to manage and can affect your relationships, work performance and your ability to accomplish daily tasks. Mood fluctuations can also be a sign of a mental illness, such as Bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. They can be a side effect of certain drugs, including antidepressants and mood stabilizers. Other causes of mood fluctuations are nutritional issues (such as malnourishment or blood sugar spikes) stress, stress, and environmental factors, like the weather.
Women can have mood fluctuations due to premenstrual disorder or premenstrual dysfunction (PMDD), and hormonal fluctuations during puberty. Hormonal changes can make ADD symptoms worse during these periods.
Speak to adhd symptoms in adult women for advice if you experience mood swings which are frequent, rapid or interfere with your daily routine. Mood disorders are treatable, but you'll need to work with a specialist who will help you find an appropriate treatment plan.
Women are more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression in conjunction with ADD. This can intensify mood swings. In some instances, these moods could lead to suicidal ideas or actions. Recognizing these signs early on can allow you to get the treatment and support you require.
3. Irritability
Irritability can be a huge issue in your relationships and at work. If you find yourself being short with your partner or easily frustrated by your colleagues you may be suffering from irritation. Irritation can also cause you to become annoyed over small things and cause you to become frustrated. Making steps to manage your irritability can improve your mood and overall health.
Studies have shown that irritability can be related to depression and other mood disorders. Irritation can also contribute to the development of anxiety and depressive symptoms. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI), a trait measure of hostility, also includes an Irritability subscale. Other measures of irritability exist, including the Irritability, Anger and Hostility Scale and the Anger, Irritability and Assault Questionnaire.
If you're prone to feeling stressed, speak to your doctor. They can help you identify the root cause and provide you with treatment options.
A doctor may order blood or urine tests to determine your hormone levels and look for diabetes or other conditions that may be contributing to your irritation. They can also refer to an expert in mental health treatment, or prescribe medication to manage your mood.
A viral or bacterial infection can make some people more upset. Young children often appear more stressed when they suffer from an illness, and this usually passes quickly as they recover. Irritability can also occur in women as a result of the normal physiology of the menstrual cycle or as a result of an illness, such as pregnancy, illness or injury.
The irritability test developed by Stringaris & Goodman contains 5 items that measure the most important symptom domains (annoyance anger tension hostile behavior and sensitivity). The Self-Rating Scale and Observer Rating Scale provide evidence of internal consistency and high test-retest accuracy and interrater reliability.
4. You can easily be distracted
Women with ADD struggle to complete everyday tasks. They may not remember important dates, miss appointments, or have difficulty following instructions. They may also lose themselves in their thoughts, or daydream often during boring and uninteresting tasks. They may be prone to checking social media or news feeds or lose track of time while working on a chore or project.
Women may be afflicted by an impulsive nature, which manifests itself as speaking or acting without thinking and can result in financial issues, a chaotic home, and a rocky relationship. They might jump into projects and relationships full-force and then regret their choices later on or feel spread too thin by the many tasks and goals.
These symptoms are more prominent during menstruation when progesterone levels decrease and estrogen increases. This can exacerbate ADHD symptoms for women who are already experiencing hormonal changes. It's important for women to identify and deal with their ADHD symptoms so that they can live the life they want to. A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD may assist them in overcoming their issues.
5. Impulsivity
Everyone makes impulsive choices whether it's deciding to get an outrageous hairstyle or snapping at a partner. When impulsive behavior develops into a problem or habit, it may be time to seek help.
Insufficient control of your impulses can undermine relationships financial and self-esteem. It's even more difficult to control as you get older, and when life is already busy and complicated. Deadlines at work are not met, bills aren't paid and unintentional remarks can cause a rift with friends. Even worse, impulsive behaviours could lead to hazardous and dangerous consequences, such as driving while drunk or using illegal drugs.
Skinner says that for counselors the first thing to do is determine if impulse control is a real issue or is a symptom of another problem like anxiety or substance abuse. She encourages clients to talk about their feelings and how they are dealing with them, and to think about the time, place, and why they tend to be in a state of impulsivity.
She reminds her clients as well, that impulsive behavior are often correlated with certain emotions like anger or frustration. "If your impulses get you in trouble -- and they do for a lot of people, then it's time to make a move toward changing those feelings," she adds.
Overspending and compulsive behavior, such as binge-watching reality shows or shopping, are common indications of an impulsive nature. It is important to remember that compulsive and impulsive are not the same thing, though. While impulsive behaviors are typically linked to emotions, such as anger or frustration, compulsive behavior are typically linked to an addiction or obsession. It is also crucial to differentiate between the two since they are treated differently and are treated differently by mental health professionals. A client may be diagnosed with compulsive disorders, but still require treatment for ADHD.