Adult ADD in Women
Adult ADD isn't always identified in women due to the fact that the symptoms may be different from those seen in men. The erratic mood, impulsivity and trouble coping with frustration make it common for women suffering from ADD to be misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression.
The symptoms of add in women may be disguised by PMS, and can be exacerbated at perimenopause or menopause.
Mood Swings
Mood swings are rapid changes in emotions that occur in a short time. They can impact relationships, work performance, and household chores. Often, mood disorders present with physical symptoms, such as digestive issues or headaches that can result in a misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment. Depression and anxiety can be ignored while persistent stomach pain is treated with medications. Mood swings are common signs of bipolar disorder. The symptoms of this disorder include feeling happy and content at one point, but angry or upset over some minor issue the next.
Impatience
Women who suffer from ADD usually have different symptoms than those of more well-known ADD in men, making it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. Mood swings, such as becoming overemotional or easily frustrated are a problem for women with ADD to stay to their tasks. It can also cause them to be misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder. In addition, impulsiveness is very common in women with ADD. Small inconveniences, like waiting in line or being put on hold, can seem like major annoyances and prompt these women to become frustrated and angry.
Hyperactivity is a sign of ADD that causes a lot of women to run at full speed until they crash and can cause problems with family life, as well as work and other activities. On the other side, some women with ADD are inactive and unable to find the energy needed to keep up with day-to-day activities, so they struggle to maintain their home and take care of children or maintain contact with friends. This type of ADD can make it difficult for women to maintain relationships and find an employment. It can be a source of frustration for both the woman and partner. It is possible to treat it with the appropriate therapy.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling fear that's created to alert you to possible danger. It's a physical and mental state of negative expectation, and it can take many forms. It may be a general feeling of tension that is present all the time, or it may be an specific anxiety disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder. It can manifest as the feeling that you're constantly stressed and anxious, or it may be accompanied by difficulty sleeping or concentration, or even tension in your muscles.
Anxiety is healthy and normal. It can be helpful in preparing for new challenges and situations. When anxiety becomes excessive or chronic, it can interfere with everyday 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 fears about particular objects or events) and obsessive-compulsive disorders (abnormal thoughts that trigger 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 unclear exactly what causes anxiety disorders however there are a few risk factors. Childhood experiences, genetics and parenting practices such as overprotection are all risk factors. Stress and trauma can be a contributing factor in the event of loss of a loved-one or abuse.
Psychotherapy (counseling) as well as medications can be used to treat anxiety disorders. There are also a range of lifestyle modifications that can reduce anxiety. This includes reducing caffeine, which can trigger symptoms; regularly exercising (especially jogging) and releasing brain chemicals that help reduce stress and improve sleep. A healthy diet and avoiding substances like alcohol and recreational drugs that increase anxiety are also essential. Also, speaking with a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety can be beneficial. high functioning adhd in women can teach you relaxation techniques and meditation and help you calm yourself when you are anxious. adhd in older women can help you find support networks that can help you cope.
Depression
People feel sad and low at times -- the loss of a loved ones or getting fired from a job, or divorce are all common reasons. If these feelings last, it could be a sign of depression (major-depressive disorder). The symptoms include feeling sad or empty, as well as irritable. They might also have trouble thinking or concentrating, have an appetite loss, sleep more or less than normal or lose interest in the activities they were previously enjoying. Depression is common in both men and women, although it can appear at different points in the life of a woman, such as during pregnancy or following childbirth. Depression is also a possibility for women suffering from bipolar disorder which is a condition where depression episodes may be accompanied by episodes of mania or hypomania which can trigger increased energy and a feeling of "being on top of the world."
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as medication, are used to treat depression. Talk therapy can help you understand how to manage negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Antidepressants and other medications can help correct the chemical imbalances within your brain that trigger depression. It could take a while for the medication to start working. In addition, it is crucial to be around other people and form an organization that can help you, and to avoid alcohol and other drugs.