Signs of ADD in Adult Women
Women with ADD are often frustrated by their inability to plan and organize, particularly when they are in the midst of life. These women tend to daydream or make impulsive decisions. Small inconveniences can cause them to become angry.
It can be challenging to identify and treat adult ADHD because many women do not show all of the typical symptoms. However, there are some indicators of ADD in women who are older that you should look for.
1. Problems with Focusing
Women who are unable to concentrate might lose their spot frequently in a book or forget appointments. They might also be prone to changing the topic of conversation often, or procrastinate. These behaviors are often mistaken for normal behavior due to stress, aging parents, or the demands of a hectic schedule at work. However, they could be signs of a disorder that is commonly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Adults with ADHD struggle to stay focused or retaining important information. This can lead to problems at work, home and school, and also increases the anxiety common among women suffering from ADHD. Women who aren't able to concentrate are also more likely to be easily distracted, either by daydreaming or getting lost in their thoughts and not paying attention to what they're doing. adhd in older women could even become stuck on a subject for days, hours or even weeks--often on a subject they find fascinating or satisfying, and are unable to let go of it.
Many women suffering from ADD are also prone to be impulsive, and they're unable to manage themselves. They tend to behave or speak without thinking, which can lead to issues. They tend to interrupt other women in conversations, to blurt out things out that they regret, and to take more sexual risks than other women.
Women should be aware that these issues are not just an inevitable part of aging or a menopausal side effect. They can result in depression, anxiety, poor relationships, and low self-esteem. Getting a diagnosis and treatment, which often includes therapy and medication can make a difference at home and at work.
2. Uncontrollable mood swings
Although mood swings are regular part of life, they can be extreme and disruptive. The fluctuations in mood can be difficult to control and can impact your relationships, performance at work and your ability to finish everyday tasks. Changes in mood can also be an indication of a mental health problem, like borderline personality disorder or bipolar disorder. They may be a side effect of certain drugs, including mood stabilizers and antidepressants. Other reasons for mood changes are nutritional issues (such as malnutrition or blood sugar spikes) stress, as well as environmental factors, such as the weather.
In women, mood changes can be a symptom of premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorders (PMDD), and also hormonal changes during menopausal and puberty. Changes in hormones can make ADD symptoms worse during these times.
Consult your physician for advice if you experience mood swings that are frequent, rapid or disrupt your routine. You can treat mood disorders, but you will need to consult a specialist.
Women are more likely than men to suffer from an anxiety or depression that is co-existing due to ADD which can cause their mood swings more intense. These mood swings can lead to suicidal behavior or thoughts. Being aware of these signs can help you get the treatment and help you need.
3. Irritability
Irritability is a problem that can affect your personal life and job. If you're unfriendly with your spouse or annoyed by coworkers You may be experiencing irritation. Irritation may also make you frustrated and angry over minor things. By taking steps to reduce your irritability, you can boost your mood as well as your overall health.
Studies have shown that irritability may be linked to depression and other mood disorders. It can also cause anxiety and depressive symptoms. The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI) is a measure of trait hostility, includes an Irritability subscale. There are a variety of other measures of irritability, including the Irritability, Anger, and Hostility scale and the Anger, Irritability, and Assault Questionnaire.
Talk to your doctor if you are prone to feeling irritable. They can help you identify the root cause of your problem and provide solutions.
A doctor can order urine or blood tests to assess your hormone levels and to determine if you have diabetes or other health conditions that may be causing your irritability. They can also recommend you to an expert in mental health for therapy or prescribe medication that will manage your mood.
Some people may go through a period of being more upset than usual because of a viral or bacterial infection. Young children are often more upset when they are suffering 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 cycles or a medical issue such as illness, pregnancy or injury.
The irritability test developed by Stringaris & 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 demonstrate evidence of internal consistency with good test-retest reliability as well as interrater reliability.
4. You can easily get distracted
Women suffering from ADD are unable to complete daily tasks. They might miss appointments or other obligations, become in a state of forgetfulness about important events, and have difficulty following directions. They might also get caught up in their thoughts or think excessively during boring and unstimulating tasks. They might be compelled to browse news websites or social media feeds or lose track of the time when working on a project or task.
Women may struggle with impulsivity. This can manifest in the form of speaking or acting without thinking. It could also cause financial issues, a messy home, and issues with relationships. They may take on projects and relationships full-force and regret their choices later on, or feel too thin with a myriad of tasks and goals.
These symptoms are particularly pronounced during menstrual cycles which is when estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise. This can exacerbate ADHD symptoms for women already experiencing hormone fluctuation. It's important that women recognize and deal with their ADHD symptoms to live the life they want to. A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD could aid them in overcoming these issues.
5. Impulsivity
Everyone makes impulsive choices whether it's deciding to get a dramatic hairstyle or slapping a lover. If impulsive behavior turns into a routine or a persistent problem is an indication that you're in need of to seek help.
Poor impulse control can sabotage relationships, finances and self-esteem. It's harder to manage in adulthood, as life is already busy and complex. There is no payment for bills deadlines are missed at work, and the impulsive comments of friends can be a source of discord. In addition the impulsive behavior could have negative and dangerous consequences like driving drunk, or taking illegal drugs.
Skinner states that for counselors the first thing they need to determine is whether impulse control is a real issue or is a sign of a different issue, such as anxiety or substance abuse. She encourages clients to talk about their feelings and how they are coping with them--and to think about the time, place, and why they may be in a state of impulsivity.
She also reminds her clients that impulsive behavior can be associated with certain emotions, including anger and frustration. "If your impulsive behavior is causing you into trouble - which it does for many people It's time to change your attitude," she says.
Overspending and compulsive behavior, such as watching reality TV in a frenzied manner or shopping, are common indicators of the impulsivity. But it's important to know that compulsiveness and impulsiveness are not the same thing. While impulsive behavior is usually tied to emotions, such as anger and frustration, compulsive behavior is tied to a sense of addiction or obsession. 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, but still require treatment for ADHD.