High Functioning ADHD in Women
Women with adhd that are high functioning are unhappy and are often misunderstood in their relationships. adhd in women uk may be more severe during periods of hormonal changes, like premenstrual and menstrual cycles.
Many girls and women resorting to compensatory strategies to hide their impairments and symptoms can delay referral.
This group of patients faces specific problems that must be taken into account when treating them.
1. Insecurity about oneself
Women can be depressed by the emotional and social challenges of ADHD. Even when they're doing well, it's easy to feel like a failure because of things they aren't able to control. This can create a vicious cycle where they feel constantly overwhelmed and never satisfied which can take a toll on their mental health and self-esteem.
Girls who suffer from ADHD who are not treated are at a greater risk for chronic low self-esteem as well as teen pregnancy. They also have a higher chance of anxiety, depression, and addiction to drugs. As adults, they're at an increased risk of single-parenting children with ADHD and financial problems, as well as underemployment. They are also more likely than other people to suffer from eating disorders and to pass their bad habits on to their children.
It's essential that girls receive a diagnosis because it will allow them to better comprehend their struggles and help them manage their symptoms. Many women report feeling empowered after receiving a diagnosis. They can stop being a victim of things they can't control. It can also help reframe their struggles and refocus on what's important (Waite 2010).
As women age and move towards menopause, their hormone levels change, and ADHD symptoms may get worse. It isn't easy to diagnose and treat women with ADHD due to the fact that their symptoms can 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 the woman's daily routine which can make her angry and exhausted. She may feel she can't refuse to be around people, leading her to overburden herself and become angry with people close to her. She may find it difficult to manage her work and home life which can lead to unscheduled appointments and files being lost. She may be more prone to being angered when she is not liked and is more likely to snap at those she likes.
2. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity causes you to feel intensely when you are rejected, whether real or perceived. You could be triggered by an argument with your partner or a negative feedback from a coworker at work. Your brain's defense mechanisms naturally become over-stimulated and the thoughts, 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, although typically associated with ADHD is actually an indication of emotional dysregulation. This impacts how your brain processes emotions and how you respond to them. The symptoms can also be found in other mental health disorders such as borderline personality disorder (BPD).
RSD patients might perceive events through a filter, making them appear darker or brighter than they really are. This can lead people to interpret things as being related to rejection, even if they aren't. RSD can make you unable to control your emotions. This is why it is crucial to develop healthy coping strategies to manage RSD.
You can learn more about the sensitivity to rejection by reading these articles:
While there is no cure for RSD but it is possible to manage your symptoms with the help of a mental health professional. You can utilize coping strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps change your negative thinking patterns. You can also establish an emotional support network and practice mindfulness to lessen your risk of reacting negatively to rejection. This can help you find ways to overcome your RSD and allow you to lead a more pleasant and fulfilling life. Avoid toxic relationships, because they can cause more symptoms. If you are in a abusive relationship, you should seek counseling to learn how you can safely quit. This can reduce your risk of feelings of rejection, such as anxiety and depression. By focusing on healthy relationships, you can improve your self-esteem. This will help you feel more confident about your abilities and give you an unbiased view of the world around you.
3. Sexuality
ADHD symptoms can make the maintenance of a healthy relationship a challenge. This can lead to sexual dysfunctions or risky behaviors. Research suggests that women suffering from high functioning adhd are at a higher risk of having sexual issues than their non-ADHD counterparts. These behaviors can result in feelings of guilt and shame which can have a negative effect on their relationships as well as their overall health.
One study conducted a survey of adults with ADHD and found that they were more likely to be interested in sexual activities than those without the disorder. Both males and women were affected. This was likely 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 females with adhd were more likely to engage in paraphilic masturbation fantasies and behaviours. This included submissive role-play and bondage as well as sex with strangers. They also attended sex parties and nightclubs more often.
Females and males with adhd had a higher rate of infidelity than people without 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 higher levels of insecurity, and feeling 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 presents the results from this section.
The study also used the Hypersexuality-Symptom Inventory-19 (HBI-19) which asked participants about their problematic sexual behavior. This questionnaire consists of 19 items that are divided into three subscales. Each item is scored on a 5-point scale, from 1 (never to 5 (very frequently)). The more high the score, the more symptomatology is evident. The HBI-19 was developed in order to evaluate sexual behaviors between adults with ADHD and those without.
These findings are important because the psychosexual experiences of people with ADHD have not been studied extensively. They have been linked with sexual dysfunctions like STIs and unwanted pregnancy, relationship dissatisfaction, adult-onset infidelity, as well as risky sexual behaviors.
4. Relationships
Many people who have high functioning ADHD have issues in their relationships with loved ones. Lack of clarity in communication and misunderstandings caused by signs such as forgetfulness and inattention could result in anger, frustration, and conflict within relationships. A strong network of friends and family members who understand can be beneficial in maintaining healthy relationships.
It is important to remember that those who suffer from ADHD have trouble listening. They are easily distracted by their own thoughts or impulsive behaviors that can cause them to miss out on the main reason for a discussion. People with ADHD may also have issues multitasking, which can lead them to mute conversations or to do something else while someone else is talking.
These conflicts can lead to a vicious cycle in which the non-ADHD partner becomes overwrought with anger and stress and the ADHD partner feels misunderstood, and defensive. The issue could escalate in the meantime as they become more withdrawn.
Women who have high functioning ADHD often feel overwhelmed and exhausted by the demands of their everyday life. They may feel shame and low self-esteem because of their impulsive and disorganized behavior, or feel like they can't keep up with their bills and chores. They may also feel mood swings, rejection sensitivity and low sexual desire.
It is essential that those who suffer from ADHD find a treatment and seek assistance. It is important that the people closest to them, particularly spouses, are aware of ADHD and how it affects the person they love. Together, they can set clear expectations and establish boundaries. Then, they will come up with an action plan to reach their goals. The non-ADHD spouse could assume more financial responsibility while the person with ADHD will be focused on organising and completing housework.
Both partners should also strive to improve their communication and create a routine that includes regular schedules for sleeping, meal times, and time to relax and rest. It is also crucial to discover ways to make life easier for both of you, such as dividing household chores, or outsourcing certain tasks that are challenging for a person with ADHD, such as hiring an expert cleaning service or using apps to control expenses.