High Functioning ADHD in Women
Women with adhd that are high functioning are unhappy and are often misunderstood in their relationships. The symptoms may increase during times of hormonal change, such as the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Many girls and women resorting to compensatory strategies to mask their symptoms and impairments can delay the time for referral.
This patient group has particular challenges which must be considered when treating them.
1. Lack of self-esteem
Women can be depressed by the emotional and social issues of ADHD. Even when they're doing well and have a good time, it's easy for them to feel like a failure due to things they can't control. This can result in a vicious cycle where they are constantly overwhelmed and never good enough which can be detrimental to their mental health and self-esteem.
Girls with ADHD who aren't treated are at greater risk for chronic low self-esteem and teenage pregnancy. They also have a greater chance of depression, anxiety and substance abuse. As adults, they're more likely to be single-parents to a child with ADHD and also facing financial difficulties or 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 since it will allow them to better recognize the challenges they face and manage their symptoms. Many women report feeling empowered after receiving the diagnosis. They can now stop being a victim of things they cannot manage. It helps them to see their challenges as strengths and refocus their attention on what matters most (Waite 2010,).
As adhd in adult women test and move towards menopause the hormone levels of their bodies change and ADHD symptoms can get worse. It is often difficult to identify and treat people suffering from ADHD due to the fact that their symptoms can be incorrectly identified and dismissed as "hormonal", "that time of month" or "an anxiety disorder".
Untreated adult ADHD can have a devastating impact on a woman’s self-esteem and relationships with her family and friends. The symptoms can affect the woman's daily routine that can leave her feeling angry and exhausted. She might feel that she is unable to say no to anyone, leading her to overburden herself and become angry with those close to her. It could be difficult to organize her home and work life which can lead to unscheduled appointments and files being lost. She can also be more easily triggered by rejection, so she may be more likely to react defensively and even lash out at the people she loves.
2. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity causes you to feel deeply hurt when rejected. This can be real or perceived. A disagreement with your partner or an unkind comment from a coworker at work can trigger you. The brain's natural defence mechanisms are overstimulated, resulting in thoughts, feelings and beliefs that could harm your self-esteem and relationships. Sensitivity to rejection can cause anxiety, depression and mood fluctuations.
Although it's often attributed to 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 like borderline personality disorder can be a sign of these symptoms too.
People suffering from RSD may see events through a filter that makes them appear darker or less than they really are. This can cause them to interpret and interpret events as being related to rejection, even though they are not. 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.
Read the articles below to learn more about rejection sensitivity.
Although there isn't a cure for RSD however, you can manage your symptoms with the assistance of an expert in mental health. You can use 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 decrease your chance of experiencing negative reactions to rejection. This can aid you in overcoming your RSD so that you can live a more fulfilled and happy life. It is also important to avoid toxic relationships as they can make your symptoms worse. If you are in a abusive relationship, seek out counseling to learn how you can safely quit. This will reduce the risk of experiencing feelings of rejection, such anxiety and depression. By focusing on healthy relationships, you can improve your self-esteem. This will help you feel more confident about your capabilities and provide a realistic perspective on life.
3. Sexuality
ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to maintain a healthy romantic relationship. This can lead to sexual dysfunctions and risky sexual behavior. Research suggests that women with high functioning adhd are at a greater risk of experiencing these sexual problems than non-ADHD counterparts. These behaviors can also result in feelings of shame and guilt which can have a negative effect on the quality of their relationships as well as their overall health.
In one study, people with ADHD were found to be more likely than people without ADHD to have adventurous sexual fascination. This was true for both males and females. This is likely due to their more impulsive levels, which can make them more likely to act upon their sexual desires and ideas. Specifically, the study found that women with adhd were more likely to indulge in paraphilic masturbation fantasies and behaviors. This included submissive role-play, bondage and sexual contact with strangers. They also attended sex parties and more clubs.
Both women and men with adhd were more likely to be infidelity than those who did not suffer from the disorder. This was due their poor control of their impulses and alcohol withdrawal. It could also be a result of their higher rates of anxiety and being misunderstood or mistreated by their partners. The survey also asked participants to share their experiences with sexual relations and sexual interactions without contraception. Table 6 summarizes the results of this section.
Lastly, the study used the Hypersexuality Symptom Inventory-19 (HBI-19) to inquire from participants about their sexual problems. The questionnaire comprises 19 items that are grouped into three subscales. Each item is rated using a five-point scale, ranging from 1 (never) to 5 (very often). The higher the score, more symptomatology is present. The HBI-19 was utilized to evaluate sexual behaviors between people with ADHD and those without.
These results are important because the psychosexual experiences of people with ADHD have been scarcely studied. They have been linked to sexual dysfunctions, like STI's, unwanted pregnancies, relationship dissatisfaction, adolescent and adult onset infidelity and risky sexual behaviors.
4. Relationships
Many people who have high functioning ADHD have difficulties in their romantic relationships. A lack of clear communication, and miscommunication due to symptoms like inattention and forgetfulness can result in frustration, resentment, and even conflict in the relationship. A supportive group of family and friends members who understand can be helpful for maintaining healthy relationships.
It is also important to note that those with ADHD are often unable to listen. They are easily distracted by their own thoughts or impulsive behaviors which could cause them to miss out on the main reason for a discussion. People with ADHD are more likely to struggle with multitasking, too and can cause them to become disengaged of conversations or perform other things while others talk.
These battles can create an unending cycle where the person who is not ADHD becomes overwhelmed with stress and resentment and the ADHD partner feels that they are not understood. They then tend to withdraw and the situation can get worse from there.
Women who have high-functioning ADHD are often overwhelmed and exhausted by the demands of their lives. They may experience low self-esteem or shame due to their impulsive, unorganized behavior. They may find themselves struggling to keep up with their obligations and bills. They might also have mood swings, rejection sensitivity and low sex desire.
It is essential that those who suffer from ADHD find a treatment and seek assistance. It is also crucial for those close to them particularly spouses, to learn more about the condition and how it affects their loved ones. Together, they can set clear expectations and establish boundaries. Then, they will develop a plan to reach their goals. The non-ADHD partner could take on more financial responsibility while the person with ADHD is focused on organizing and completing chores at home.
Additionally, both partners should be able to communicate efficiently and clearly and establish a routine that incorporates regular sleep schedules, meal times, and time for rest and relaxation. It is essential to find ways to make things easier for both of you, like dividing household tasks or outsourcing some of those which are challenging for people with ADHD.