Adult ADD in Women
Adult ADD in women isn't always recognized because the symptoms are often different from those seen in men. Mood swings, impulsivity and difficulty in coping with anger make it common for women suffering from ADD to be misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression.
The signs of add in mature women are sometimes masked by PMS and exacerbated during perimenopause and menopause.
Mood Swings
Mood swings can be defined as rapid changes in feelings over a short time. They can affect relationships, work performance, and household duties. Mood disorders can manifest as physical symptoms such as headaches or digestive problems. This can cause a misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment. For example, chronic stomach pain might be treated with medication whereas anxiety or depression are left untreated. Bipolar disorder is also characterized by mood swings. Symptoms of this condition include feeling content and happy one day, and then anger or irritated over some minor issue the next.
Impatience
Women with ADD typically exhibit different symptoms than those of more common ADD in men, which makes it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. The fluctuation in mood, for example becoming overemotional or easily frustrated are a problem for women with ADD to stick to their goals and may cause them to be misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder. The tendency to be impulsive is also common among women with ADD. Small inconveniences, like waiting in line or being put on hold, may seem like major inconveniences and cause these women to become irritable and angry.
Hyperactivity can be a symptom that causes women to run at full speed until they crash. This can interfere with their lives at home, work and other pursuits. On the other hand, some women with ADD are inactive and unable to find the energy needed to maintain their day-today activities, so they struggle to keep a house, care for children or keep in touch with their friends. This kind of ADD can make it difficult to stay in a relationship or to find a new job which can be a source of frustration for both the woman as well as her partner. With the right treatment, the symptoms of frustration can be cured.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of fear that's designed to alert you to the possibility of danger. It is a mental and physical state marked by negative expectations. It can be a continuous feeling of tension, or a specific anxiety disorder, phobia or obsessive compulsive disorder. It could manifest as an impression that you're frequently stressed and anxious, or it may be associated with difficulty sleeping or being able to concentrate or even tension in the muscles.
adhd in women is normal and healthy. It helps you prepare for new challenges or situations, and it can even be productive. When anxiety becomes excessive or chronic it can affect your everyday life. This is what defines anxiety disorders.
There are a variety of anxiety disorders, which include panic disorder (recurring episodes of fear) and phobias (excessive anxiety about certain objects or events) and obsessive-compulsive disorders (abnormal thoughts that trigger repetitive behavior). Separation anxiety disorder is a typical anxiety disorder. It is caused by anxiety about being away from home or family.
There are several risk factors for anxiety disorders. Childhood experiences, genetics and parenting practices like overprotection could all be risk factors. Stress and trauma could be a contributing factor, such as the loss of a loved-one, or abuse.
Psychotherapy (counseling), as well as medication can be used to treat anxiety disorders. There are a variety of lifestyle changes that can aid in reducing anxiety. This includes reducing caffeine intake that can cause anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise (especially running) releases brain chemicals which reduce stress. In addition, eating well and staying away from substances that could cause anxiety to worsen like the use of recreational drugs and alcohol are crucial. Additionally, talking with a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety can be beneficial. They can help you learn relaxation and meditation techniques and help you discover methods to calm 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 death of a family member or being dismissed from a job, or going through divorce are common causes. When these feelings persist, it could be a sign of depression (major-depressive disorder). Symptoms can include feeling irritable, sad and empty. They may also have trouble in concentrating or thinking, suffer from a decreased appetite and sleep less or more than normal, or lose interest in activities they used to enjoy. Depression can affect both men and women and can show up at different times of the woman's life. For example, during pregnancy or shortly after the birth of a child. Women who suffer from bipolar disorder may also experience depression, which is usually accompanied by episodes that are characterized by an increase in energy and a feeling of "being at the top of your game."
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as medications are used to combat depression. Talk therapy can help you understand how to change unhelpful thoughts, emotions and behavior. Antidepressants and other medications can assist in resolving the chemical imbalances within your brain that trigger depression. It may take a few days for the medicine to begin to work. In addition, it's essential to meet others and join an organization that can help you, and to avoid alcohol and other drugs.