Women With ADD - Symptoms and Diagnosis
For women who suffer from ADD, daily challenges continue throughout adulthood. Whether she daydreams at school or has difficulty managing household chores and obligations women with ADD often has a hard time meeting the demands of her family. The symptoms are different for women and are in opposition to the more well-known symptoms for men, so diagnosis and treatment can be difficult.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADD may find it difficult to work and handle household chores. This is especially the case when hormonal changes occur, such as menopausal changes, puberty or PMS. Depression, although not a symptom of ADD is frequently associated with the disorder and is often incorrectly diagnosed by doctors looking for signs that are more common to boys. Women with the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADD are impatient visibly or internally, jump into activities without thinking and speak and act impulsively. Minor irritations, such as waiting in lines or on the phone, can drive them to the point of distraction. undiagnosed adhd in women have problems with managing time, forgetfulness, and a difficult time concentrating on their tasks. They might also have a tendency to fidget and sleep in a poor way. They may be prone to anxiety and depression, which is often mistakenly referred to as bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
The symptoms of women are less widely known than those of men, making it difficult to diagnose. Doctors tend to concentrate on certain symptoms that are more prevalent in boys, and miss the subtleties related to ADD in girls. This is particularly true during puberty, menopause and perimenopausal periods, as well as PMS, which is when estrogen levels decrease. Depression is also a part of ADD in many women and needs to be treated. Before you see your doctor, you should go through a few books about ADD/ADHD to gain a better understanding of the condition and personal symptoms. You will be more comfortable and confident throughout the process of diagnosing.