High Functioning ADHD in Women
Women with high functioning adhd experience frustration and misunderstandings in their relationships. The symptoms may increase during times of hormonal change, like the pre-menstrual period and pregnancy.
Many girls and women resort to compensatory strategies, hiding their impairments and symptoms which may delay the time until referral.
This group of patients faces distinct issues that must be taken into account when treating them.
1. Lack of self-esteem
The social and emotional challenges that come with ADHD can make women feel low. Even when they are successful, it is easy to feel like they're a failure because of things they can't change. This can result in an unending cycle of feeling overwhelmed and unsatisfied. This can have a negative impact on their mental health.
Girls with untreated ADHD are at greater risk of having low self-esteem for a long time and anxiety, teen pregnancy depression, and abuse of substances. As adults, they're at an greater risk of being the sole parent to a child with ADHD and financial problems, as well as underemployment. They're also more likely than others to suffer from eating disorders and to pass on their bad habits to their children.
It is essential that girls receive a diagnosis because it will help them understand their struggles and help them manage their symptoms. Many women say that they feel much more empowered after receiving their diagnosis, allowing them to stop blaming themselves for the little things they can't control. It can also help to reframe their problems and refocus them on what's important (Waite 2010).
As women age and approach menopausal, their hormone levels can change, and ADHD symptoms may worsen. It can be difficult to diagnose and treat people suffering from ADHD because their symptoms may be mistakenly diagnosed and dismissed as "hormonal", "that time of the month" or "an anxiety disorder".
Being diagnosed with untreated adult ADHD can have devastating impacts on self-esteem of women, and her relationships with her family and friends. The symptoms can affect everyday routines, leaving them exhausted and irritable. She might feel like she can't refuse people, causing her to become overburdened and angry with those who are around her. She may find it difficult organizing her home and work life, which leads to missed appointments and lost documents. She may also be more easily triggered by rejection so she may be more likely to react defensively and snap at those she likes.
2. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a condition that makes you feel extremely when you're being rejected, whether it is real or perceived. You might be triggered by an argument with your partner or a negative review from a colleague at work. Your brain's natural defense mechanisms are over-stimulated, and the thoughts and feelings that result could harm your self-esteem and relationships. You may also experience depression, anxiety and mood fluctuations as a result of the sensitivity to rejection.
While it's often associated with ADHD, rejection sensitiveness is actually a sign of emotional dysregulation that affects the way your brain manages emotions and how you react to them. Other mental health issues like borderline personality disorder could also show these symptoms.
RSD patients may perceive events through a filter, making them appear darker or brighter than they really are. This can cause people to interpret things as being related to rejection, even though they're not. RSD can make you incapable of controlling your emotions. This is why it is crucial to develop healthy coping mechanisms to deal with RSD.
You can learn more about the issue of rejection sensitivity by reading these articles:
While there is no cure for RSD it is possible to treat symptoms with the help of a mental health professional. You can utilize strategies to cope, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps change your negative thought patterns. You can also develop mindfulness and create a network of support to lessen your risk of negative reactions to rejection. This will help you discover ways to overcome your RSD and allow you to lead a more pleasant and satisfying life. Avoid relationships that are toxic, as they can exacerbate your symptoms. If you're in an abusive relationship, get counseling to discover the best way to leave. This can lower the chance of feeling depressed and anxious like depression and anxiety. You can also increase your self-esteem by developing healthy relationships. This will help you feel more confident about your abilities, and will give you an unbiased view of the world around you.
3. Sexuality
ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to maintain a healthy relationship. This can lead to sexual dysfunctions and risky behaviors. Women with adhd that is high functioning 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 well-being.
In one study, people with ADHD were found to be more likely than people without ADHD to exhibit a sexual curiosity. Both genders were affected. This is probably due to the greater impulsivity levels that can cause them to be more likely to act on sexual thoughts and desires. The study found that women who have adhd are more likely to engage paraphilic fantasies and behavior. This included submissive roles play and bondage as well as sexual contact with strangers. It was also common for them to go to sexual clubs and parties.
Both males and females with adhd had a greater rate of infidelity than those who did not have the disorder. This was due to their poor impulse control, alcohol disinhibition and sensation-seeking. It could also be a result of their higher levels of insecurity and feeling misunderstood by partners. The survey also asked participants to share their experiences with extra-partner sexual relations and sexual interactions without contraception. Table 6 outlines the results for this section.
In the final analysis, the study utilized the Hypersexuality Symptom Inventory-19 (HBI-19) to inquire of participants about their problematic sexual behavior. The questionnaire comprises 19 items that are divided into three subscales. Each item is scored on a 5-point scale ranging that ranges from 1 (never) to 5 (very often). The higher the score, the more symptomatology is present. The HBI-19 was used to compare the sexual behavior of adults who have and those without ADHD.
These results are important because the psychosexual outcomes for adults with ADHD were rarely studied. They have been linked to sexual dysfunctions, such as STI's and unwanted pregnancies, relationship dissatisfaction, adolescent and adult onset infidelity and risky sexual behaviours.
4. Relationships
Many people who have high functioning ADHD have issues in their romantic relationships. Lack of clarity in communication and misunderstandings caused by signs such as forgetfulness and inattention could lead to frustration, anger, and conflict within relationships. Maintaining healthy relationships can be assisted by a supportive network of family and friends who understand.
It is crucial to keep in mind, too, that people with ADHD have trouble listening. They are easily interrupted by their impulsive behavior, or their own thoughts, which could cause them to miss the main point of an exchange. People with ADHD are more likely to have difficulty with multitasking as well, which can cause them to lose track of conversations or engage in other things while someone else is talking.
These battles can create a vicious cycle where the person who is not ADHD becomes overwhelmed with anxiety and anger, and the ADHD partner feels misunderstood. signs and symptoms of adhd in women can get worse from there, as they become more isolated.
Women with high-functioning ADHD are often exhausted and overwhelmed by their everyday demands. They might experience feelings of low self-esteem and shame because of their unpredictable and unorganized behavior, or feel like they can't keep up with their household chores and bills. They may also experience mood swings and sensitivity to rejection, as well as low sex drive.
It is important that those who suffer from ADHD seek treatment and seek assistance. It is also crucial for those close to them, especially spouses, to be aware of the condition and how it affects their loved ones. Together, they can establish clear expectations and establish boundaries. Then, they can develop a plan to meet their goals. The non-ADHD partner could take on more financial responsibilities while the person with ADHD is focused on organizing and completing housework.
signs and symptoms of adhd in women should strive to improve their communication and establish a routine that includes regular schedules for sleeping, meal times, and time to relax and rest. It is also crucial to find ways to make things easier for both of you, such as dividing household chores, or outsourcing certain tasks that are difficult for the person with ADHD, such as hiring an expert cleaning service or using apps to manage costs.