High Functioning ADHD in Women
Women with high functioning adhd are frustrated and misunderstood in their relationships. adhd symptoms in women adults can heighten at periods of hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy.
Many women and girls resort to compensatory strategies, concealing their impairments and symptoms which may delay the time until referral.
This group of patients has a unique set challenges that must be considered when treating them.
1. Self-Esteem is not a strong point.
Women can feel depressed by the social and emotional challenges of ADHD. Even when they're doing well, it's easy to feel like a failure because of things they aren't able to control. This can result in a vicious cycle where they feel overwhelmed and never quite good enough, which can take a toll on their mental health and self-esteem.
Girls with untreated ADHD are at higher risk of having low self-esteem for a long time, anxiety, teen pregnancy depression and substance abuse. As adults, they're at increased risk of single-parenting a child with ADHD and financial problems, as well as underemployment. They are also more likely than other people to be afflicted by eating disorders and to pass on their bad habits to their children.
It is crucial for girls to get an accurate diagnosis because it will give them a better understanding of their struggles and help them manage their symptoms more efficiently. Many women report feeling empowered after receiving the diagnosis. They can now stop getting angry about things they aren't able to manage. It can also help them see their struggles as strengths and refocus their attention on the things that matter most (Waite 2010,).
As women age and enter menopausal, their hormone levels change, and ADHD symptoms can become more severe. This can make it harder for them to be identified and treated because they're often misdiagnosed as an anxiety or mood disorder and their symptoms are dismissed as "hormonal" or "that time of the month."
Having untreated adult ADHD can have devastating effects on a woman's self-esteem, and her relationships with family and friends. The symptoms can affect women's daily routines which can make her angry and exhausted. She may feel that she cannot turn down people, causing her to become overburdened and resentful of those around her. She may find it difficult organizing her work and home life, resulting in missed appointments and lost documents. She could be more easily affected by rejection which makes her more likely to snap at those she likes.
2. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity makes you feel very hurt when rejected. This can be real or perceived. You could be triggered by a disagreement with your partner or a negative comment from a colleague at work. Your brain's natural defense mechanisms are over-stimulated and the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that result could harm your self-esteem and relationships. You can also experience anxiety, depression and mood changes due to the sensitivity to rejection.
Rejection sensitivity, while often linked to ADHD is actually a sign of emotional dysregulation. This affects how your brain processes emotions and how you react to them. Other mental health conditions like borderline personality disorder can be a sign of these symptoms too.
People with RSD may see events through filters that make them appear darker or less than they really are. This could cause people to interpret things as rejection related, even if they aren't. RSD can cause you to be incapable of controlling your emotions. This is why it is important to develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage RSD.
Check out the following articles to find out more about rejection sensitivity.
While there is no cure for RSD it is possible to manage the symptoms with the help of a mental healthcare professional. You can utilize strategies for coping, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which can help you change your negative thinking patterns. You can also establish an emotional support network and practice mindfulness to reduce your risk of reacting negatively to rejection. This will aid you in overcoming your RSD so that you can live a more satisfying and happy life. It is also crucial to stay clear of toxic relationships since they can cause symptoms to become worse. If you're in a abusive relationship, seek counseling to discover how to get out. This can reduce your risk of feelings of rejection, such as depression and anxiety. You can also improve your self-esteem by creating healthy relationships. This will allow you to feel more confident in your abilities and provide you with an unbiased view of the world around you.
3. Sexuality
ADHD symptoms can make maintaining a healthy relationship difficult. This can lead to sexual dysfunctions and risky sexual behaviours. Women with high functioning adhd are at a higher risk of having sexual issues. These behaviors can also result in feelings of guilt and shame and can have a negative impact on the quality of their relationships and overall wellbeing.
In one study, adults with ADHD were found to be more likely than those with ADHD to exhibit a sexual interest. Both males and women were affected. This is probably due to the increased levels of impulsivity which can make them more likely act on their sexual ideas and desires. Specifically, the study found that females with adhd were more likely to indulge in paraphilic masturbation fantasies and behaviors. This included submissive roles, bondage and sex with strangers. It was also common for them to attend party and sex clubs.
Both women and men who suffer from adhd were more likely be infidelity than those who did not suffer from the disorder. This was due to their lack of control of impulses and alcohol-related disinhibition. It could also be a result of their higher rates of insecurity and feeling misunderstood by their partners. The survey asked participants about their experiences with extra-partner relationships and sexual relations that were not contraceptive. Table 6 summarizes the results of this section.
The study also utilized the Hypersexuality-Symptom Inventory-19 (HBI-19) which asked participants to describe their problematic sexual behavior. The questionnaire consists of 19 items, which are divided into three subscales. Each item is scored on five-point scale, starting between 1 (never to 5 (very frequently)). The higher the score, more symptoms are present. The HBI-19 was utilized to assess sexual behavior between people who suffer from ADHD and those who do not.
These findings are significant due to the fact that the psychosexual effects of people with ADHD have been scarcely studied. They have been associated with sexual dysfunctions, like STI's, unwanted pregnancy, relationship dissatisfaction adolescent and adult onset infidelity and risky sexual behaviours.
4. Relationships
Many people who have high functioning ADHD have issues with their romantic relationships. Lack of clarity in communication and misunderstandings due to issues like inattention and forgetfulness can cause anger, resentment, and a conflict within the relationship. A supportive group of family and friends members who are able to understand each other can be beneficial for maintaining healthy relationships.
It is crucial to keep in mind, too, that people with ADHD have a difficult time listening. They are often interrupted by impulsive behavior or their own thoughts, which could cause them to lose the purpose of the conversation. People with ADHD may also have issues multitasking, which can cause them to shut out conversations or to do something else while someone else is talking.
These conflicts can result in a vicious cycle in which the person who isn't ADHD becomes overwhelmed with anger and stress, while the ADHD partner feels that they are not understood. The problem can escalate from there as they become more distant.
Women with high functioning ADHD often feel overwhelmed and exhausted by the demands of their daily life. They may be feeling guilt or self-esteem issues due to their impulsive and disorganized behavior. Or they might feel like they cannot keep up with their bills and chores. They may also experience mood swings, sensitivity to rejection and low sex desire.
It is essential that those who suffer from ADHD find a treatment and seek assistance. It is also crucial for family members particularly spouses to be aware of the disorder and how it affects their loved one. They can collaborate to set clear boundaries and expectations and then formulate an action plan to can achieve those objectives. For example the non-ADHD spouse could take on more of the financial responsibilities, whereas the person with ADHD might focus on the task of organizing and finishing housework.
In addition, both parties should work to communicate more clearly and effectively and establish a routine that includes regular sleep schedules, meal times, and time for relaxation and rest. It's also important to discover ways to make life easier for both of you by sharing household chores or outsourcing some of the tasks that are difficult for the person with ADHD like hiring a cleaning service or using apps to control expenses.