I wanted to take a step back today and look at ADD, specifically in women. I’ve done the research and found that adults experience ADD differently than children and to go even further, women and men have different ADD experiences and symptoms.
One site that I visited, listed common symptoms of ADD in women. You can find it here.
After looking at the list of these symptoms, I can easily see the trouble I experience because of having ADD.
To begin, I’m hypersensitive to criticism and suggestion, whether this happens at work or home. There are times that I’ve been brought to tears because of what a manager, co-worker or relative has said. At one point, I even went out on disability after my manager gave veiled threats directly to me, towards being unemployed. When someone who can fire me at will says, “I know being a single mother is tough and without this job, how would you pay your mortgage,” I took that personally and instead of thinking quickly on my feet, went into an anxious ‘flight’ mode.
I also have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time. In a 9 – 5 job, where I’m supposed to sit in a cubicle for hours on end, it is difficult for me to concentrate and work. I do better in an environment where I can get up and stretch my legs, move and complete tasks in small chunks.
ADD Symptom or no?
However, many of the ADD symptoms that I experience mirror those that people with Bipolar have and also mirror some of the side effects of anti-depressants.
For starters, I have a difficult time retrieving words – which can be ADD-related or medication-related. The same thing happens with people’s names. Even if I use the word on a daily basis or see someone frequently, finding a word or name can be challenging. This is especially trying during presentations, meetings and interviews. I sound like I am fumbling with my words and most of the time it’s because the word just isn’t coming into my brain the way that it does for others.
Another symptom of ADD that can be mirrored in Bipolar is engaging in unhealthy behaviors. Oft-times those with Bipolar have symptoms of hyper sexuality, or addiction to gambling or alcohol. One could make the case that these may also be symptoms of ADD.
Whatever the case may be, I know that without medication for my Bipolar AND ADD, I wouldn’t be able to function half as well as I do.