Women With ADD Don't Get Proper Diagnosis and Treatment
Women who suffer from ADD typically don't receive the correct diagnosis and treatment because doctors do not recognize or interpret their symptoms correctly. For example, a woman suffering from ADD may have extreme mood swings and may be incorrectly identified as bipolar. She may also be impatient even with the simplest tasks like waiting in line or calling which causes her to be angry and annoyed.
Disorganization
People who are troubled by disorganization have a difficult time maintaining a neat, tidy lifestyle. They have trouble finding things and often end up being late and have trouble keeping their schedules, thoughts or work in order. This could lead to stress, tension and poor performance at work.
Disorganization can also lead to financial difficulties when you fail to pay payments or are having difficulty paying off debts. People with chronic disorganization might require therapy to devise long-lasting strategies to get organized. Contrary to this, disorganization that occurs in the context of a situation is a temporary condition that usually occurs following specific life events, like an illness or the loss of a loved one or moving.
Impulsiveness
An impulsive behavior is among the most defining features of ADHD. This could include uttering a comment in the heat of the moment, buying something on impulse, or taking risks without thinking. It's also common for people with ADHD to spend too much or have trouble with financial responsibility. They may also struggle with emotional issues, such as anger management.
It is important to keep in mind that impulsiveness does not mean the same as being rude or lacking self-control. This is a symptom of the way our brain is wired. It can affect every aspect of life, but it can be particularly difficult in relationships and at work. Some of the behaviors that are impulsive, such as talking too much or interrupting others, can cause a negative impression on coworkers and friends. Others, like an urge to shop or engage in risky activities, can result in unpleasant consequences, including financial problems and credit card debt.
Researchers and psychiatrists have tried to define the concept of impulsivity, but no one definition has been found. However, they do agree that impulsive behavior involves the inability to control inhibitory impulses and an intolerance of delay in rewarding. It's also a symptom of certain psychiatric disorders like antisocial personality disorder or pyromania.
A variety of strategies, therapies, and medications can help manage impulsivity, whether it's caused by ADHD or a different condition. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for instance can help someone with ADHD learn how their thoughts and feelings influence their behavior. Treatments such as antidepressants or stimulants can also help.
Self-awareness and mindfulness can reduce the tendency to be impulsive. Be aware of times when you tend to act impulsively and try to sabotage them. For instance, if often blurt out your thoughts in meetings or text messages, carry a notebook with you so that you can write down your responses first. You can then go through them before you hit "send."
Mood Swings
A person suffering from a mood disorder is likely to experience drastic changes in their emotional state. The severity of mood swings is so extreme that they can have a negative impact on the quality of life for the individual and that of the people around her. She might be happy and content one minute and then be overwhelmed by excessive anger due to a small trigger the next. These mood swings can happen within minutes or over the course of weeks. Depression and bipolar disorder are the most common mood disorders.
A woman suffering from ADHD who was experiencing mood swings in her premenstrual period described as feeling "brainfog," forgetful, unstable, and chaotic. She would become angry easily, become frustrated and be extremely sensitive to environmental triggers like sounds, smells and lighting.
Mood swings are common. However, if they occur regularly, it may be a sign that there is an underlying issue that can be treated. People who experience mood swings should seek out help. These mood swings can impact relationships, career and overall well-being. People who are energetic but still tired should see the doctor.
Hyperactivity or hypoactivity
Women with ADD can fall on either side of the spectrum. Some are extremely active and run at full speed until they crash from overload. They are often late for appointments, fail to finish chores and forget bills. They might also talk out in the middle of the night or interrupt others, or say things they later regret later.
Other ADD women are inactive and do not have the energy to handle the demands of daily life. They are unable to sit still and must move around a lot. In line or on the phone for lengthy periods drives them nuts. Small inconveniences like being stuck behind slow drivers or waiting for school activities to be completed by children could create a lot of anxiety.
Depression is more prevalent in ADD women than men, can be a result of or is a result of the debilitating disorder. It can cause low self-esteem, and a feeling of helplessness when you are unable to accomplish the daily chores or take care of the family.
Depression
Women with ADD frequently experience depression. They may feel guilty or worthless or lose interest in activities they normally enjoy. They may have difficulty sleeping and think about suicide or death more often than normal. They may even have physical symptoms such as a tight chest, stomach problems or chronic headaches. Women with ADD are more likely than men to experience depression, yet many do not seek treatment because they don't understand the signs or believe that they don't have anything to be depressed about. Men can also be depressed, but are more likely to display other symptoms, like anger or irritability. They are also more likely to use alcohol and drugs.
Depression symptoms can include feeling depressed or hopeless all day long, having little energy or feeling worthless, and thinking about death or suicide. They may also have difficulties in concentrating, remembering or making decisions. They may be irritable and angry or feel depleted of energy. They may become anxious and uneasy, or take in too much food or rest too much. Depression affects men and women differently. It can also co-occur with other ailments like anxiety disorders, eating disorders and chronic back pain and heart disease.
Tell your loved ones to seek assistance. Explain attention deficit in women is usually a medical condition and will improve with treatment. If they're reluctant to get treatment, offer to accompany them to their first appointment with a health care professional or mental health specialist. If they are taking medication make sure they take them according to the prescription, even if they don't feel better right away. Consider encouraging them to join an online support group, since seeing that others have similar experiences can be reassuring.