High Functioning ADHD in Women
Women who suffer from high functioning adhd can be frustrated and misunderstood in their relationships. Symptoms may be more severe during periods 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 specific challenges that must be considered when treating them.
1. Lack of Self-Esteem
The emotional and social challenges that accompany ADHD can leave women feeling down. Even when they're doing well and have a good time, it's easy for them to feel like a failure for things they cannot control. This can result in an endless cycle of feeling overwhelmed and inadequate. This can have a negative impact on their mental health.
Girls who suffer from ADHD who are not treated are at greater chance of developing chronic low self-esteem and teenage pregnancy. They also have a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. As adults, they're at a higher risk of becoming parents on their own to a child suffering from ADHD and facing financial hardship or unemployment. They're also more likely to suffer with eating disorders, and their negative habits can be passed on to their children.
It's crucial that women receive a diagnosis because it will help them understand their struggles and help them manage their symptoms. Many women report that they feel more at ease after receiving their diagnosis, which allows them to stop blaming themselves for the little things they are unable to manage. It helps them to see their difficulties as strengths and help them focus their focus on what is important most (Waite, 2010).
As women age and enter menopause their hormone levels alter and ADHD symptoms can get worse. It isn't easy to diagnose and treat people suffering from ADHD due to the fact that their symptoms can be misdiagnosed and dismissed as "hormonal", "that time of 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 disrupt daily routines, making her exhausted and irritable. She might feel like she can't refuse people, which causes her to be overwhelmed and resentful of those around her. It could be difficult to manage her work and home life which can lead to missed appointments and lost files. She may also be more susceptible to being triggered by rejection, which means she is more likely to react defensively and lash out at people she likes.
2. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a condition that causes you to feel intensely when you're being rejected, whether it is real or perceived. It could be caused by an argument with your partner or a negative review from a colleague at work. The brain's natural defense mechanisms are overstimulated which can trigger thoughts, feelings and beliefs that can harm your relationships and self esteem. There are also depression, anxiety, and mood changes due to the sensitivity to rejection.
While it's often associated with ADHD, rejection sensitivity is actually a sign of emotional dysregulation, which affects the way your brain manages emotions and the way you react to them. Other mental health conditions like borderline personality disorder can also be a cause for these symptoms.
People with RSD might see events through filters that make them appear more dark or dimmer than they actually are. This can lead people to interpret things as rejection related, even if they aren't. RSD can make you incapable of controlling your emotions. This is why it is essential to develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage RSD.
Check out the following articles to find out more about rejection sensitivity.
Although there is no cure for RSD it is possible to treat symptoms with the help of a mental healthcare professional. You can use coping techniques like cognitive behavior therapy to change your negative thinking patterns. You can also develop mindfulness and create a network of support to reduce your risk of negative reactions to rejection. This can help you find ways to overcome your RSD and allow you to live a happier and more fulfilling life. It is also important to avoid toxic relationships as they can make your symptoms worse. If you are in an abusive relationship, you should seek counseling to learn how you can safely leave. This can lower the chance of feeling depressed and anxious like depression and anxiety. You can also boost your self-esteem by focusing on creating healthy relationships. This will make you feel more confident in your abilities and give an objective view of life.
3. Sexuality
ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to maintain a healthy romantic relationship. This can lead to sexual dysfunctions and risky behavior. Research suggests that women suffering from high functioning adhd are at a greater risk of experiencing these sexual problems than non-ADHD counterparts. These behaviors can cause feelings of shame and guilt and can have a negative effect on the quality of their relationships as well as their overall health.
One study surveyed adults suffering from ADHD and found that they were more likely to have a passion for sexual exploration than those without the disorder. This was true for both males and females. This was likely due to their higher levels of impulsivity which can make them more likely to act upon their sexual desires and thoughts. The study found that women who have adhd are more likely to engage in paraphilic fantasies and behaviors. This included submissive roles, bondage and sex with strangers. They also attended sex parties and clubs more often.
Both women and men who suffer from adhd were more likely be in a relationship than those who did not have the disorder. This was due their poor control of their impulses and alcohol withdrawal. This was likely also a result of their higher rates of anxiety and feeling misunderstood by partners. The survey also asked participants to report their experiences with extra-partner sexual relations and sexual interactions without use of contraception. Table 6 presents the results for this section.
The study also used the Hypersexuality Symptom Inventory-19 (HBI-19) to inquire from participants about their sexual problems. Highly recommended Site consists of 19 items, which are divided into three subscales. Each item is scored using five-point scale, starting between 1 (never to 5 (very often)). The higher the score the more symptomatology is present. The HBI-19 was developed in order to evaluate sexual behaviors between people who suffer from ADHD and those without.
Highly recommended Site are significant, because the psychosexual results for adults with ADHD were not studied as often. They have been associated with sexual dysfunctions like STIs and unwanted pregnancy relationships, dissatisfaction with relationships and adult-onset infidelity, as well as risky sexual behaviors.
4. Relationships
Many people who have high functioning ADHD have difficulties in their romantic relationships. A lack of clear communication, and misunderstandings due to issues like forgetfulness and inattention can lead to anger, resentment, and even conflict within the relationship. A strong network of friends and family members who understand can be helpful for maintaining healthy relationships.
adhd symptoms for women is also important to remember that people suffering from ADHD often have difficulty listening. They are easily interrupted by their impulsive behavior, or their own thoughts, which could cause them to lose the purpose of the conversation. People with ADHD are more likely to struggle with multitasking as well which could cause them to become disengaged of conversations or engage in other activities while someone else talks.
These conflicts can lead to an unbalanced relationship where the non-ADHD person becomes overwhelmed with stress and resentment, and the ADHD partner feels misunderstood, and defensive. They can then become more withdrawn, and the problem escalates from there.
Women with high-functioning ADHD are often exhausted and overwhelmed by the demands of their lives. They may experience feelings of low self-esteem and shame because of their impulsive and disorganized behavior, or feel that they're unable to keep up with their bills and chores. They might also experience mood swings, sensitivity to rejection and low sexual desire.
It is essential that those with ADHD find a treatment and seek help. It is also essential for their family members particularly spouses to be aware of the disorder and how it affects their loved one. Together, they can establish clear expectations and establish boundaries. They can then create an action plan to reach their goals. For instance, the non-ADHD partner might assume more financial responsibility, while the person with ADHD might focus on completing chores and organizing the house.
Both partners should be working to improve their communication and create an established routine that includes regular schedules for sleeping, 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 that are difficult for a person with ADHD.