Adult ADD in Women
Adult ADD in women isn't often identified because the signs are often different from those observed in men. adhd in women uk with ADD are often misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression because of their mood swings, impulsivity, and inability to deal with anger.
The signs of add in mature women can be disguised by PMS and are exacerbated when menopausal and perimenopausal.
Mood Swings
Mood swings are rapid changes in feelings that happen over a short period of time. They can affect relationships, work performance, and household chores. Often, mood disorders present with physical symptoms, such as stomach or headaches, which may cause misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment. For example stomach pain that is chronic could be treated with medication whereas depression or anxiety are not addressed. Bipolar disorder can also be manifested by mood swings. Signs of this condition include feeling happy and content one day, and then angry or upset about something minor the next.
Impatience
Women with ADD often have different symptoms than those of more well-known ADD in men, making it difficult for them to receive the correct diagnosis. These women might find it difficult to stay focused on tasks due to mood swings, such as being extremely emotional or annoyed. They may also be misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder. Additionally, impulsiveness is very common in women with ADD. Simple inconveniences such as waiting in a line or being put on hold can cause women with ADD to become irritable.
Hyperactivity can be a symptom that makes women run at full speed until they crash. This can affect their lives at home, work and other activities. Some women who suffer from ADD are hypoactive and lack the motivation to accomplish the tasks they need to do every day. They may have difficulty to take care of their children, manage the household, or remain in contact with their friends. This kind of ADD can make it difficult to remain in a relationship, or find a new job which can be a source of frustration for both the woman as well as her partner. Fortunately, with the proper treatment, the symptoms of frustration can be cured.
Anxiety
Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling that alerts you to the possibility of danger. It's a physical and mental state of fear, and it can come in a variety of forms. It could be a general feeling of tension that is always present or it could be an specific anxiety disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. It may manifest as the feeling that you're easily irritable and on edge, or it may be accompanied by difficulty sleeping or concentrating or tension in the muscles.
The occasional bout of anxiety is normal and healthy. It can be helpful in preparing for new challenges and situations. When anxiety becomes chronic or excessive it can affect your everyday life. This is what defines anxiety disorders.
There are many kinds of anxiety disorders. They include panic disorder (recurrent episodes of anxiety) and obsessive compulsive disorder (irrational thoughts that cause repetitive behavior) and phobias. Separation anxiety disorder is a common anxiety disorder. It is caused by anxiety about being away from home or family.
There are several factors that could trigger anxiety disorders. Genetics, childhood experiences, and parenting techniques such as overprotection are all 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 medications can be used to treat anxiety disorders. Lifestyle modifications can also help decrease anxiety. This includes reducing caffeine intake, which can cause anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise (especially running) releases brain chemicals which reduce stress. Consuming a balanced diet and avoiding substances like alcohol and recreational drugs that exacerbate anxiety are also important. Also, speaking with a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders can be beneficial. They can teach you meditation and relaxation techniques, and assist you in learning ways to calm yourself when you are feeling anxious. They can assist you in finding support networks to help you manage.
Here are a few of the ways you can reduce your risk:
People experience sadness and depression at times. The loss of a loved ones or being fired from a job, or divorce are all common reasons. If these feelings persist they could be a sign of depression (major depression disorder). It is characterized by feeling depressed or irritable, and feeling empty. They might also have difficulty in concentrating or thinking, suffer from an appetite loss and sleep more or less than normal, or lose interest in the activities they were previously enjoying. Depression can be a problem for both women and men, but it may appear at different times in a woman's lifetime. For instance during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth. Depression is also a possibility for women suffering from bipolar disorder which is a condition where depression episodes can be accompanied by hypomania or mania which can trigger increased energy and a feeling of "being in the top of the world."
Psychotherapy (talk therapy), as well as medications are used to treat depression. Talk therapy can teach you how to change unhelpful thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Antidepressants as well as other medications can assist in resolving the chemical imbalances within your brain that trigger depression. It may take a while for the medication to start working. It is also essential to meet other people and find a support group, and to avoid alcohol and drugs.