High Functioning ADHD in Women
Women with adhd that are high functioning are dissatisfied and often misunderstood by their relationships. The symptoms can be more severe during times of hormonal changes, like the premenstrual or pregnancy periods.
Many girls and women resorting to compensatory strategies to mask their impairments and symptoms can delay the time for referral.
This patient group faces a unique set problems that must be taken into account when treating them.
1. Insecurities about self-esteem
The emotional and social issues that come with ADHD can make women feel low. Even when they are successful, it is easy to feel like a failure because of things they aren't able to change. This can result in an endless cycle of feeling like they feel overwhelmed and never quite good enough, which can affect their mental health and self-esteem.
Girls who suffer from ADHD who aren't treated are at a higher chance of developing chronic low self-esteem and teenage pregnancy. treatment for adhd in women have a higher chance of depression, anxiety, and addiction to drugs. As adults, they're at an greater risk of being the sole parent to children with ADHD, financial crises and underemployment. They're also more likely to struggle with eating disorders, and their bad habits can be passed on to their children.
It's essential that women receive a diagnosis since it will help them comprehend their struggles and manage their symptoms. Many women report feeling more confident after receiving a diagnosis. They can stop berating themselves over things they cannot control. It can also help them reframe their problems and refocus them on what is important (Waite 2010).
As women age and enter menopausal their hormone levels alter and ADHD symptoms can become more severe. It is often difficult to identify and treat people suffering from ADHD because their symptoms may be incorrectly identified and dismissed as "hormonal", "that time of the month" or "an anxiety disorder".
Untreated adult ADHD can have devastating effects on self-esteem of women, and her relationships with her family and friends. The symptoms can disrupt everyday routines, leaving them frustrated and exhausted. She might feel that she is unable to say no to anyone, leading her to overburden herself and become resentful of those close to her. She may find it difficult to manage her work and home life, resulting in missed appointments and lost documents. She could also be more easily triggered when she is rejected and is more likely to lash out at people she loves.
2. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a condition that causes you to feel intensely when you're being rejected, either real or perceived. A disagreement with your partner, or a negative comment from a coworker at work can trigger you. Your brain's defense mechanisms naturally become over-stimulated and the thoughts emotions, feelings, and beliefs that result can harm your relationships and self-esteem. You can also experience anxiety, depression and mood swings as a result of sensitive to rejection.
Rejection sensitivity, while often associated with ADHD is actually an indication of emotional dysregulation. This impacts how your brain handles emotions and how you respond to them. The symptoms can also be seen in other mental health disorders such as borderline personality disorder (BPD).
People suffering from RSD may see events through an eye that makes them appear darker or dimmer than they really are. This can lead them to interpret and perceive things as rejection related, even though they're not. RSD can make you incapable of controlling your emotions. This is why it is essential to develop healthy coping mechanisms to deal with RSD.
Read the articles below to find out more about rejection sensitivity.
While there is no cure for RSD it is possible to manage symptoms with the assistance of a mental health professional. You can utilize 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 reduce the chance of having negative reactions to rejection. This will aid you in overcoming your RSD so that you can live a more fulfilled and happier life. It is also crucial to avoid toxic relationships as they can cause your symptoms to worsen. If you are in an abusive relationship, seek out counseling to learn how you can safely leave. This can reduce your risk of feelings of rejection, 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 give an objective view of life.
3. Sexuality
ADHD symptoms can make the maintenance of a healthy relationship a challenge. This can lead to sexual dysfunctions or risky behavior. 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 cause feelings of guilt and shame which can have a negative impact on the quality of their relationships and overall well-being.
One study surveyed adults suffering from ADHD and discovered that they were more likely to be interested in sexual activities than those without the disorder. This was true for both males and females. This could be due to their higher levels of impulsivity, which makes them more likely to act on their sexual desires and ideas. Specifically, the study found that women with adhd were more likely to engage in paraphilic masturbation fantasies and behaviors. This included submissive role play, bondage and sex with strangers. It was also more common for them to attend sex clubs and parties.
Both women and men who suffer from adhd were more likely be infidelity than those who did not have the disorder. This is due to their weak control of their impulses and alcohol withdrawal. This could also be because of their higher rates of insecurity and being misunderstood or mistreated by their partners. The survey asked participants about their experiences with extra-partner relationships and sexual relationships without contraception. Table 6 provides the results for this section.
Lastly, the study used the Hypersexuality Symptom Inventory-19 (HBI-19) to ask participants about their sexual problems. This questionnaire is composed of 19 items, and is divided into three subscales. Each item is scored on 5 points, ranging from 1 (never to 5) (very often)). The more high the score, the more symptomatology is present. The HBI-19 was used in order to evaluate sexual behaviors between adults with ADHD and those who do not.
These results are important because the psychosexual experiences of people with ADHD are not well-studied. They have been linked with sexual dysfunctions like STIs and unwanted pregnancy, relationship dissatisfaction and adult-onset infidelity as well as dangerous sexual behavior.
4. Relationships
Many people with high functioning ADHD struggle with their relationships with loved ones. Lack of clarity in communication, and misunderstandings due to issues like forgetfulness and inattention can result in frustration, resentment, and conflict within the relationship. A strong group of family and friends members who can understand is beneficial in maintaining healthy relationships.
It is important to remember that people who suffer from ADHD have trouble listening. They are easily interrupted by their impulsive behavior or own thoughts, which can cause them to miss the point of the conversation. People with ADHD are more likely to be struggling with multitasking as well which could cause them to tune out of conversations or perform other activities while others talk.
These struggles can lead to a vicious cycle where the person who is not ADHD is overwhelmed with stress and resentment and the ADHD person feels untrusted. The issue could escalate from there as they become more distant.
Women with high-functioning ADHD are often overwhelmed and exhausted by their daily demands. They may feel shame and low self-esteem because of their chaotic and impulsive behavior, or feel that they can't keep up with their chores and bills. They may also experience mood swings and rejection sensitivity, as well as low sex drive.
This is why it is crucial for people with ADHD to develop a treatment plan and seek assistance. It is also essential for those close to them particularly spouses to be aware of the condition and how it affects their loved ones. They can work together to set clear expectations and boundaries, then come up with a plan for how they can achieve those goals. For instance, the non-ADHD partner might be more involved in the financial responsibility, while the person with ADHD might focus on the task of organizing and finishing housework.
In addition, both parties should be able to communicate clearly and effectively, and establish a routine that includes regular sleeping patterns, meal times, and time for relaxation and rest. It is also essential to find ways to make things simpler for both parties for example, splitting household chores, or outsourcing some tasks that are challenging for a person with ADHD for example, hiring cleaning services or using apps to manage expenses.