Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women suffering from ADD can be frustrated by their inability to plan and organize, particularly when they are in the midst of life. These women are often daydreamers or act impulsively. Minor inconveniences can make them unhappy.
Getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment for adults with ADHD is a challenge because a lot of women don't have all the typical symptoms. There are however some signs of ADD in women who are older to look out for.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Women who are unable to concentrate may lose their place frequently in a book or forget appointments. They may also be prone to changing the topic of conversation often, or procrastinate. The problem is that these issues can often be overlooked as normal because of the stress of life and elderly parents, a full-time job and many other factors. But they could be symptoms of a common disorder called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty staying focused or remembering important things. This symptom can cause problems at work, at home or at school, and aggravates the anxiety that's present in women with ADHD. Women who are unable to concentrate are easily distracted by daydreaming, or lost in their thoughts. They might even be stuck on a subject for days, hours or longer--often a topic they find interesting or rewarding, and find it difficult to get rid of it.
Many women who suffer from ADD also have a tendency to be impulsive and they can't manage themselves. They tend to act or speak without thinking and can cause issues. They're more likely to interrupt other people during conversations and talk about things that they later regret, and they tend to have higher rates of sexual risk-taking (such as more casual sex and risky behaviours with alcohol or drugs, or even unplanned pregnancies) as compared to other women.
It's crucial for women to know that these issues aren't just a normal part of aging, or a consequence of menopausal symptoms and can cause anxiety and depression, as well as poor relationships and low self-esteem. A diagnosis and treatment can improve your life at work and at home. This can include counseling and medication.
2. Uncontrollable Moody Swings
While fluctuations in mood are a normal part of life, occasionally they can become extreme and disruptive. Changes in mood can be difficult to manage and can affect your relationships and work performance as well as your ability to perform everyday tasks. Mood fluctuations can also be an indication of a mental illness, like borderline personality disorder or Bipolar disorder. Mood swings may also be caused by certain medications like mood stabilizers or antidepressants. Other reasons for mood swings are nutritional issues (like malnutrition, caffeine, or blood sugar peaks) as well as a lack of quality sleep, stress and environmental factors such as weather.
For women, mood swings can be a symptom of premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) as well as hormone changes during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Hormonal changes can cause ADD symptoms worse during these times.
Talk to your doctor if you experience mood swings that are frequent, fast, or affect your routine. Disorders of mood are treatable but you'll need to work with a specialist who will help you find the best treatment program.
Women are more likely than men to have an anxiety or depression that is co-existing due to ADD which can cause their mood swings more intense. In some cases, these moods could lead to suicidal ideas or actions. The early recognition of these symptoms can help you receive the treatment and support you require.
3. Irritability
Irritability is a problem that can affect your personal life and your professional career. If you're short with your spouse or frustrated by your colleagues you may be experiencing irritation. It can also cause you to become angry over minor things and then become frustrated. If you take steps to lessen your irritability, you'll be able to boost your mood as well as your overall health.
Research has shown that irritability is related to depression and other mood disorders. It can also cause depression and anxiety. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory, a trait-based measure of hostility includes an Irritability scale. A variety of other measures of irritability are also available, including the Irritability, Anger and Hostility Scale, as well as the Anger, Irritability and Assault Questionnaire.
If you're feeling uneasy, consult your doctor. They can help identify the root cause and offer solutions.
A doctor may order urine or blood tests to determine your hormone levels, and to exclude diabetes or other medical conditions that could cause your irritability. They can also refer you to a mental health professional for therapy or prescribe medication to manage your mood.
A viral or bacterial infection can make some people more sensitive. Young children are often more stressed when they suffer from an illness. This generally goes away as they recover. Women who are prone to irritability could be due to the normal physiology that is associated with menstruation or a medical issue like pregnancy, illness or injuries.
The irritability scale created by Stringaris and Goodman includes five items that assess the main symptom domains that cause irritability (annoyance tension, anger, hostile behaviour and sensitivity). The Self-Rating Scale and Observer Rating Scale show evidence of internal consistency, with high test-retest accuracy and interrater reliability.
4. adhd symptoms in women are easily distracted
Women with ADD have difficulty completing everyday tasks. They might miss important dates, forget appointments, or have difficulty following directions. They may also get lost in their thoughts, or even daydream often, even when they are doing boring, uninteresting activities. They might be compelled to keep tabs on news sites or social media feeds or lose track of the time when working on a project or task.
Women can struggle with impulsivity, which manifests as acting or speaking without thinking. It can result in financial issues and a chaotic home and trouble in relationships. They can be impulsive and engage in relationships and projects with a vengeance but regret their decision later or feel overwhelmed by their many tasks.
These symptoms are more prominent during menstruation when estrogen levels decrease and progesterone increases. This can exacerbate ADHD symptoms for women who are already experiencing hormonal fluctuations. It's essential for women to recognize and tackle their ADHD symptoms so that they can live the life they deserve. A diagnosis of ADHD or ADD could help them overcome their challenges.
5. Impulsivity
Everyone makes impulsive choices whether it's getting a dramatic haircut or slapping a lover. If impulsive behavior turns into a routine or a persistent problem, it could be an indication that you're in need of to seek help.
Inattention to impulses can cause damage to relationships, finances, and self-esteem. It's even more difficult to manage in adulthood, as life is already busy and complicated. Deadlines at work aren't met bills aren't paid, and unintentional remarks can cause a rift with friends. Worse yet, impulsive behaviors can lead to dangerous and harmful consequences, like driving while drunk or using illegal drugs.
Skinner says that for counselors the first thing they need to determine is whether impulse control is a problem or is a sign of a different issue, such as anxiety or addiction to substances. Skinner advises clients to speak about their emotions and how they are managing them. They should also think about the time, place, and why they tend to be an impulsive.
She reminds her clients too, that impulsive behaviors are often linked to 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 take steps to change your attitude," she adds.
Another common indication of impulsivity is spending too much and compulsive behavior such as buying things or binge-watching reality TV. But adhd in women to know that impulsiveness and compulsiveness aren't the same thing. While impulsive behaviors are often associated with emotions, such as anger or frustration, compulsive behaviours are usually tied to an addiction or obsession. It's important to differentiate between the two since they are treated differently and have different treatment options. A patient may be diagnosed with compulsive disorders, but still require treatment for ADHD.