Adult ADD in Women
Adult ADD in women isn't often identified because the signs are typically different from those observed in men. Women who suffer from ADD are often misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression due to their mood swings, impulsivity, and inability to handle anger.
The symptoms of add-in women can be concealed by PMS, and can be exacerbated at perimenopause or menopause.
Mood Swings
Mood swings can be described as rapid changes in emotions over a short period of time. They can affect relationships, work performance and household chores. Often, mood disorders are associated with physical symptoms such as stomach or headaches, which may cause misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment. For example chronic stomach pain could be treated with medication whereas depression or anxiety go unaddressed. Bipolar disorder is also characterized by mood swings. The condition can cause you to feel content and happy in one moment and anger or upset in the next over something small.
Impatience
Women who suffer from ADD suffer from symptoms that are different from those of ADD, which is more commonly diagnosed in men. This makes it challenging for women to receive a correct diagnosis. mood swings, like becoming overemotional or easily frustrated are a problem for women with ADD to stay to their goals and may cause them to be misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder. In addition, impulsiveness is very common in women with ADD. Simple inconveniences such as waiting in line or being placed on hold can cause people with ADD to become angry.
Hyperactivity is a sign that makes women run full speed until they crash. This can interfere with their family life, work and other activities. Some women with ADD have a hypoactive personality and lack the motivation to complete the tasks they have to do every day. They may find it difficult to care for their children, maintain the household, or remain in touch with their friends. This type of ADD can make it difficult to stay in a relationship or to find a new job and can be stressful for both the woman and her spouse. Fortunately, with attention deficit disorder in women , the symptoms of frustration can be cured.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of dread that's created to alert you to possible danger. It is a mental and physical state characterized by negative expectations. It can be a continuous feeling of tension, or it could be a specific anxiety disorder, phobia, or obsessive compulsive disorder. It can manifest as a feeling of being tense and easily annoyed, problems with sleep or concentration, muscle tension or chest pains.
Occasional anxiety is normal and healthy. It helps you prepare for new challenges or situations, and it can even be productive. But, if anxiety becomes chronic or excessive it can affect your daily life. This is what defines anxiety disorders.
There are many types of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder (recurring episodes of fear), phobias (excessive anxiety about certain objects or events) and obsessive-compulsive disorders (abnormal irrational thoughts that cause repetitive behavior). Anxiety disorders may also include separation anxiety disorder (fear of being away from home or family members), social anxiety disorder (overwhelming worry about everyday social situations) and selective mutism (a fear of speaking in public).
It's not known exactly what causes anxiety disorders however there are a few risk factors. Childhood experiences, genetics, and parenting habits like overprotection could all be risk factors. They can also include stress and trauma, such as the death of a loved one, or abuse.
Anxiety disorders can be treated with psychotherapy (counseling) and medication. Lifestyle adjustments can also help to reduce anxiety. This includes reducing the intake of caffeine, which can trigger anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise (especially running) releases brain chemicals that reduce stress. In addition, eating well and staying away from substances that could make anxiety worse -- including alcohol and recreational street drugs -- are important. A session with a therapist who specializes in anxiety treatment can be very helpful. They can guide you through relaxation techniques and meditation and help you calm yourself when you are anxious. They can also assist you to find a support network to help you cope with your symptoms.
Depression
Many people feel down and sad at times. The death of a close relative or being dismissed from a job or a divorce are common reasons. If these feelings continue to linger they could be an indication of depression (major-depressive disorder). The symptoms include feeling sad or irritable, and feeling empty. They might also have difficulty thinking or concentrating, have a decreased appetite, sleep more or less than usual, or lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed. Depression occurs in both men and women and can manifest at different times in a woman's life, such as during pregnancy or following childbirth. Depression also can occur in bipolar patients and depression, where the episodes may be mixed with hypomania or mania that cause increased energy and a feeling of "being at the top of the world."
Psychotherapy (talk therapy), as well as medications are used to treat depression. Talk therapy can show you how to overcome negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Antidepressants and other medicines can assist in resolving the chemical imbalances in your brain which cause depression. It could take a while for the medication to begin to work. In addition, it is essential to meet others and join a support group and avoid drinking and other drugs.