High Functioning ADHD in Women
Women who have high functioning adhd are prone to frustration and misunderstandings in their relationships. The symptoms may increase during times of hormonal change such as the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Many girls and women are forced to resort to compensatory strategies, concealing their impairments and symptoms that can delay time to referral.
This group of patients faces particular issues that need to be taken into consideration when treating them.
1. Insecurities about self-esteem
Women can be depressed by the emotional and social issues of ADHD. Even if they're successful, it is easy to feel like they're a failure because of things they cannot change. This can create an endless cycle of feeling like they feel constantly overwhelmed and never good enough which can take a toll on their self-esteem and mental health.
adhd in adult women treatment who aren't treated for ADHD are at greater risk of chronic low self-esteem and anxiety, teen pregnancy, depression, and abuse of substances. As adults, they are more likely to be parents on their own to a child suffering from ADHD and facing financial hardship or underemployment. They're also more likely to struggle with eating disorders, and their bad patterns can pass down to their children.
It's crucial that girls receive a diagnosis because it will help them better recognize their struggles and help them manage their symptoms. Many women report that they feel more empowered after receiving their diagnosis, allowing them to stop beating themselves up over the small things they cannot control. It can also help to reframe their struggles and refocus on the things that matter (Waite 2010).
As women age and move towards menopause their hormone levels alter, and ADHD symptoms can get worse. It is often difficult to identify and treat people suffering from ADHD because their symptoms may be mistakenly diagnosed and dismissed as "hormonal", "that time of month" or "an anxiety disorder".
Untreated adult ADHD can have a devastating impact on women's self-esteem as well as relationships with her family and friends. Symptoms may interfere with a woman's daily routine which can make her angry and exhausted. It is possible that she cannot say no to people, leading her to overburden herself and become angry with people close to her. She might find it difficult to organize the work and home lives of her children which can lead to missing appointments and lost files. Additionally, she could be more easily triggered by rejection which means she is more likely to react defensively and snap at those she likes.
2. Rejection Sensitivity
The sensitivity to rejection causes you to feel extremely hurt when you are rejected. This can be real or perceived. You might be triggered by a disagreement with your partner or a negative review from a colleague at work. The brain's natural defence mechanisms are overstimulated which can trigger thoughts and feelings that can harm your relationships and self esteem. There are also depression, anxiety, and mood changes due to rejection sensitivity.
While it's often associated with ADHD, rejection sensitivity is actually a sign of emotional dysregulation that affects the way your brain handles emotions and how you react to them. The symptoms can also be observed in other mental health conditions like borderline personality disorder (BPD).
People suffering from RSD may view events through filters that make them appear darker or less than they actually are. This can lead them to interpret and perceive things as being related to rejection, even though they're not. RSD can also cause you to have a difficult managing your emotions, which is why it's crucial to have healthy coping strategies to handle this.
Read the articles below to learn more about rejection sensitivity.
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 for coping, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which can help you modify your negative thought patterns. You can also build an emotional support network and practice mindfulness to lessen your chance of reacting negatively to rejection. This can help you overcome your RSD to live a more fulfilled and happy life. It is also essential to stay clear of toxic relationships since they can make your symptoms worse. If you are in an abusive relationship, you should seek counseling to learn how to safely leave. This can reduce your risk of feeling depressed and anxious like depression and anxiety. By focusing on relationships that are healthy, you can improve your self-esteem. This will make you feel more confident in your capabilities and provide an objective view of life.
3. Sexuality
ADHD symptoms can make the maintenance of a healthy relationship a challenge. This often leads to sexual dysfunctions and risky behaviors. Women who have high functioning adhd may be at greater risk of having sexual issues. These behaviors can result in feelings of shame and guilt which can have a negative impact on their relationships and overall well-being.
One study conducted a survey of adults with ADHD and discovered that they were more likely to have adventurous sexual interests than those who did not suffer from the disorder. This was the case for both males and females. This is likely due to their higher levels of impulsivity, which could make them more likely to act upon their sexual desires and thoughts. Specifically, the study found that females with adhd were more likely to engage in paraphilic masturbation fantasies and actions. This included bondage, submissive roles and sexing with strangers. They also went to sex parties and nightclubs more often.
Both females and males suffering from adhd had a higher rate of infidelity than those who did not have the disorder. This is due to their weak control of impulses and alcohol-related disinhibition. This is probably due to their higher levels of insecurity and being misunderstood, or misjudged by their loved ones. The survey also asked participants to report their experiences with sexual relationships and sexual encounters without the use of contraception. Table 6 shows the results of this section.
In the final analysis, the study utilized the Hypersexuality Symptom Inventory-19 (HBI-19) to inquire from participants about their sexual problems. The questionnaire consists of 19 items, which are divided into three subscales. Each item is scored using a 5-point scale, between 1 (never to 5 (very often)). The higher the score, more symptomatology is present. The HBI-19 was developed in order to assess sexual behavior between people with ADHD and those who do not.
These findings are important due to the fact that the psychosexual effects of people with ADHD have not been studied extensively. They have been associated with sexual dysfunctions, such as STI's and unplanned pregnancies, relationship dissatisfaction, adolescent and adult onset infidelity and risky sexual behaviours.
4. Relationships
Many people with high functioning ADHD have trouble in their romantic relationships. A lack of communication and misunderstandings due to issues like forgetfulness and inattention can cause frustration, resentment, and even conflict within the relationship. A strong group of family and friends members who can understand is beneficial in maintaining healthy relationships.
It is also important to note that those with ADHD often have difficulty listening. They are easily interrupted by impulsive behavior or their own thoughts, which may cause them to lose the purpose of an exchange. People with ADHD may also have issues multitasking, which can cause them to tune out conversations or to do something else while other people are talking.
These struggles can result in a vicious cycle in which the non-ADHD partner is overwhelmed with stress and resentment, and the ADHD partner is misunderstood and defensive. The issue could escalate from there as they become more withdrawn.
Women who have high functioning ADHD often feel overwhelmed and exhausted by the demands of their daily life. They may feel low self-esteem and shame because of their chaotic and impulsive behavior, or feel that they can't keep up with their chores and bills. They might also feel mood swings, rejection sensitivity and low sexual desire.
Because of this, it is essential for those suffering from ADHD to develop an effective treatment plan and seek help. It is also crucial for their family members particularly spouses, to be aware of the condition and how it affects their loved ones. Together, they can set clear expectations and establish boundaries. They can then develop a plan to achieve their goals. For instance the non-ADHD spouse could assume more financial responsibility, while the person with ADHD might focus on organizing and completing housework.
Both partners must strive to improve their communication and create an established routine that includes regular sleeping patterns, meal times and time for relaxation and rest. It is important to discover ways to make things easier for both partners, such sharing household chores or outsource some of those which are challenging for people with ADHD.