Adult ADD in Women
Adult ADD in women isn't always recognized because the symptoms are typically different from those that are seen in men. Women with ADD are often misdiagnosed as having depression or bipolar disorder due to their mood swings, impulsivity, and inability to deal with anger.
The symptoms of adding in women can be masked by PMS, and can be worsened during menopausal or perimenopausal.
Mood Swings
Mood swings can be defined as rapid changes in feelings within a short period of period of. They can lead to problems with relationships as well as job performance and household chores. Often, mood disorders present with physical symptoms, like digestive issues or headaches that can cause misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment. For instance stomach pain that is chronic could be treated with medication, while depression or anxiety are not addressed. Bipolar disorder is also characterized by mood swings. This condition can cause you to be satisfied and happy for a moment, but be angry or upset at the next time over something minor.
high functioning adhd in women with ADD have symptoms that are opposite to the symptoms of ADD, which is more often diagnosed for men. This makes it challenging for women to receive a proper diagnosis. The fluctuation in mood, for example being overly emotional or easily frustrated are a problem for these women to stick with tasks and can even cause them to be mistakenly diagnosed as bipolar disorder. In addition, impulsiveness can be very common in women with ADD. Small inconveniences, like waiting in line or getting put on hold, can appear like major annoyances and prompt these women to become irritable and angry.
Hyperactivity is a symptom of ADD that causes many women to run at full speed until they fall, and this can interfere with family life, as well as work and other activities. On the other side, some women suffering from ADD are hypoactive and can't get enough energy to maintain their day-today activities, and they find it difficult to keep a house and care for their children, or maintain contact with friends. This kind of ADD can make it difficult to remain in a relationship or to find an employment opportunity and can be stressful for both the woman and her spouse. With the right treatment, the symptoms of irritability can be reduced.
Anxiety
Anxiety is the feeling of fear that's created to warn you of possible danger. It's a psychological and physical state that is marked by negative expectations. It may be a general sense of tension that's always present or it could be an specific anxiety disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. It could manifest as the feeling of being on edge and easily irritable, trouble with sleep or concentration, muscle tension or chest pains.
Anxiety is a normal part of life and healthy. It can be helpful in preparing for the upcoming challenges and situations. When anxiety becomes chronic or overt it can cause problems in everyday life. Anxiety disorders are defined as this.
There are many types of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder (recurring episodes of fear), phobias (excessive fear of certain objects or events) and obsessive-compulsive disorders (abnormal thoughts that trigger repeated behaviors). Anxiety disorders can also encompass separation anxiety disorder (fear of being away from family or home members) and social anxiety disorder (overwhelming worry about everyday social situations) and selective mutatism (a fear of speaking in public).
There are several risk factors for anxiety disorders. Genetics, childhood experiences, and parenting practices such as overprotection are all risk factors. They can also be caused by stress and trauma like the death of a loved one or abuse.
Psychotherapy (counseling) along with medication, can be used to treat anxiety disorders. There are also a range of lifestyle changes that could help reduce anxiety. This includes reducing caffeine intake that can cause anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise (especially jogging) releases brain chemicals which reduce stress. Eating well and avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs that cause anxiety are also important. Also, speaking with an experienced therapist who is specialized in treating anxiety may be helpful. They can help you learn meditation techniques and relaxation techniques and help you relax when you feel anxious. They can also assist you to connect with a support system to help you manage your symptoms.
Depression
Many people feel depressed and sad at times. The death of a close relative or being fired from a job or divorce are common reasons. If these feelings persist they could be signs of depression (major depressive disorder). Symptoms can include feeling irritable or sad, and feeling empty. They may also experience difficulty in concentrating or thinking, a diminished appetite, or sleeping more or less often than usual. They may even lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. Depression can be a problem for both women and men however it can manifest at different times of the woman's life. For instance, during pregnancy or shortly after the birth of children. Depression also can occur in women suffering from bipolar disorder which is a condition where depression episodes can be accompanied by episodes of hypomania or mania that can cause an increase in energy and a feeling of "being at the top of the world."
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as medication, are used to combat depression. Talk therapy can help you understand how to modify your unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behaviors. The use of medications, like antidepressants can aid in resolving the chemical imbalance in your brain that triggers depression. It may take some time for the medicine to begin to work. It's also important to find a support network and to be around other people. Avoid drinking and using drugs.
