Adult ADD in Women
Adult ADD isn't always identified in women since the symptoms can be different from those seen in males. Mood swings, impulsivity and trouble coping with frustration cause many women with ADD to be misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression.
Symptoms of add in adult women can be disguised by PMS and exacerbated during menopausal perimenopausal cycles and perimenop.
Mood Swings
Mood swings are sudden changes in feelings that happen in a short time. They can impact relationships, work performance and household chores. Mood disorders can manifest as physical symptoms like headaches or digestive problems. This could cause a misdiagnosis or ineffective treatment. For instance chronic stomach pain could be treated with medication while depression or anxiety go unaddressed. Mood swings are also common signs of bipolar disorder. Symptoms of this condition include feeling content and happy at one point, but angry or upset over some minor issue the next.
Impatience
Women who suffer from ADD usually have the opposite signs of the more commonly recognized ADD in men, which makes it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. Mood swings, such as being easily upset or overly emotional, can make it hard for women with ADD to stick to their tasks. It can also cause confusion when they are diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Impulsiveness is also very common among women with ADD. Small inconveniences, like waiting in line or getting put on hold, can seem like major inconveniences and cause these women to become frustrated and angry.
Hyperactivity can be a sign that makes women run at full speed until they fall. This can affect their work, family life and other activities. On the other side, some women suffering from ADD are inactive and unable to find the energy needed to keep up with their day-to-day activities, which is why they struggle to keep a house, care for children or maintain contact with their friends. This type of ADD can make it difficult to remain in a relationship or find a new job which can be a source of frustration for both the woman as well as her partner. With the right treatment, the symptoms of irritability can be reduced.
Anxiety
Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling that warns you of the possibility of danger. It's a physical and mental state of a negative expectation and it can take many forms. It can be a continuous feeling of tension, or a specific anxiety disorder, phobia or obsessive compulsive disorder. It may manifest as an impression that you're constantly stressed and anxious or associated with difficulty sleeping or being able to concentrate or even tension in your muscles.
Anxiety is healthy and normal. It can be helpful in preparing for new challenges and situations. However, when anxiety becomes chronic or excessive, it can interfere with everyday life. Anxiety disorders are characterized by this.
There are many types of anxiety disorders. They include panic disorder (recurrent episodes of anxiety), obsessive compulsive disorders (irrational, abnormal thoughts that result in repetitive behavior) and phobias. Anxiety disorders can also include separation anxiety disorder (fear of being away from home or family members), social anxiety disorder (overwhelming anxiety about everyday social situations) and selective mutism (a fear of speaking in public).
It's unclear exactly what causes anxiety disorders however there are a few risk factors. Genetics, childhood experiences, and parenting practices like overprotection can all be risk factors. Stress and trauma could be a contributing factor for example, the loss of a loved one or abuse.
Anxiety disorders can be treated using psychotherapy (counseling) and medications. Lifestyle changes can also help reduce anxiety. adhd women uk include reducing caffeine that can trigger symptoms; regularly exercising (especially running), which releases brain chemicals that decrease stress; and getting enough sleep. In adhd in young women , eating a healthy diet and avoiding substances that can cause anxiety to increase -- including recreational and alcoholic street drugs are essential. Talking with a therapist who is trained in anxiety treatment can be very helpful. They can help you learn relaxation and meditation techniques and help you learn techniques to relax yourself when you are feeling anxious. They can assist you in finding support networks to help you cope.
Depression
People experience sadness and depression at times. The death of a loved one or being fired from a job, or divorce are all common causes. But when those feelings persist they could be signs of depression (major depressive disorder). Symptoms include feeling sad or irritable, and feeling empty. They might also have difficulty in concentrating or thinking, suffer from an appetite loss, sleep more or less than normal, or lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed. Depression occurs in both men and women however it may manifest at various times in a woman's life, such as during pregnancy or following childbirth. Women who suffer from bipolar disorder may also be depressed, and it is often mixed with episodes that are marked by increased energy and the feeling of "being at the top of your game."
Treatment for depression includes psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Talk therapy can help you understand how to manage negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Antidepressants, for instance can help to alter the chemical imbalance in your brain that causes depression. It could take a while for the medicine to begin to show results. In addition, it's crucial to be around others and join an aid group and avoid drinking and other drugs.