Women With ADD - Symptoms and Diagnosis
Women who suffer from ADD have to deal with daily challenges into adulthood. Women with ADD may have trouble meeting the needs of their families, whether they daydream in school or struggle to complete household chores. The symptoms are different for women, and in contrast to the more common signs in men, which means diagnosis and treatment can be a challenge.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD may have difficulty to keep working or manage household chores, especially when there are hormonal changes such as puberty, PMS and perimenopause. Depression, though not a sign of ADD is often a co-morbidity with the disorder and is often incorrectly diagnosed by doctors looking for signs that are more typical of 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, like waiting in lines or on the phone, can drive them to distraction. They also have trouble with managing their time, forgetfulness and difficulties concentrating on their tasks. They may have a tendency to fidget and sleep poorly. More hints may be prone anxiety and depression, which are often misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
The symptoms of women are less well-known than those of men, making it difficult to identify. Doctors tend to concentrate on the symptoms that are more prevalent in boys, and miss the subtleties when it comes to the symptoms of ADD in girls. This is particularly the case during menopausal changes, puberty, perimenopause, and PMS when estrogen levels drop. Depression is also common in women suffering from ADD and should be treated. Before visiting an ophthalmologist, go through a few books about ADHD/ADD to gain a better understanding of the condition and your own symptoms. You will feel more confident and comfortable while going through the process of diagnosing.