Women who suffer from ADD often suffer from many symptoms. Some women who have ADD are hyperactive while others are hypoactive. Women with ADD have difficulty staying on top of their daily tasks like keeping an orderly home and attending to the needs of children or taking part in activities with the family.
Another symptom is the difficulty in recalling names. This problem can become worse prior to, during, or after menopausal changes.
Women who suffer from ADD tend to lose their attention easily. They can drift off into a dream in conversations or struggle to finish tasks that are routine, like grocery shopping and laundry. They might also make careless mistakes or misplace things frequently, which can result in an unclean office, messy home, or the loss of work materials. They can also be impulsive and make bad choices that could have negative consequences like using drugs, engaging in risky sex or fighting.
Additionally, they could be at either end of the spectrum, either hyperactive or hypoactive. A hyperactive woman could run at a high rate until she screams from exhaustion, while a hypoactive women cannot muster the energy needed to get through each day. In both instances they might have trouble maintaining relationships, managing family activities or meeting professional obligations.
Women suffering from ADD are usually identified as having an affliction that is high-functioning. This isn't a medical diagnosis, but rather describes how they manage their symptoms. Women with ADD may still experience difficulties with concentration however, they don't impact their daily lives as much. The symptoms can change however, if you notice that they're becoming worse over time it's best to speak with your doctor. They can assist you to identify the root of your symptoms of add adhd in women, and recommend solutions.
2. Mood Swings
Women suffering from ADD tend to be more prone than men to mood swings. They can become angry when they feel the slightest irritation or disappointment, then explode in anger. They are also more impulsive and engage in things with all their might instead of taking it slow and steady, which can lead to relationships or financial issues. These emotional symptoms are sometimes mistakenly categorized as bipolar disorder however they can be co-existing with ADD in many cases. Mood swings may also worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during perimenopausal. ADD can make it hard to maintain the same job, which can be a contributing factor to depression-related feelings.
3. Distractions
Women who suffer from ADD tend to be easily distracted by events around them and their own thoughts. They might get caught up in a daydream, or have difficulty focusing on tasks like grocery shopping due to the many choices. They might find that even the most simple tasks require them to focus on a single idea and become frustrated if their attention is diverted.
Mood swings are also common among women suffering from ADD as they experience the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the disorder. They become frustrated with even minor adhd symptoms problems and often blame themselves for their failures. The impulsive nature of their behavior can cause issues with relationships, work and school. These extreme mood changes can result in a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. This is especially true since many women with ADD also suffer from depression.
4. Irritability
Irritability is a typical symptom that could be a result of a mental health problem. It could be caused by an underlying physical issue, such as hormonal imbalances or food intolerance.
An individual who is irritable may feel tense or uptight and often has a short temper and becoming easily angered or annoyed. It can lead to an increase in anger or frustration which can make people lash out at people, even if they've done nothing wrong. It can affect their mood and make them more susceptible to anxiety or depression.
Irritation is a mood of agitation that is characterized by a partial physiological disturbance. It's characterized by an increase in sensory sensibility, a noncognitively controlled lower threshold of responding with aggression or anger less vexing stimuli, and a greater tendency to irritable behavior (Digiuseppe Tafrate, 2007). Irritability can be triggered by fatigue, hunger or sleep deprivation or pain. It could be a sign of hormonal changes, such as those that occur during premenstrual disorder (PMS).
In one study researchers surveyed 287 college students about their levels anxiety and psychiatric signs. They found that those with extreme irritability had a greater burden of mental health issues than those who didn't have. They also reported more difficulty in daily life than those who did not have irritable episodes.
To decrease your irritability, try practicing relaxation techniques. Find a quiet space to practice breathing exercises, listen to music, or bathe away from the commotion and noise of a bustling environment. Self-care that addresses your mental and physical needs can help you relax your body and decrease your irritability.
5. Depression
Depression is a persistent low mood that affects the person's ability to function in a daily manner. Depression is more than a feeling of sadness after a stressful event or loss. Depression is a serious mental condition that can trigger feelings of despair, apathy and helplessness. Depression can affect anyone of any age, race, or gender. However, women are more likely to suffer depression.
Depression can manifest as constant low mood, a shift in appetite and weight (either gain or loss), changes in sleeping patterns and fatigue or feeling tired. Other signs include an image of self that is negative, feeling empty or hopeless suicidal thoughts, attempts to commit suicide, slowed movements and speech, an overall difficulty in thinking clearly and having trouble making decisions. Depression can also trigger an absence of enthusiasm for hobbies and other activities, and a sense of despair and being trapped.
Depression is more common for women than men, and it peaks during puberty and pregnancy, as well as in the first year following the birth of a child. Depression can also be a factor during menopausal perimenopausal and perimenopaus. A number of other mental health disorders can coexist with depression, including anxiety disorders and substance abuse. See this NIMH fact sheet for more information about depression and treatment options, as well as sources to seek assistance.