High Functioning ADHD in Women
Women who have high functioning adhd are prone to frustration and miscommunication in their relationships. Symptoms may be more severe during periods of hormonal changes, like premenstrual and menstrual cycles.
Many girls and women resorting to compensatory strategies to mask their symptoms and impairments can delay referral.
This patient group has particular problems that need to be taken into account when treating them.
1. Insecurity about oneself
The social and emotional challenges associated with ADHD can cause women to feel low. Even when they're successful, it's easy to feel like an failure due to things they can't change. This can result in an endless cycle of feeling like they are constantly overwhelmed and never quite good enough, which can take a toll on their mental health and self-esteem.
Girls who aren't treated for ADHD are at greater risk of chronic low self-esteem, anxiety, teen pregnancy depression, and addiction to drugs. As adults, they're at a higher risk of becoming single-parents of a child with ADHD and experiencing financial crisis or underemployment. They're also more likely than other people to suffer from eating disorders and pass their bad habits on to their children.
It's essential that women receive a diagnosis because it will help them understand the challenges they face and manage their symptoms. Many women report that they feel more empowered after receiving their diagnosis, allowing them to stop blaming themselves for the little things they are unable to manage. It can also help them reframe their struggles and refocus on the things that matter (Waite 2010).
As women mature and approach menopausal their hormone levels alter, and ADHD symptoms may get worse. It is often difficult to identify and treat people suffering from ADHD as their symptoms could be misdiagnosed and dismissed as "hormonal", "that time of the month" or "an anxiety disorder".
Untreated adult ADHD can have devastating effects on a woman’s self-esteem and relationships with her family and friends. The symptoms can affect daily routines, leaving her feeling exhausted and angry. She might feel like she isn't able to refuse people, leading her to be overwhelmed and resentful towards people who are around her. She may find it difficult organizing her home and work life, which leads to missed appointments and lost documents. She could be more prone to being angered when she is not liked which makes her more likely to snap at people she likes.
2. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity makes you feel very hurt when rejected. This can be real or perceived. A disagreement with a partner, or an unkind comment from a coworker at work can trigger you. Your brain's natural defense mechanisms are over-stimulated and the thoughts emotions, feelings, and beliefs that result could harm your self-esteem and relationships. You can also experience anxiety, depression, and mood fluctuations as a result of the sensitivity to rejection.
Rejection sensitivity, although often associated with ADHD is actually a sign of emotional dysregulation. This affects the way your brain processes emotions and how you react to them. The symptoms can also be observed in other mental health disorders like borderline personality disorder (BPD).
People suffering from RSD may view events through an eye that makes them appear darker or less than they really are. This makes them more likely to perceive and interpret things as if they are related to rejection, even if they're not. RSD can also cause you to have a difficult managing your emotions and that's why it is important to have coping strategies that are healthy to manage this.
You can learn more about rejection sensitivity by reading the articles below:
Although there isn't a cure for RSD it is possible to manage the symptoms with the help of a mental health professional. You can employ strategies to cope, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps change your negative thought patterns. You can also create an alliance of support and practice mindfulness to lower your risk of reacting negatively to rejection. This will help you discover ways to overcome your RSD and help you live a happier and more fulfilled life. It is also essential to avoid toxic relationships as they can cause symptoms to become worse. If you are in a abusive relationship, seek counseling to learn how you can safely quit. This can lower the chance of experiencing feelings of rejection like depression and anxiety. By focusing on healthy relationships and relationships, you can boost your self-esteem. This will help you feel more confident in your abilities and 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 sexual behavior. Research suggests that women with high functioning adhd are at a greater risk of experiencing these sexual problems than their non-ADHD counterparts. These behaviors can also trigger feelings of shame and guilt, which can negatively impact their relationships and overall well-being.
One study conducted a survey of 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 the case for males and females. This could be due to their higher levels of impulsivity, which could make them more likely to act upon their sexual desires and thoughts. The study revealed that females who have adhd are more likely to engage paraphilic fantasies and behaviors. This included bondage, submissive roles and sex with strangers. It was also more common for them to go to sexual clubs and parties.
Both women and men with adhd were more likely to be in a relationship than those who did not have the disorder. This was due to their inability to control their impulses and alcohol-related disinhibition, as well as their desire for sensation. This is probably due to their greater levels of anxiety and being misunderstood, or misjudged by their partners. The survey also asked respondents to describe their experiences with extra-partner sexual affairs and sexual intercourse without the use of contraception. Table 6 provides the results of this section.
The study also utilized the Hypersexuality-Symptom Inventory-19 (HBI-19), which asked participants about their problematic sexual behaviors. The questionnaire comprises 19 items that are grouped into three subscales. adhd test for women is scored using 5 points, ranging from 1 (never to 5 (very frequently)). The higher the score the more symptomatology is present. The HBI-19 was used to assess the sexual behaviors of adults who have and those without ADHD.
These findings are significant due to the fact that the psychosexual effects of adults with ADHD have not been studied extensively. They have been linked to sexual dysfunctions like STIs and unwanted pregnancy, relationship dissatisfaction, adult-onset infidelity, as well as risky sexual behaviors.
4. Relationships
Many people with high functioning ADHD have issues in their relationships with loved ones. Lack of clarity in communication, and misunderstandings caused by symptoms such as inattention and forgetfulness can lead to anger, resentment, and a conflict in the relationship. Maintaining healthy relationships can be made easier by a network of friends and family members who understand.
It is also important to note that people suffering from ADHD often have difficulty listening. They are often interrupted by their impulsive behavior, or their own thoughts, which could cause them to miss the main point of a conversation. People with ADHD might also have difficulty multitasking, which could cause them to shut out conversations or perform other tasks while someone else is talking.
These struggles can lead to a vicious cycle where the person who isn't ADHD becomes overwhelmed with stress and resentment and the ADHD partner feels misunderstood. They can then become more introverted and the situation can get worse from there.
Women who have high-functioning ADHD are often overwhelmed and exhausted by their daily demands. They may be feeling guilt or self-esteem issues because of their impulsive, disorganized behavior. They may feel like they cannot manage their obligations and bills. They may also feel mood swings, sensitivity to rejection and low sex desire.
This is why it is essential for those with ADHD to develop a treatment plan and seek assistance. It is also crucial 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 the right expectations and boundaries and then formulate an action plan to will achieve their goals. The non-ADHD spouse could take on more financial responsibilities while the person with ADHD will be focused on organising and completing the chores at home.
In addition, both partners should work to communicate more efficiently and clearly, and establish a routine that incorporates regular sleep patterns, meal times, and time for rest and relaxation. It's important to discover ways to make things easier for both partners, such splitting household chores or outsourcing certain tasks which are challenging for people with ADHD.