Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women suffering from ADD may be frustrated by their inability to organize and plan especially when they move through life. These women often daydream or behave impulsively. Even minor issues frustrate them to the point that they become irritable and annoyed.
It can be challenging to identify and treat adult ADHD because many women don't exhibit all the typical symptoms. However, there are some indicators of ADD in women of adulthood to look out for.
1. Trouble focusing
Women who struggle to focus can lose their place often in the book or forget appointments. They may also discover themselves changing the topic of conversation often or putting off work. These habits are often mistaken as normal behaviors due to stress, aging parents, or an overloaded work schedule. They could be symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which is a well-known disorder.
The primary sign of ADHD for adults is having trouble staying on task or remembering things. This symptom can cause problems at work, home and school, and also increases the anxiety common among women suffering from ADHD. Women who are unable to concentrate are easily distracted by daydreaming or absorbed in their thoughts. They might even be stuck on a topic for hours, days or even weeks--often on a subject they find interesting or rewarding, and become unable to break free of it.
Many women suffering from ADD also tend to be impulsive, and they're unable to control themselves. They often act or speak without thinking and can cause issues. They are more likely to interrupt women during conversations, to blurt things out that they regret and take more sexual risk than other women.
Women should be aware that these issues aren't only a part of aging, or a menopause side effect. They can cause depression, anxiety, poor relationships, and low self-esteem. A diagnosis and treatment could improve your life at workplace and at home. This can include medication and counseling.
2. Uncontrollable mood swings
Although mood swings are a regular part of life, they can also be extreme and disruptive. Mood changes can be difficult to manage and can affect your relationships, work performance and ability to get through daily tasks. The fluctuations in mood can be an indication of a mental illness, like borderline personality disorder or Bipolar disorder. The mood swings could be caused by certain drugs like mood stabilizers and antidepressants. Other reasons for mood swings are nutritional issues (like malnutrition, caffeine or blood sugar spikes), lack of high-quality sleep, stress and other environmental factors such as weather.
Women may suffer from mood swings as a result of premenstrual disorder or premenstrual dysfunction (PMDD), and hormonal changes during puberty. In fact, ADD symptoms often worsen in these periods due to hormonal changes.
If you're experiencing mood swings that are frequent and rapid or impact your daily routine, talk to your doctor about it. You can treat mood disorders, but you will need to consult a specialist.
Women are more likely than men to have a coexisting depression or anxiety as a result of ADD which can cause their mood swings more intense. In some instances, these moods can trigger suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Early recognition of these signs can help you get the treatment and support you require.
3. Irritability
Irritability is a symptom that can affect your personal life and professional career. If you're unfriendly with your partner or annoyed by your coworkers you may be suffering from irritability. It can also cause you to feel angry over minor things and cause you to become frustrated. Taking steps to reduce your anger can improve your mood and overall health.
Studies have shown that irritability may 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) is a measure of trait hostility, has an Irritability subscale. A variety of other measures of irritability are available, including the Irritability, Anger and Hostility Scale as well as the Anger, Irritability and Assault Questionnaire.
If you're feeling irritable, talk with your doctor. They can help identify the underlying cause and provide treatment options.
undiagnosed adhd in women may order blood or urine tests to assess your hormone levels and check for diabetes or other issues that could be causing your anxiety. They may also recommend you to an expert in mental health to receive therapy or prescribe medication that will help you manage your mood.
A viral or bacterial infection can make some people more upset. Children often seem more stressed when they suffer from a cold, and this usually passes quickly as they recover. The reason women are more prone to be irritable is due to the normal physiology involved with menstrual cycle or a medical condition such as pregnancy, illness or injuries.
The irritability test developed by Stringaris and Goodman contains 5 items that test the core symptoms domains (annoyance aggression tension hostile behaviour and sensitivity). The Self-Rating Scale and Observer Rating Scale show evidence of internal consistency and good test-retest reliability as well as interrater reliability.
4. It is easy to be distracted
Women with ADD struggle to complete daily tasks. They may miss appointments or other obligations, be unprepared for important events, and have trouble following instructions. They may also lose themselves in their thoughts, or daydream in a way that is distracting and boring tasks. They may be prone to checking social media or online news feeds or lose track of time when working on a project or chores.
Women can be troubled by an impulsive nature. This may manifest in the form of speaking or acting without thinking. It could also lead financial problems as well as a messy house and even relationship issues. They can be impulsive and take on projects and relationships with full force but regret their decision later or feel overwhelmed by their many tasks.
These symptoms are most prominent during menstrual cycles, when progesterone levels decrease and estrogen increases. This can worsen ADHD symptoms for women already experiencing hormone fluctuation. It's important that women recognize and address their ADHD symptoms to live the life they want to. A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD may aid them in overcoming their difficulties.
5. Impulsivity
Everyone makes impulsive choices whether it's deciding to get an outrageous hairstyle or slapping a lover. When an impulsive behaviour becomes a problem or a habit, it could be time to seek out help.
Poor impulse control can damage relationships, finances, and self-esteem. It's harder to control as you get older, and when life is already hectic and complex. There is no payment for bills, deadlines are missed at work, and unintentional remarks can cause a rift with friends. Worse yet, impulsive behaviors can lead to dangerous and harmful consequences, such as driving while drowsy or taking illegal drugs.
Skinner says that for counselors the first thing to do is determine whether impulse control is a problem or is a symptom of a larger issue, such as anxiety or substance abuse. Skinner encourages clients to talk about their feelings and how they are coping with them--and to think about when, where and why they may be impulsive.
She also reminds her clients that impulsive behavior is often associated with certain emotions, like anger and frustration. "If your impulsive behavior is causing you into trouble - which it is the case for many It's time to change your attitude," she says.
Compulsive spending and spending like binge-watching reality TV or shopping, are also common indicators of the impulsivity. It is important to remember that compulsive and impulsive are not the same thing, though. While impulsive behavior is often linked to emotions, like anger or frustration, compulsive behaviours are usually tied to an addiction or obsession. It is important to distinguish between the two as they are treated differently and require different treatments. A client may be diagnosed as having compulsive disorders, but still require treatment for ADHD.