ADHD Symptoms in Women
Many women suffer from ADHD symptoms like inattention and forgetfulness, as well as impulsivity. They might also experience mood swings, irritability and hypersensitivity to criticism.
Some of these symptoms can be aggravated by hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy and puberty, or during menstrual cycle. These changes can lead to women being wrongly diagnosed and receive insufficient treatment.
Impatience
Women suffering from ADD have a hard time managing their emotions, and they can be easily upset. They may have mood swings which make it difficult for them to connect well with others. This could lead to being misdiagnosed, or a inability to receive the proper treatment. They are also more likely to be suffering from depression that coexists with ADD and this could make it more difficult to receive the proper treatment.
A lack of patience is a common symptom of ADD in women, especially the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD. The signs of ADD can manifest in a variety of ways, including failing to complete tasks on time, not remembering deadlines and appointments, loosing things and having trouble in completing or beginning new projects. Women with this condition may act impulsively and without thinking. This can cause financial issues or relationships problems, especially when they are rushing into things. They can interrupt conversations and utter things they later regret.
Women suffering from ADD are prone to forgetting to complete simple tasks like grocery shopping or laundry, and aren't able to master math. They also may have writing issues. These women also have difficulty completing tasks that require concentration like reading books or taking an exam. Getting lost in thought or imagining things are also common symptoms for women with ADD.
Women with ADD often have trouble coping with waiting for things, like waiting in lines or sitting in the dentist's chair. They may get frustrated and agitated when minor inconveniences happen or they might get discouraged and stop trying. They are often impatient and feel that they should have accomplished more in the past.
It's important to recognize symptoms early, as ADD in women might not be as well known as the disorder seen in males. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of adult ADHD and locating a qualified healthcare provider is the best way to ensure that you receive a precise diagnosis and the right treatment.
Impulsivity
A person with ADD can be impulsive, and is more likely to act or speaking without thinking. This can cause financial problems and issues with relationships, particularly when she makes poor choices, interrupts other people when they speak, or jumps into the head of relationships and work projects. She may also be more prone to putting things off and procrastinating. She might lose or misplace items and struggle to keep the track of her schedule. Common are mood swings, irritability, and hypersensitivity to criticism.
Mood swings can be another indication that a woman might have ADD and can be misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder, or mistaken for depression. Women with ADD can be easily frustrated. minor irritations can escalate into major issues, causing them to cry, run off, or quit a project. They often struggle to maintain the job they have, attend school, or maintain a healthy eating routine. They often have racing thoughts and tend to talk frequently to themselves or to others despite knowing that it is not appropriate. This type of impulsivity occurs most frequently during menopause and perimenopause as hormone levels fluctuate. These women are more prone to be diagnosed with a mood disorder or depression that must be treated together with ADD.
Mood Swings
Women are more susceptible to mood swings than men, especially during the perimenopausal period and during pregnancy and menopause. Mood changes are typically short-term and triggered by hormonal fluctuations. These rapid changes aren't always to be considered a cause for concern, but persistent ones could be a sign of a mood disorder that requires treatment.
Mood fluctuation can vary from extreme happiness to anxiety and depression. These changes can be temporary and are usually triggered by stress or a new routine. However the recurrence of mood swings may be a sign of a mental illness that can be treated with medication and therapy.
In some instances, mood changes in women may indicate that there is a medical issue. For example urinary tract infections (UTIs) generally affect older people and cause mood swings, irritability and confusion. Additionally, chronic pain can impact your mood and cause you to struggle with managing your emotions.
For some, even the slightest minor irritations can turn into major ones which can result in anger or impulsive actions. Lack of sleep can also result in mood swings, making them more erratic.
The mood swings can happen in response to life events or hormonal imbalance. For instance, PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is marked by emotional turmoil and feelings of being unwell, and it is most frequent during the days prior to your period. Women suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome, premenopause or menopause may have hormonal fluctuations that can cause mood swings.
If you're experiencing a number of mood swings that are affecting your daily routine, talk with your doctor. iampsychiatry can help you identify the source of your mood swings and suggest treatments to ease the symptoms. If you're experiencing extreme mood changes or suicidal symptoms, you should seek immediate help.