High Functioning ADHD in Women
Women who have high functioning adhd are prone to discontent and confusion in their relationships. The symptoms may be more severe during times of hormonal changes, like the premenstrual or pregnancy cycles.
Many women and girls resort to compensatory strategies in order to cover their impairments and symptoms can delay the time for referral.
This group of patients faces specific problems that must be taken into account when treating them.
1. Lack of self-esteem
The emotional and social challenges associated with ADHD can cause women to feel low. Even when they're successful, it's easy to feel like an failure due to things they cannot change. This can result in an endless cycle of feeling like they are constantly overwhelmed and never good enough, which can affect their mental health and self-esteem.
Girls who suffer from ADHD who aren't treated are at a greater risk for chronic low self-esteem and teen pregnancy. They also have a higher risk of depression, anxiety and abuse of substances. As adults, they're at an higher risk of having a single parent for children with ADHD and financial problems, as well as underemployment. They are also more likely than other people to suffer from eating disorders and pass their bad habits on to their children.
It's crucial that women receive a diagnosis because it will help them better recognize their struggles and manage their symptoms. Many women report feeling empowered after receiving a diagnosis. They can stop berating themselves over things they aren't able to manage. It helps them to see their difficulties as strengths and help them focus their attention on the things that matter most (Waite, 2010).
As women mature and approach menopausal the hormone levels of their bodies change and ADHD symptoms may get worse. It can be difficult to diagnose and treat patients with ADHD due to the fact that their symptoms can be incorrectly identified and dismissed as "hormonal", "that time of the month" or "an anxiety disorder".
Untreated adult ADHD can have devastating consequences on a woman’s self-esteem and relationships with her family and friends. The symptoms can disrupt a woman's daily routine that can leave her feeling angry and exhausted. She may feel that she can't refuse people, which causes her to be overwhelmed and angry with those around her. She might have difficulty to manage her work and home life, which leads to delayed appointments and lost documents. She could be more easily angered when she is not liked and is more likely to snap at those she loves.
2. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity makes you feel extremely when you are rejected, either real or perceived. A disagreement with your partner or an unkind comment from a co-worker at work could trigger you. The brain's natural defence mechanisms are overstimulated which can trigger thoughts and feelings that can affect your relationships and self esteem. Rejection sensitivity can also result in anxiety, depression and mood shifts.
Rejection sensitivity, although typically associated with ADHD is actually a sign of emotional dysregulation. This affects how your brain processes emotions and how you respond to them. The symptoms can also be found in other mental health disorders, including borderline personality disorder (BPD).
People suffering from RSD may see events through an eye that makes them appear more dark or dimmer than they actually are. This could cause them to interpret things as rejection related, even if they aren't. RSD can also cause you to have a hard to control your emotions and that's why it is important to have healthy coping strategies to deal with this.
Check out the following articles to find out more about the sensitivity to rejection.
While there is no cure for RSD, it's possible to manage your symptoms with the help of an expert in mental health. You can employ strategies to cope, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you change your negative thought patterns. You can also practice mindfulness and create a network of support to lessen the chance of having negative reactions to rejection. This will help you overcome your RSD so that you can live a more fulfilled and happy life. It is also crucial to avoid relationships that are toxic as they can cause your symptoms to worsen. If you are in a abusive relationship, seek out counseling to learn how you can safely get out. This can lower the chance of experiencing feelings of rejection such as depression and anxiety. You can also boost your self-esteem by focusing on creating healthy relationships. This will allow you to feel more confident in your abilities and provide you with an objective view of the world around you.
3. Sexuality
ADHD symptoms can make maintaining a healthy relationship difficult. This often leads to sexual dysfunctions and risky sexual behaviors. Women with adhd that is high functioning may be at greater risk of having sexual issues. These behaviors can result in feelings of guilt and shame, which can have a negative impact on the quality of their relationships as well as their overall health.
In one study, adults with ADHD were found to be more likely than people without ADHD to exhibit a sexual curiosity. Both males and women were affected. This was likely due to their higher levels of impulsivity which can make them more likely to act on their sexual desires and ideas. In particular, the study showed that women with adhd were more likely to indulge in paraphilic masturbation fantasies and behaviors. This included submissive roles, bondage and sex with strangers. They also went to sex events and nightclubs more often.
Both males and females with adhd had a higher risk of infidelity than those without the disorder. This was due to inability to control their impulses and alcohol withdrawal, as well as the desire to feel. This was likely also due to their higher rates of insecurity and being misunderstood or mistreated by their partners. The survey also asked respondents to describe their experiences with sexual relationships and sexual encounters without contraception. Table 6 provides the results of this section.
The study also utilized the Hypersexuality-Symptom Inventory-19 (HBI-19) which surveyed participants about their sexual issues. This questionnaire consists of 19 items that are divided into three subscales. Each item is rated using a five-point scale, ranging from 1 (never) to 5 (very often). The higher the score, the more symptoms are present. The HBI-19 was developed in order to evaluate sexual behaviors between adults with ADHD and those who do not.
These findings are significant because the psychosexual outcomes of adults with ADHD have not been studied extensively. They have been linked to sexual dysfunctions, such as STI's and unwanted pregnancy, relationship dissatisfaction adult and adolescent onset infidelity and risky sexual behaviors.
4. Relationships
Many people who have high functioning ADHD have difficulties in their romantic relationships. Insufficient communication and miscommunication caused by symptoms such as forgetfulness and inattention could lead to frustration, anger, and conflict within relationships. Maintaining healthy relationships can be made easier by a supportive network of family and friends who can understand.
It is also important to note that people suffering from ADHD are often unable to listen. They are easily distracted by their thoughts or their impulsive behavior that could result in them missing out on the primary point of a discussion. adhd in older women with ADHD are more likely to struggle with multitasking as well and can cause them to tune out of conversations or do other activities while others talk.
These battles can create a cycle where the non-ADHD person becomes overwhelmed with anger and stress, and the ADHD partner feels misunderstood, and defensive. The problem can escalate in the meantime as they become more isolated.
Women who have high functioning ADHD often feel overwhelmed and exhausted by the demands of their daily life. They may feel guilt and low self-esteem as a result of their chaotic and impulsive behavior, or feel as if they're unable to keep up with their household chores and bills. They might also have mood swings, rejection sensitivity and a lack of sexual desire.
Because of this, it is essential for those with ADHD to find a treatment plan and seek help. It is also crucial for those close to them particularly spouses, to understand the condition and how it affects their loved one. Together, they can establish clear expectations and establish boundaries. Then, they can develop a plan to achieve their goals. For instance the partner who is not ADHD could take on more of the financial responsibility, while the person with ADHD might be focused on completing chores and organizing the house.
In addition, both parties should be able to communicate effectively and clearly and establish a routine that includes regular sleep schedules, meal times, and time for rest and relaxation. It is essential to find ways to simplify things for both spouses, such as dividing household tasks or outsourcing certain tasks which are challenging for people with ADHD.