13 Things You Should Know About Add In Adult Women That You Might Never Have Known
Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women who suffer from ADD are often frustrated by their inability to plan and organize, particularly when they are moving through life. These women tend to daydream or behave impulsively. Little inconveniences can make them unhappy.
Finding a reliable diagnosis and treatment for adult ADHD is difficult because many women don't exhibit all the typical symptoms. There are however some indicators of ADD in women who are older that you should be looking for.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Women who struggle to focus might lose their spot frequently in books or forget to make appointments. They might also discover themselves changing the topic of conversation frequently, or procrastinate. These habits are often mistaken as normal behaviour due to stress, aging parents or an overloaded work schedule. However, they could be signs of a more common disorder known as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Adults with ADHD have difficulty staying focused or remembering important details. This can cause problems at work, school and at home. It also increases anxiety, which is common among women suffering from ADHD. Women who struggle to concentrate can easily become distracted by daydreaming, or losing themselves in their thoughts. They might even be stuck on a topic for days, hours or longer--often a topic they find fascinating or satisfying, and are unable to let go of it.
Many women with ADD are also prone to be impulsive and they can't control themselves. high functioning adhd in women act or speak without thinking which can cause problems. They tend to interrupt other women in conversations, to blurt things out that they regret and to take greater sexual risks than other women.
It's crucial for women to know that these problems aren't simply an inevitable part of aging or an side effect of menopause, as they can cause anxiety and depression, bad relationships and low self-esteem. Getting a diagnosis and treatment, which often includes therapy and medication, can help improve life at home as well as at work.
2. Uncontrollable mood shifts
Although mood swings are regular part of life, they can be extreme and disruptive. Mood swings can be difficult to control and can impact your relationships, work performance and your ability to finish everyday tasks. The fluctuations in mood can be a sign of mental illness, such as Bipolar or borderline personality disorder. Mood swings may also be caused by certain medications like mood stabilizers or antidepressants. Other causes of mood swings include nutritional issues (like malnourishment, caffeine or blood sugar peaking), lack of high-quality sleep, stress and other environmental factors like weather.
Women may experience mood shifts due to premenstrual disorder or premenstrual dysfunction (PMDD) and hormone fluctuations during puberty. In reality, ADD symptoms often worsen during these times due to hormonal changes.
Consult your physician if you experience mood swings which are frequent, swift or disrupt your daily routine. Disorders of mood are treatable but you'll have to work with a specialist who can help you develop an appropriate treatment program.
Women are more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression in conjunction with ADD. This can cause mood swings. In some instances mood swings can trigger suicidal thoughts or behavior. Being aware of these signs can help you get the treatment and help you need.
3. Irritability
Irritability is a significant problem in both your relationships and your job. If you find yourself being insecure with your partner or easily annoyed by your coworkers You may be experiencing irritability. The stress of being angry can cause you to be angry over minor things and then become angry. Taking steps to overcome your anger can boost your mood and overall health.
Research has shown that irritability is related to depression and other mood disorders. Irritation may also contribute to depression and anxiety symptoms. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory, a trait measure of hostility, contains an Irritability scale. A variety of 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 uneasy, consult your doctor. They can help identify the root cause and offer treatment options.
A doctor can conduct blood or urine tests to check your hormone levels and to rule out diabetes or any other health conditions that may be contributing to your irritability. They may also recommend you to an expert in mental health for treatment or prescribe medication that will help you manage your mood.
A bacterial or viral infection can make some people more upset. Children who have a cold tend to be more upset, but this usually passes when they heal. The reason women are more prone to be irritable is due to the normal physiology that is associated with menstruation or a medical issue like pregnancy, illness or injuries.
The irritability test devised by Stringaris & Goodman contains 5 items that test the core symptom domains (annoyance aggression tension hostile behaviour and sensitivity). 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 frequently have trouble managing their daily tasks and activities. They may forget appointments or other obligations, become in a state of forgetfulness about important occasions, and have trouble following instructions. They may also lose themselves in their thoughts, or ponder in a way that is distracting and boring 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 impulsivity, which manifests as speaking or acting without thinking and can lead to financial problems, a chaotic home, and problems in relationships. They can be impulsive and take on projects and relationships with full force, only to regret it later or feel overwhelmed by their many tasks.
These symptoms are more apparent during menstrual periods, when estrogen levels decrease and progesterone increases. This can cause ADHD symptoms in women who are already experiencing hormonal fluctuations. For this reason, it's crucial for women to recognize and address their ADHD symptoms so they can live the life they want to. A diagnosis of ADHD or ADD could help them overcome their challenges.
5. Impulsivity
Every person makes impulsive decisions whether it's getting an outrageous hairstyle or slapping a lover. But when impulsive behavior becomes a routine or a persistent issue is an indication that you're in need of to seek assistance.
A lack of control over your impulses can destroy relationships, finances and self-esteem. It's especially difficult to manage in adulthood when life is already incredibly busy and complex. The bills aren't paid, deadlines are missed at work and unintentional remarks can cause a rift with friends. Worse yet, impulsive behaviors can have hazardous and dangerous consequences, such as driving drowsy or taking 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. She encourages her clients to discuss their feelings and the ways they manage them, and also to think about the places, times and why they're 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 into trouble - and it does for many people - then it's time to change those feelings," she says.
Another common sign of impulsivity is overspending and compulsive behaviors such as watching reality shows or shopping. It is important to remember that impulsive and compulsive are not the same thing, though. While impulsive behaviors are typically linked to feelings, such as anger and frustration, compulsive behavior is linked to a feeling of addiction or obsession. It is important to distinguish between the two since they are treated differently and receive different treatment options. A patient could be diagnosed with compulsive disorders, yet require treatment for ADHD.