Adult ADD in Women
Adult ADD isn't always recognized in women since the symptoms may be different from those seen in men. Mood swings, impulsivity and difficulty in coping with anger cause many women with ADD to be misdiagnosed as having depression or bipolar disorder.
Additive symptoms in adult women are often disguised by PMS and exacerbated during perimenopause and menopause.
Mood Swings
Mood swings are defined as rapid changes in feelings over a short time. They can create problems for relationships as well as job performance and household responsibilities. Mood disorders can manifest as physical symptoms such as headaches or digestive problems. This could result in a misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment. Depression and anxiety can be ignored while persistent stomach pain is treated by medication. Bipolar disorder can also be manifested by mood swings. This condition can cause you to feel happy and content in one moment, and angry or upset one minute over something that is minor.
Impatience
Women with ADD usually have different symptoms than those of more common ADD in men, making it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. adhd in older women may have difficulty to stay focused on tasks due to mood swings, such as being emotionally overly stressed or angry. They may also be misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder. The tendency to be impulsive is also common among women with ADD. Minor inconveniences such as waiting in line or being put on hold can cause women with ADD to become irritable.
Hyperactivity is a sign of ADD which causes many women to race at full speed until they crash and then have to contend with family life as well as work and other personal pursuits. Some women who suffer from ADD are hypoactive and lack the energy to complete the tasks they have to do every day. They may have difficulty to take care of their children, maintain their home, or keep connected to their friends. This kind of ADD can make it difficult to stay in a relationship or to find an employment opportunity which can be a source of frustration for both the woman and her spouse. With the right treatment, the symptoms of irritability can be reduced.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling dread that's created to warn you of possible danger. It's a physical and mental state of negative expectation, and it can take a variety of forms. It may be a general feeling of tension that's always present or it could be a specific phobia, anxiety disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. It could manifest as a feeling that you are easily irritable and on edge, or it may be accompanied by difficulty sleeping or concentration, or even tension in the muscles.
The occasional bout of anxiety is normal and healthy. It can help you prepare for new situations or challenges, and it can even be productive. But, if anxiety becomes excessive or chronic, it can interfere with daily life. This is the reason anxiety disorders are classified as disorders.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, which include panic disorder (recurring episodes of fear), fears (excessive anxiety about certain objects or experiences) and obsessive-compulsive disorders (abnormal thoughts that trigger repetitive behavior). Anxiety disorders can also encompass separation anxiety disorder (fear of being away from family or home members), social anxiety disorder (overwhelming anxiety about everyday social situations) and selective Mutism (a fear of speaking in public).
There are several factors that could trigger anxiety disorders. Childhood experiences, genetics, and parenting practices like overprotection can all be risk factors. Stress and trauma could also be a factor, such as the loss of a loved-one or abuse.
Anxiety issues can be treated through psychotherapy (counseling) and medications. Lifestyle adjustments can also help to reduce anxiety. These include reducing caffeine that can trigger symptoms; regularly exercising (especially jogging) and releasing brain chemicals that decrease stress; and getting enough sleep. A healthy diet and avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs that increase anxiety are also essential. A session with a therapist who is trained in anxiety treatment can be very helpful. They can teach you meditation and relaxation techniques, and help you learn techniques to relax yourself when you are feeling anxious. They can assist you in finding support networks that can help you cope.
Depression
Many people feel down and sad at times. The loss of a family member or being fired from a job or divorce are all common reasons. But when those feelings persist they could be signs of depression (major depressive disorder). Symptoms include feeling sad or empty, as well as irritable. They might also have difficulty in concentrating or thinking, suffer from a decreased appetite and sleep less or more than usual, or lose interest in the activities they used to enjoy. Depression occurs in both genders, although it can appear at different times in the life of a woman, such as during pregnancy or following birth. Women who suffer from bipolar disorder may also suffer from depression, which is often mixed with episodes that are characterized by increased energy and the feeling of "being at the top of your game."
The treatment for depression is psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Talk therapy can help you understand how to overcome negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The use of medications, like antidepressants, can help change the chemical imbalance in your brain that triggers depression. It can take some time before the medication begins working. It's also crucial to build a support group and to be around other people. Avoid alcohol and drugs.