10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From High Functioning ADHD In Women
High Functioning ADHD in Women
Women who suffer from high functioning adhd may experience discontent and confusion in their relationships. The symptoms may increase during times of hormonal change such as the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Many women and girls resort to compensatory strategies to hide their symptoms and impairments can delay referral.
This group of patients faces particular problems that need to be considered when treating them.
1. Self-Esteem is not a strong point.
Women can feel depressed by the emotional and social issues of ADHD. Even when they're successful, it is easy to feel like they're failing because of the things they cannot change. This can result in a vicious cycle where they are constantly overwhelmed and never satisfied, which can affect their mental health and self-esteem.
Girls who don't have treatment for ADHD are more at risk of chronic low self-esteem and teen pregnancy, anxiety, depression, and addiction to drugs. As adults, they're at greater risk of being the sole parent to a child with ADHD, financial crises and underemployment. They're also more likely to struggle with eating disorders, and their negative patterns could be passed on to their children.
It's essential that girls get a diagnosis as it will help them recognize their struggles and manage their symptoms. Many women report that they feel much more at ease after receiving their diagnosis, which allows them to stop blaming themselves for the little things they can't control. It can also help them reframe their problems and refocus them on the things that matter (Waite 2010).
As women mature and approach menopause, their hormone levels change, and ADHD symptoms can become more severe. This can make it difficult for them to be identified and treated since they are often misdiagnosed as an anxiety or mood disorder, and the symptoms are dismissed as "hormonal" or "that time of the month."
Untreated adult add women ADHD can have a devastating impact on self-esteem and relationships with her family and friends. The symptoms can disrupt a woman's daily routine that can leave her feeling angry and exhausted. It is possible that she cannot say no to people which causes her to burden herself and feel resentful towards people close to her. She may find it difficult to manage the work and home lives of her children and this can lead to unscheduled appointments and files being lost. She could be more prone to being angered when she is not liked and is more likely to snap at those she likes.
2. Rejection Sensitivity
The sensitivity to rejection causes you to feel very hurt when rejected. This can be real or perceived. A disagreement with a partner, or an unkind comment from a colleague at work can trigger you. The brain's natural defense mechanisms are overstimulated and result in thoughts and feelings that can harm your self-esteem and relationships. Sensitivity to rejection can lead to depression, anxiety and mood swings.
While it's often associated with ADHD, rejection sensitivity is actually a symptom of emotional dysregulation, which affects the way your brain handles emotions and the way you react to them. Other mental health issues such as borderline personality disorder could be a sign of these symptoms too.
RSD patients may perceive events through a filter, which makes them appear darker or brighter than they are. This can lead them to interpret things as being related to rejection even though they're not. RSD can also cause you to have a hard time regulating your emotions which is why it's crucial to have coping strategies that are healthy to deal with this.
You can learn more about the sensitivity to rejection by reading the following articles:
Although there isn't a cure for RSD it is possible to manage symptoms with the assistance of a mental healthcare professional. You can employ strategies for coping, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which helps change your negative thought patterns. You can also practice mindfulness and build a network of support to lessen your chance of experiencing negative reactions to rejection. This can help you find ways to overcome your RSD, so you can live a happier and more fulfilling life. It is also crucial to avoid toxic relationships as they can make your symptoms worse. If you are in a abusive relationship, you should seek counseling to find out how you can get out. This will help lower the risk Signs Of Adhd Adult Women experiencing feelings of rejection, such as anxiety and depression. You can also boost your self-esteem by creating healthy relationships. This will allow you to feel more confident about your abilities and provide you with a more realistic perspective on the world around you.
3. Sexuality
ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to maintain a healthy romantic relationship. This can lead to sexual dysfunctions or risky sexual behaviors. Research suggests that women suffering from high functioning adhd are at higher risk of developing these sexual problems than their non-ADHD counterparts. These behaviors can cause feelings of guilt and embarrassment, which can affect their relationships and well-being.
One study surveyed adults with ADHD and discovered that they were more likely to be interested in sexual activities than those who did not suffer from the disorder. Both genders were affected. This is likely due to the increased levels of impulsivity which could make them more likely to act on their sexual ideas and desires. The study found that women who have adhd are more likely to engage in paraphilic fantasies and behaviors. This included bondage, submissive roles and sex with strangers. They also went to sex events and nightclubs more often.
Females and males with adhd had a higher risk of infidelity than those without the disorder. This was due to their lack of impulse control and alcohol disinhibition. This is probably due to their higher levels of insecurity, and feeling misunderstood or misjudged by their partners. The survey also asked participants to share their experiences with extra-partner sexual relationships and sexual encounters without contraception. Table 6 outlines the results for this section.
The study also utilized the Hypersexuality-Symptom Inventory-19 (HBI-19) which surveyed participants about their sexual issues. The questionnaire consists of 19 items that are divided into three subscales. Each item is scored using a five-point scale, ranging between 1 (never) to 5 (very often). The higher the score, more symptomatology is present. The HBI-19 was used to evaluate the sexual behavior of adults who have and those without adhd in adult women treatment.
These findings are significant due to the fact that the psychosexual effects of adults with ADHD have been scarcely studied. They have been linked with sexual dysfunctions, such as STIs and unwanted pregnancy, relationship dissatisfaction and adult-onset infidelity, as well as risky sexual behaviors.
4. Relationships
Many people who have high functioning ADHD have issues in their romantic relationships. A lack of clear communication, and miscommunication caused by symptoms such as inattention and forgetfulness can result in frustration, resentment, and a conflict within the relationship. A strong network of family and friends members who understand can be helpful for maintaining healthy relationships.
It is also important to remember that people suffering from ADHD are often unable to listen. They are easily distracted by their own thoughts or impulsive behavior which can cause them to miss out on the central reason for a discussion. People with ADHD may also have trouble multitasking, which can lead them to tune out conversations or to do something else while other people are talking.
These struggles can result in a vicious cycle in which the non-ADHD person becomes overwhelmed with anger and stress and the ADHD partner feels misunderstood, and defensive. The issue can get worse from there as they become more distant.
Women with high functioning adhd in women signs often feel overwhelmed and exhausted by the demands of their everyday life. They may experience guilt or self-esteem issues due to their impulsive, disorganized behavior. Or they might feel that they are unable to manage their chores and bills. They might also be suffering from mood swings and rejection sensitivity, as well as low sexual drive.
It is important that those with ADHD seek treatment and seek out help. It is also crucial for family members, especially spouses, to be aware of the disorder and how it affects the person they love. Together, they can set clear expectations and establish boundaries. They can then develop a plan to achieve their goals. For example the non-ADHD spouse could assume more financial responsibilities, while the person with ADHD might focus on organizing and completing housework.
In addition, both parties should work to communicate more effectively and clearly, and establish a routine that includes regular sleep patterns, meal times, and time for rest and relaxation. It is essential to find ways to simplify things for both of you, like splitting household chores or outsourcing some of those that are difficult for a person with ADHD.