Adult ADD in Women
Adult ADD isn't always recognized in women because the symptoms may be different than those in males. mood swings, impulsivity, and difficulty coping with frustration can cause 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 when menopausal and perimenopausal.
Mood Swings
Mood swings are defined as rapid changes in emotions in a short amount of period of time. They can cause problems with relationships as well as job performance and household chores. Often, mood disorders present with physical symptoms, such as stomach or headaches that can cause misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment. For example, chronic stomach pain might be treated with medication while depression or anxiety go unaddressed. Bipolar disorder can also be characterized by mood swings. The condition can cause you to be content and happy in one moment, and anger or upset in the next over something small.
Impatience
Women with ADD typically exhibit the opposite signs of the more commonly recognized ADD in men, making it difficult for them to receive the correct diagnosis. The fluctuation in mood, for example becoming overemotional or easily frustrated and irritable, can make it difficult for women with ADD to stay to their tasks. It can also cause them to be mistakenly diagnosed as bipolar disorder. Impulsiveness is also very common among women with ADD. Even minor inconveniences, like waiting in line or getting put on hold, may seem like major annoyances and prompt these women to become frustrated and angry.
Hyperactivity can be a sign that makes women run at full speed until they fall. This can cause problems with their family life, work and other pursuits. On signs of add in adult women , some women with ADD are inactive and unable to find the energy needed to maintain their day-today activities, and they find it difficult to maintain a home, care for children or maintain contact with their friends. This type of ADD can also make it difficult to remain in a relationship or to find a new job and can be stressful for both the woman and her partner. Fortunately, with the proper treatment, the symptoms of frustration can be cured.
Anxiety
Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling that warns you of danger. It's the physical and mental state of a negative expectation and it can take many forms. It could be a constant feeling of tension, or a particular anxiety disorder, phobia, or obsessive compulsive disorder. It may manifest as a feeling of being tense and easily annoyed, difficulty with concentration or sleeping muscles, chest pains.
Anxiety is normal and healthy. It helps you prepare for new situations or challenges, and it can even be productive. When anxiety becomes excessive or chronic, it can interfere in daily life. Anxiety disorders are defined as this.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, which include panic disorder (recurring episodes of fear) and phobias (excessive fear of certain objects or events) and obsessive-compulsive disorders (abnormal irrational thoughts that cause repetitive behavior). Separation anxiety disorder is a very common anxiety disorder. It is caused by the fear of being away from home or family.
There are several risk factors for anxiety disorders. They can include family history, childhood experiences and parenting habits like overprotection. Stress and trauma can also play a role for example, the 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 changes that can aid in reducing anxiety. This includes reducing the intake of caffeine that can trigger anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise (especially running) releases brain chemicals that reduce stress. In addition, eating a healthy diet and avoiding substances that make anxiety worse -- including the use of recreational drugs and alcohol -- are important. Talking with a therapist who is specialized in treating anxiety can be very helpful. They can guide you through meditation techniques and relaxation techniques and help you relax when you feel anxious. They can also help you locate a support group to help you cope with your symptoms.
The following are some of the ways to reduce your risk:
People feel sad and low at times -- the loss of a loved ones or being fired from a job or divorce are all common reasons. When these feelings persist they could be an indication of depression (major-depressive disorder). Symptoms can include feeling irritable, sad and empty. They might also have trouble getting their thoughts or concentration right, experience a decreased appetite and sleep less or more than usual, or lose interest in the activities they were previously enjoying. Depression can affect both men and woman, but it may appear at different times in women's lives. For instance during pregnancy or just after childbirth. Women with bipolar disorder can also be depressed, and it is often mixed with episodes that are characterized by an increase in energy and a feeling of "being at the top of your game."
The treatment for depression is psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Talk therapy can help you learn to modify your unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Antidepressants, for instance, can help change the chemical imbalance in your brain that causes depression. It may take a few days for the medication to begin to show results. It is also essential to establish an emotional support system and to be around other people. Avoid drinking and using drugs.