Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women with ADD are often dissatisfied by their inability to plan and organize, particularly when they are in the midst of life. They are usually daydreamers or act impulsively. Little inconveniences can make them irritable.
Finding a reliable diagnosis and treatment for adult ADHD is a challenge because a lot of women don't exhibit all the typical symptoms. There are however some indications of ADD in women who are older that you should be looking for.
1. Problems with Focusing
Women who have difficulty focusing may lose their place frequently in books or forget to make appointments. They might also find themselves changing the subject of conversation often, or procrastinate. These behaviors are often mistaken as normal behaviour 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 with ADHD have difficulty staying focused or remembering important things. This symptom can cause problems at work, home and school, and also increases the anxiety present in women with ADHD. Women who have trouble concentrating are also more likely to be easily distracted by daydreaming or becoming lost in their thoughts and not paying attention to what they're doing. They might even be stuck on something for hours, days or even weeks--often on a subject they find interesting or gratifying--and find it difficult to get rid of it.
Additionally, many women with ADD are extremely impulsive and can't control their behavior, often leading to trouble by acting or speaking without thinking first. They're more likely to interrupt other people during conversations and to speak out about things they later regret, and they tend to have high rates of sexual risk-taking (such as sex that is more casual and risky behaviours with alcohol or drugs, or unplanned pregnancies) as compared to other women.
It's crucial for women to be aware that these issues aren't an inevitable part of aging or a side effect of menopause, as they can lead to anxiety and depression, bad relationships and low self-esteem. Finding a diagnosis and a treatment, which usually includes medication and therapy, can help improve life at home and at work.
2. Uncontrollable mood changes
While ups and downs in mood are normal aspects of life, sometimes they can become extreme and disruptive. Changes in mood can be challenging to manage and may affect your relationships and work performance as well as your ability to get through daily tasks. Changes in mood can also be a sign of a mental health condition such as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. Mood swings may also be caused by certain medications such as mood stabilizers or antidepressants. Other causes of mood changes are nutritional issues (such as malnourishment or blood sugar spikes) stress, as well as environmental factors like the weather.
Women can experience mood swings as a result of premenstrual disorders or premenstrual dysfunction (PMDD) and hormonal fluctuations during puberty. In reality, ADD symptoms often worsen in these periods due to hormonal changes.
If you're experiencing mood fluctuations that are frequent or rapid, or impact your routine, talk to your doctor about it. The mood disorders can be treated, however, you'll need to consult with a specialist who will assist you in determining an appropriate treatment plan.
Women are more likely than men to have anxiety or depression due to ADD, which can make their mood swings more intense. These moods may cause suicidal behavior or thoughts of suicide. Early recognition of these symptoms can help you receive the treatment and support you require.
3. Irritability
Irritability can be a huge problem in both your relationships as well as your job. If you are insecure with your partner or annoyed by coworkers you may be experiencing irritability. It can also cause you to be frustrated and angry over minor things. Taking steps to overcome the irritability you feel can boost your mood and overall health.
Studies have shown that irritability may be linked to depression and other mood disorders. Irritation can also contribute to the development of anxiety and depression symptoms. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI) is a measure of trait hostility, includes an Irritability subscale. 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.
Consult your physician when you start feeling irritable. They can help you identify the root of the problem and offer treatment options.
A doctor can request urine or blood tests to determine your hormone levels and look for diabetes or any other condition that may be contributing to your irritation. They can also refer to an expert in mental health for treatment, or prescribe medication to manage your mood.
Some people may go through a period of being more irritable than usual because of an infection that is bacterial or viral. Children who have a cold tend to be more upset but it usually goes away as soon as they recover. Irritability in women can be due to the normal physiology associated with menstrual cycle or a medical issue such as pregnancy, illness or injuries.
The irritability scale devised by Stringaris and Goodman contains five items to assess the main symptom domains that cause anger (annoyance tension, anger, hostile behaviour and sensitivity). The Self-Rating Scale and Observer Rating Scale provide evidence of internal consistency, with high test-retest accuracy and interrater reliability.
4. women and adhd can easily get distracted
Women suffering from ADD frequently have trouble managing their day-to-day tasks and activities. They may miss important dates, forget appointments, or have trouble following directions. They might also get caught up in their thoughts, or daydream excessively during boring and unstimulating tasks. They may find themselves constantly checking social media or news feeds or lose track of time while working on a project or chores.
Women may struggle with the urge to act. This can manifest in the form of speaking or acting without thinking. It could also lead financial problems and a messy home and relationship issues. They may take on projects and relationships full-force and then regret their choices later on, or feel too thin with many obligations and goals.
These symptoms are particularly pronounced during menstrual cycle which is when estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase. This can increase ADHD symptoms in women who are already experiencing hormonal changes. For this reason, it's crucial for women to recognize and deal with their ADHD symptoms so they can enjoy the life they desire. A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD could help them overcome these challenges.
5. Impulsivity
Every person makes impulsive decisions 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 a sign that you need to seek assistance.
high functioning adhd in women can damage relationships financial, self-esteem, and relationships. It's particularly difficult to control in adulthood when life is already hectic and complicated. Deadlines at work are missed and bills aren't being paid. Additionally, impulsive comments alienate friends. In addition, impulsive behavior can lead to dangerous and harmful consequences, like driving while drowsy or taking illegal drugs.
Skinner states that for counselors the first thing to do is determine whether impulse control is a problem or is a symptom of another problem, such as substance abuse or anxiety. Skinner advises clients to speak about their emotions and how they are coping with them--and to think about when, where and why they may be impulsive.
She reminds her clients that impulsive behavior is often related to certain emotions, including anger and frustration. "If your impulsive behavior gets you into trouble - which it happens to many people and it's time to change those feelings," she says.
Compulsive spending and spending like binge-watching reality shows or shopping, are also typical indications of impulsivity. However, it is important to recognize that compulsiveness and impulsiveness are not the exact same thing. While impulsive behaviors are typically associated with emotions like anger and frustration, compulsive behaviors are connected to a sense of obsession or addiction. It's important to differentiate between the two because they are treated differently and have different treatments. A client may be diagnosed as having compulsive disorders, yet require treatment for ADHD.