High Functioning ADHD in Women
Women with adhd that are high functioning are dissatisfied and often misunderstood by their relationships. The symptoms may increase during times of hormonal change such as the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Many women and girls are forced to resort to compensatory strategies, masking their symptoms and impairments, which can delay time until referral.
This group of patients has a unique set issues that need to be taken into consideration when treating them.
1. Insecurities about self-esteem
Women can feel depressed by the emotional and social issues of ADHD. Even when they're successful, it is easy to feel like they're a failure because of things they cannot change. This can result in an unending cycle where they feel overwhelmed and never quite good enough, which can affect their self-esteem and mental health.
Girls who suffer from ADHD who aren't treated are at greater chance of developing chronic low self-esteem as well as teen pregnancy. They also have a higher chance of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. As adults, they're at higher risk of having a single parent for a child with ADHD and financial difficulties, as well as underemployment. They're also more likely to suffer with eating disorders, and their negative patterns can pass down to their children.
discover this that women receive a diagnosis since it will help them recognize the challenges they face and manage their symptoms. Many women report feeling confident after receiving an diagnosis. They are no longer berating themselves over things they aren't able to manage. It can also help them reframe their problems and refocus them on what is important (Waite 2010).
As women age and enter menopausal the hormone levels of their bodies change and ADHD symptoms can become more severe. It can be difficult to diagnose and treat women with ADHD due to the fact that their symptoms can be mistakenly diagnosed and dismissed as "hormonal", "that time of month" or "an anxiety disorder".
add adult women can have devastating effects on a woman's self-esteem, and her relationships with her family and friends. The symptoms can affect daily routines, leaving her exhausted and irritable. She might feel that she is unable to refuse to be around people which causes her to burden herself and become resentful of those close to her. She might find it difficult to manage her work and home life which can lead to missed appointments and lost files. She can also be more easily triggered by rejection, which means she is more likely to react defensively and snap at those she loves.
2. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity makes you feel deeply hurt when rejected. This could be real or perceived. A disagreement with your partner, or an unkind comment from a coworker at work can trigger your symptoms. The brain's natural defense mechanisms are overstimulated, resulting in thoughts, feelings and beliefs that can harm your self-esteem and relationships. There are also depression, anxiety, and mood swings as a result of rejection sensitivity.
While it's often associated with ADHD Rejection sensitivity is actually a sign of emotional dysregulation that affects how your brain manages emotions and how you react to them. Other mental health conditions such as borderline personality disorder can be a sign of these symptoms too.
RSD patients may perceive events through a filter, which makes them appear brighter or darker than they actually are. This could cause them to interpret and perceive things as being related to rejection, even if they aren't. RSD can also cause you to have a harder to control your emotions and that's why it's crucial to have healthy coping strategies to handle this.
You can learn more about the sensitivity to rejection by reading these articles:
Although there is no cure for RSD it is possible to manage symptoms with the help of a mental health professional. You can employ strategies to cope, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you modify your negative thought patterns. You can also develop mindfulness and build a network of support to decrease your risk of negative reactions to rejection. This can help you overcome your RSD to live a more fulfilling and happier life. Avoid toxic relationships because they can cause more symptoms. If you're in an abusive relationship, get counseling to discover the best way to leave. This can lessen the risk of having feelings of rejection, such as anxiety and depression. By focusing on healthy relationships, you can improve your self-esteem. This will make you feel more confident about your abilities and give a realistic perspective on life.
3. Sexuality
ADHD symptoms can make maintaining a healthy relationship challenging. This often leads to sexual dysfunctions and risky sexual behaviors. Research suggests that women with high functioning adhd are at greater risk of experiencing these sexual problems than their non-ADHD counterparts. These behaviors can also trigger feelings of shame and guilt, which can affect their relationships and overall well-being.
In one study, those with ADHD were found to be more likely than those without ADHD to exhibit a sexual curiosity. This was the case for males and females. This is likely due to their higher levels of impulsivity which can make them more likely to act on sexual desires and ideas. In particular, the study showed that women with adhd were more likely to engage in paraphilic sex fantasies and behaviors. This included submissive role play, bondage and sex with strangers. It was also common for them to go to sex clubs and parties.
Females and males with adhd had a higher risk of infidelity than those without the disorder. This is due to their inability to control their impulses and alcohol withdrawal, as well as the desire to feel. This could be due to their greater levels of anxiety and a feeling of being misunderstood or criticized by their partners. The survey asked respondents about their experiences with extra-partner affairs and sexual relationships without contraception. Table 6 outlines the results of this section.
In the final analysis, the study utilized the Hypersexuality Symptom Inventory-19 (HBI-19) to ask participants about their sexual issues. The questionnaire comprises 19 items that are divided into three subscales. Each item is scored using 5 points, ranging from 1 (never to 5 (very frequently)). The more high the score, the more symptoms are present. The HBI-19 was used to evaluate the sexual behaviors of adults who have and those without ADHD.
These results are important because the psychosexual results for adults with ADHD were rarely studied. They have been associated with sexual dysfunctions such as STIs and unwanted pregnancy relationships, dissatisfaction with relationships and adult-onset infidelity as well as risky sexual behaviors.
4. Relationships
Many people who have high functioning ADHD experience difficulties in their romantic relationships. A lack of clear communication, and misunderstandings due to symptoms like forgetfulness and inattention can cause anger, resentment, and conflict within the relationship. A supportive group of family and friends members who can understand is helpful for maintaining healthy relationships.
It is important to remember that those who suffer from ADHD have trouble listening. They are easily distracted by their thoughts or their impulsive behavior, which can cause them to lose focus on the main reason for a discussion. People with ADHD are more likely to be struggling with multitasking as well, which can cause them to lose track of conversations or do other activities while someone else talks.
These conflicts can lead to a vicious cycle in which the non-ADHD partner becomes overwrought with anger and stress, and the ADHD partner is misunderstood and defensive. They may then become more withdrawn and the situation can get worse from there.
Women with high functioning ADHD often feel overwhelmed and exhausted by the demands of their everyday life. They may feel guilt and low self-esteem as a result of their chaotic and impulsive behavior, or feel like they're not able to handle their chores and bills. They may also feel mood swings, sensitivity to rejection and low sexual desire.
It is crucial that people with ADHD seek treatment and seek help. It is also crucial for those close to them particularly spouses to be aware of the disorder and how it affects the person they love. Together, they can set clear expectations and establish boundaries. They can then create an action plan to achieve their goals. The non-ADHD partner can take on more financial responsibility while the person with ADHD would focus on organizing and completing the housework.
Both partners should work to improve their communication and create a routine that includes regular sleeping patterns, meal times, and time for relaxation and rest. It's important to discover ways to make things easier for both partners, such sharing household chores or outsource certain tasks that are difficult for someone with ADHD.