15 Things You Didn't Know About High Functioning ADHD In Women
High Functioning ADHD in Women
Women who suffer from high functioning adhd can be unhappy and are often misunderstood in their relationships. Symptoms can heighten at times of hormonal change such as the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Many women and girls use compensatory strategies to concealing their impairments and symptoms which may delay the time to referral.
This group of patients has particular challenges that must be considered when treating them.
1. Self-Esteem is not a strong point.
The emotional and social issues that come with ADHD can make women feel 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 aren't able to control. This can lead to a vicious cycle where they are constantly overwhelmed and never quite good enough, which can take a toll on their mental health and self-esteem.
Girls who don't have treatment for ADHD are more at risk of chronic low self-esteem and anxiety, teen pregnancy depression, and addiction to drugs. As adults, they are more likely to be single-parents of a child with ADHD and experiencing financial crisis or unemployment. They're also more likely to suffer with eating disorders, and their negative patterns could be passed on to their children.
It is crucial for girls to get an accurate diagnosis because it will provide them with a better understanding of their struggles and help them manage their symptoms more efficiently. Many women say that they feel much more at ease 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 challenges as strengths and help them focus their focus on what is important most (Waite 2010).
As women age and move towards menopausal age, their hormone levels change and ADHD symptoms may get worse. This can make it harder for them to be identified and treated since they are often misdiagnosed as having anxiety or mood disorder, and their symptoms are viewed as "hormonal" or "that time of the month."
Untreated adult ADHD can have a devastating impact on women's self-esteem as well as relationships with her family and friends. The symptoms can disrupt daily routines, making her frustrated and exhausted. It is possible that she isn't able to refuse people, leading her to feel overwhelmed and resentful towards those around her. It can be difficult organizing her home and work life, which can lead to delayed appointments and lost documents. She may also be more susceptible to being triggered by rejection, so she may be more likely to react defensively and snap at those she loves.
2. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity causes you to feel extremely hurt when you are rejected. This can be real or perceived. A disagreement with your partner, or an insult from a co-worker at work can trigger you. The brain's natural defense mechanisms are triggered which can trigger thoughts or feelings, and beliefs that can harm your relationships and self esteem. Rejection sensitivity can also lead to depression, anxiety and mood swings.
Although it's often linked to ADHD, rejection sensitiveness is actually a sign of emotional dysregulation that affects how your brain handles emotions and how you react to them. Other mental health disorders such as borderline personality disorder may also be a cause for these symptoms.
People with RSD may see events through an eye that makes them appear more dark or dimmer than they actually are. This can lead people to interpret things as being related to rejection, even if they aren't. RSD can also cause you to have a hard managing your emotions which is why it's crucial to have coping strategies that are healthy to handle this.
Check out the following articles to learn more about rejection sensitivity.
Although there isn't a cure for RSD but it is possible to manage your symptoms with the help of a mental health professional. You can use coping techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy to alter your negative thinking patterns. You can also build an alliance of support and practice mindfulness to lower the chance of reacting negatively to rejection. This can help you find ways to overcome your RSD and allow you to lead a more pleasant and fulfilled life. Avoid toxic relationships as they can exacerbate your symptoms. If you're in an abusive relationship, seek out counseling to discover the best way to leave. This will help lessen the risk of having feelings of rejection, like anxiety and depression. By focusing on relationships that are healthy that you are in, you will increase your self-esteem. This will make 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 and risky behavior. Research suggests that women suffering from high functioning adhd are at a higher risk of developing these sexual problems than non-ADHD counterparts. These behaviors can also cause feelings of guilt and shame which can have a negative impact on the quality of their relationships and overall wellbeing.
One study looked at adults suffering from ADHD and found that they were more likely to be interested in sexual activities than those without the disorder. This was the case for both males and females. This could be due to their more impulsive levels, which can make them more likely to act on sexual desires and ideas. The study found that women who suffer from adhd are more likely to engage sexual fantasies and actions. This included bondage, submissive roles and sex with strangers. They also went to sex parties and clubs more often.
Both women and men who suffer from adhd were more likely be infidelity than those who did not have the disorder. This was due to their lack of impulse control and alcohol disinhibition. adhd symptoms women could be due to their higher levels of insecurity and being misunderstood, or criticized by their partners. The survey asked participants to describe their experiences with extra-partner affairs and sexual relations without contraception. Table 6 provides the results from this section.
The study also used the Hypersexuality Symptom Inventory-19 (HBI-19) to ask participants about their problematic sexual behavior. This questionnaire is composed of 19 items that are divided into three subscales. Each item is scored using five-point scale, starting between 1 (never to 5) (very frequently)). The higher the score the more symptomatology there is. The HBI-19 was used in order to assess sexual behavior between people who suffer from ADHD and those who do not.
These findings are significant due to the fact that the psychosexual effects of adults with ADHD are not well-studied. They have been associated with sexual dysfunctions, like STI's, unwanted pregnancies, relationship dissatisfaction, infidelity that begins at the onset of adulthood and adolescence 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 misunderstandings due to issues like forgetfulness and inattention can cause frustration, resentment, and a conflict within the relationship. Maintaining healthy relationships can be made easier by a supportive network of family and friends who can understand.
It is also important to keep in mind that those with ADHD are often unable to listen. They are easily distracted by their own thoughts or impulsive behaviors, which can result in them missing out on the central point of a discussion. People with ADHD may also have issues multitasking, which can lead them to mute conversations or do something else while another person is talking.
These conflicts can result in a vicious cycle in which the person who isn't ADHD is overwhelmed with anxiety and anger, and the ADHD partner feels misunderstood. The issue can get worse from there as they become more withdrawn.
Women with 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 unpredictable and unorganized behavior, or feel as if they can't keep up with their household chores and bills. They can also suffer from mood swings and sensitivity to rejection as well as low sex drive.
For these reasons, it is essential for those who suffer from ADHD to establish an effective treatment plan and seek assistance. inattentive adhd in women is crucial that the people closest to them, especially spouses, are aware of ADHD and how it affects the person they love. Together, they can establish clear expectations and establish boundaries. Then, they can create an action plan to achieve their goals. The non-ADHD spouse could take on more financial responsibility while the person with ADHD is focused on organizing and completing housework.
In addition, both partners must work together to communicate more efficiently and clearly and establish a routine that incorporates regular sleep patterns, meal times, and time to relax and rest. It is essential to find ways to make things easier for both partners, such splitting household chores or outsourcing certain tasks that are difficult for someone with ADHD.