Adult ADD in Women
Adult ADD isn't always recognized in women due to the fact that the symptoms may differ from those of men. Women with ADD are often misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression because of their mood swings, impulsivity and inability to handle the stress.
The signs of add in mature women can be disguised by PMS and are exacerbated during perimenopause and menopause.
Mood Swings
Mood swings are defined as rapid changes in feelings in a short amount of time. They can affect relationships, work performance and household chores. Mood disorders can present with physical symptoms such as headaches or digestive problems. This can cause a misdiagnosis or ineffective treatment. For instance chronic stomach pain could be treated with medication while depression or anxiety are not addressed. Mood swings are also common signs of bipolar disorder. The condition can cause you to feel happy and content in one moment and anger or upset in one minute over something that is minor.
Impatience
Women with ADD typically exhibit the opposite symptoms of the more well-known ADD in men, which makes it difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They may have difficulty to focus on their work due to mood swings like being emotionally overly stressed or frustrated. They could be misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder. Impulsiveness is also very common among women suffering from ADD. Simple inconveniences such as waiting in line or being placed on hold can cause women who suffer from ADD to become annoyed.
Hyperactivity is a sign that makes women run at full speed until they fall. This can cause problems with their family life, work and other activities. Women with ADD have a hypoactive personality and are unable to do the things they must do each day. They may have difficulty to take care of their children, maintain the household, or remain connected to their friends. This type of ADD can also make it difficult to remain in a relationship or find an employment opportunity, which can be frustrating for both the woman as well as her partner. Fortunately, with the right treatment, the effects of irritability can be reduced.
Anxiety
Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling that alerts you to danger. It's the physical and mental state of fear, and it can come in a variety of forms. It could be a general sense of tension that is present all the time, or it may be a specific phobia, anxiety disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. It could manifest as an underlying feeling of being tense and easily irritable, trouble with concentration or sleeping, muscle tension or chest pains.
The occasional bout of anxiety is normal and healthy. It can be useful in preparing for new situations and challenges. When anxiety becomes chronic or overt, it can interfere in everyday life. Anxiety disorders are characterized by this.
There are many kinds of anxiety disorders. They include panic disorder (recurrent moments of anxiety) as well as obsessive-compulsive disorders (irrational, abnormal thoughts that lead to repetitive behaviors) and fears. Separation anxiety disorder is a common anxiety disorder. It is characterized by anxiety about being away from home or family.
There are a variety of factors that could trigger anxiety disorders. Childhood experiences, genetics, and parenting techniques such as overprotection are all risk factors. They can also include stress and trauma, such as the death of a loved ones or abuse.
Psychotherapy (counseling) as well as medication can be used to treat anxiety disorders. There are also adhd in young women of lifestyle changes that could help reduce anxiety. These include cutting down on caffeine that can trigger symptoms; regularly exercising (especially jogging), which releases brain chemicals that help reduce stress and improve sleep. A healthy diet and avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs that cause anxiety are also important. Finally, talking to an experienced therapist who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders can be beneficial. They can teach you relaxation and meditation techniques and assist you in learning techniques to relax yourself when you feel anxious. They can also assist you to connect with a support system to help you deal with your symptoms.
Depression
People feel sad and low at times. The death of a loved one, getting fired from a job or divorce are all common reasons. But when those feelings persist, they may be signs of depression (major depression disorder). It is characterized by feeling depressed or irritable, and feeling empty. They might also have trouble in concentrating or thinking, suffer from less appetite and sleep less or more than usual or lose interest in activities they used to enjoy. Depression can affect both genders and can manifest at different times in a woman's life such as during pregnancy or after childbirth. Bipolar disorder sufferers can also be depressed, and it is often accompanied by episodes that are marked by increased energy and the feeling of "being at the top of your game."
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as medication, are used to treat depression. Talk therapy can help you learn to modify your unhealthy behavior, thoughts and emotions. Medications, such as antidepressants can help to alter the chemical imbalance in your brain that causes depression. It may take a few days before the medication begins to work. In addition, it's important to be with other people and form a support group and to stay clear of alcohol and other drugs.