Women With ADD - Symptoms and Diagnosis
For women with ADD the daily challenges endure throughout adulthood. Whether she daydreams at school or has difficulty managing household chores and responsibilities, a woman with ADD often has a hard time meeting the needs of her family. The signs of ADD in women differ to those seen in men. This can make diagnosing and treating difficult.
Symptoms
Women with ADD are often unable to maintain a job and take care of household chores. This is especially true when hormonal changes occur, such as menopausal changes, puberty or PMS. Depression, though not a symptom of ADD is frequently associated with the disorder and is often incorrectly diagnosed by doctors looking for symptoms 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. Small irritations such as standing in line or waiting for the phone can lead them to the point of distraction. They also have issues with managing their time, forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating on tasks. They may have a tendency to fidget and sleep poor. They are also susceptible to anxiety and depression which is often misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Since women's symptoms of ADD are not as well-known as those of men and therefore, it can be difficult to diagnose. Doctors tend to concentrate on certain symptoms that are more prevalent in boys, but overlook the subtleties related to ADD in girls. This is particularly relevant during menopausal cycles, puberty or perimenopausal, as well as PMS, which is when estrogen levels decrease. treatment for adhd in women is also common in women suffering from ADD and should be treated. Before seeing 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 feel more confident and comfortable during the process of diagnosing.