Identifying Female ADD Symptoms

Women with ADD often experience depression. This can lead to mistaken diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to be annoyed by waiting, for example, when standing in line or on hold to get customer service.

ADD symptoms can change with hormonal changes in females during puberty, the menstrual cycle, as well as menopausal or perimenopausal changes. They can also be masked by estrogen and may be less apparent in younger girls.

1. Inattentiveness

Women who have inattention ADD are often troubled by their difficulty staying focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD symptoms can also cause problems with time management and an inability to follow instructions. Women who suffer from ADD are more at risk of developing depression than women who are not affected by the disorder. However, the two disorders can coexist.

Parents and teachers may find it more difficult to diagnose adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are less obvious. They might not be able to complete their homework or schoolwork and could be absent from important lectures in class. They might also not be attentive to meetings at work. Adults may also be struggling to find a job or keep their current job.

Inattention ADD is more prevalent in females and girls than males. In many cases, women and girls are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when they enter puberty or experience mood swings that are associated with PMS and perimenopausal. Doctors tend to look for more explicit behavior-related signs of ADD in males and not be able to recognize the symptoms in females or girls especially during this period.

Women with inattention ADD may become frustrated with their lack of concentration. This can result in anger and frustration. They are also more prone to internalizing their anger and may behave in ways that can harm their relationships. If someone interrupts her as she is completing a task, for example, she may storm out of the room. The inability to focus on a task could cause her to make impulsive mistakes that she later regrets.

3. Mood Swings

Life is full of ups and downs. But if your mood shifts are severe, they could interfere with your daily activities and cause you to feel like you're riding an emotional roller coaster. Frequent and severe mood changes can be a sign of an underlying mental health issue that requires treatment.

Mood swings are when you suddenly switch from feeling happy, upbeat or positive to feeling depressed or angry in an hour. These changes can be triggered by a variety of factors that include diet, blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disturbances, and stress. Changes in mood can also be a consequence of certain medications and substances.

If you experience frequent and intense mood changes then it's time to talk to your doctor. Based on the reason there are a variety of treatments that can help you manage your symptoms, including psychotherapy, medication, or other lifestyle treatments.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a typical mood swing that occurs in women between 1 and 2 weeks prior to their period. These symptoms can include fatigue and changes in appetite. They can also cause constipation, depression, and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood fluctuations are more intense during this time you should keep a detailed journal to see if it is possible to identify the cause. This will make you feel more confident in bringing questions to your doctor, and it will also give you a sense of validation of how you feel.

Changing your diet, getting more rest and exercising as well as using relaxation techniques can all help reduce mood swings. If you are taking medication that is causing these symptoms, changing the dosage or experimenting with a different drug may help reduce the symptoms. Mood swings are the result of a variety of mental and medical disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), bipolar disorder and depression.

4. Impulsivity

Impulsivity is the tendency to make rash decisions and act without considering the consequences. While some impulsive behaviors are normal, a pattern of issues with impulse control may be an indication of ADD or another condition. For instance, a person who is impulsive might have trouble saving money, or spend more than they can afford to, or disclose personal information without thinking about the implications. They may also have issues with activities requiring careful planning, such as driving or working in the field of law enforcement.

adhd symptoms in women Links to an external site. 's not uncommon for teenagers and children to be impulsive, however it's not unusual for adults too. It's important to seek medical attention if you're struggling with your work or relationships due to your the impulsiveness of your actions.

Numerous factors can cause an impulsive behaviour. These include genetics, brain structure, chemical imbalances and environmental conditions. An emotional stress history or trauma can trigger the impulsive behavior, and so can having a family member that suffers from a mental illness. Certain medications, including stimulant drugs and antidepressants, can also boost the impulsiveness of a person.

It's also important to distinguish the impulsive behavior from compulsive ones, which are repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, for example, checking the oven frequently, are compulsive, while the more impulsive actions, like buying something on impulse, are an impulsive. The tendency to be impulsive is a female ADD characteristic that is prevalent particularly in girls who are experiencing puberty or PMS and also during menopausal when estrogen levels begin to decline. Appearing aloof during conversations or having trouble finishing chores like washing laundry are also indications of ADD in women. In some instances women's impulsiveness and inattention could lead to them being misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression. This disorder can be treated with the appropriate medication.

5. Anxiety

It's normal to feel anxious or worried from time to time, such as when you're preparing for a public speaking opportunity or test. But if these feelings are frequently and severe, interfere with daily activities and last longer than is reasonable, you may have an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms, such as a pounding heartbeat or feeling like you're choking or having an attack of the heart.

Women with ADD are particularly susceptible to the emotional turbulences that come with anxiety. They can easily become frustrated and are overly sensitive to minor irritations. They can be extremely upset over a tiny mistake or being in a queue for a long time. They might flee, avoid a problem or even abandon the task.

Anxiety is a natural reaction to danger or threat and is designed to prepare your body and your mind to fight. When anxiety is a major factor it can cause people to become debilitated.


Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The kind of therapy you choose will depend on the cause, however both behavioral and cognitive approaches can aid you in reducing your worries and emotions.

Get enough rest and eat healthy to ease anxiety. Avoid stimulants and caffeine that can trigger mood swings. Exercise, specifically intense aerobic exercise, helps release brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join a support group or make contact with friends. Being around other people can alleviate loneliness and ease anxiety. A therapist can guide you through methods to relax yourself through guided imagery or gradual exposure to situations that make you uncomfortable.