Ten Myths About High Functioning ADHD In Women That Don't Always Hold

High Functioning ADHD in Women

Women with adhd that are high functioning are frustrated and misunderstood in their relationships. Symptoms can heighten at times of hormonal change, such as the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Many girls and women resort to compensatory strategies, hiding their impairments and symptoms that can delay time until referral.

This patient group faces specific issues that need to be taken into consideration when treating them.

1. Lack of Self-Esteem

The emotional and social challenges associated with ADHD can make women feel down. Even when they're successful, it is easy to feel like failing because of the things they cannot change. This can result in an endless cycle of feeling like they are constantly overwhelmed and never satisfied which can be detrimental to their self-esteem and mental health.

Girls who suffer from ADHD who aren't treated are at a greater chance of developing chronic low self-esteem and teenage pregnancy. They also have a higher chance of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. As adults, they're at an greater risk of being the sole parent to children with ADHD and financial problems, as well as underemployment. They're also more likely than other people to be afflicted by eating disorders and to pass their bad habits on to their children.

It's crucial for girls to get a diagnosis, because it will provide them with an understanding of their issues and help them manage their symptoms more efficiently. Many women report feeling empowered after receiving the diagnosis. They are no longer getting angry about things they aren't able to manage. It can also help to reframe their struggles and refocus on what is important (Waite 2010).

As women age and approach menopause their hormone levels may change and ADHD symptoms can become more severe. It is often difficult to identify and treat patients 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 consequences on self-esteem and relationships with her family and friends. The symptoms can affect daily routines, making her exhausted and irritable. It is possible that she isn't able to refuse people, which causes her to be overwhelmed and resentful of those who are around her. It could be difficult to organize the work and home lives of her children and this can lead to missed appointments and lost files. Additionally, she could be more easily triggered by rejection therefore she's more likely to be defensive and even lash out at the people she is in love with.

2. Rejection Sensitivity

Rejection sensitivity makes you feel deeply hurt when rejected. This could be real or perceived. A disagreement with your partner, or an insult from a co-worker at work can trigger your symptoms. Your brain's defense mechanisms naturally become over-stimulated and the thoughts emotions, feelings, and beliefs that result can harm your relationships and self-esteem. Rejection sensitivity can also lead to depression, anxiety and mood swings.

Although it's often attributed to ADHD, rejection sensitivity is actually a sign of emotional dysregulation that affects the way your brain manages emotions and how you react to them. The symptoms can also be found in other mental health conditions like borderline personality disorder (BPD).

RSD patients may perceive events through a filter, which makes them appear darker or brighter than they really are. This causes them to interpret and interpret events as rejection-related, even when they are not.  adhd traits in women  can also cause you to have a harder managing your emotions and that's why it is important to have healthy coping strategies to handle this.

Check out the following articles to learn 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 employ coping strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy to alter your negative thinking patterns. You can also practice mindfulness and create a network of support to reduce your chance of experiencing negative reactions to rejection. This can help you find ways to overcome your RSD and help you live a happier and more fulfilled life. Avoid toxic relationships as they can exacerbate your symptoms. If you're in a abusive relationship, seek counseling to learn the best way to leave. This can reduce your risk of rejection related feelings, such anxiety and depression. You can also increase your self-esteem by focusing on building healthy relationships. This will make you feel more confident in your abilities and provide a realistic perspective on life.

3. Sexuality

ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to maintain a healthy relationship. This often leads to sexual dysfunctions and risky behaviors. Women with adhd that is high functioning are at a higher risk of developing sexual problems. These behaviors can also result in feelings of guilt and shame and can have a negative impact on the quality of their relationships and overall wellbeing.

One study conducted a survey of 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. This was the case for both males and females. This is likely due to their higher levels of impulsivity which could make them more likely to act upon their sexual desires and thoughts. Particularly, the study revealed that females with adhd were more likely to engage in paraphilic masturbation fantasies and actions. This included submissive roles play and bondage as well as sex with strangers. It was also more common for them to go to sex clubs and parties.

Both women and men with adhd were more likely be in a relationship than those who did not suffer from the disorder. This was due to their lack of impulse control, alcohol disinhibition and sensation-seeking. This was likely also because of their higher rates of anxiety and feeling misunderstood by their partners. The survey also asked respondents to describe their experiences with sexual relations and sexual interactions without the use of contraception. Table 6 presents the results from this section.

In the final analysis, the study utilized the Hypersexuality Symptom Inventory-19 (HBI-19) to inquire of participants about their sexual problems. This questionnaire consists of 19 items, which are divided into three subscales. Each item is evaluated on a 5-point scale ranging that ranges from 1 (never) to 5 (very often). The higher the score the more symptomatology there is. The HBI-19 was used to compare the sexual behavior of adults who have and those without ADHD.

These results are important since the psychosexual outcomes of adults with ADHD were rarely studied. They have been linked to sexual dysfunctions like STIs and unwanted pregnancy, relationship dissatisfaction, adult-onset infidelity, as well as dangerous sexual behavior.

4. Relationships

Many people with high functioning ADHD struggle with their relationships with loved ones. Lack of clarity in communication, and misunderstandings due to issues like forgetfulness and inattention can result in frustration, resentment, and a conflict within the relationship. Maintaining healthy relationships can be assisted by a network of family and friends who can understand.

It is crucial to keep in mind that people with ADHD have trouble listening. They can be interrupted easily by impulsive behavior or their own thoughts, which can cause them to miss the main point of an exchange. People with ADHD may also have issues multitasking, which can cause them to tune out conversations or to do something else while another person is talking.

These struggles can result in an unbalanced relationship where the non-ADHD person becomes overwhelmed with anger and stress, and the ADHD partner feels misunderstood and defensive. They then tend to become more introverted, and the problem escalates from there.

Women who have high functioning ADHD often feel overwhelmed and exhausted by the demands of their daily life. They may feel guilt or self-esteem issues due to their impulsive, chaotic behavior. Or they might feel that they are unable to manage their obligations and bills. They might also experience mood swings, sensitivity to rejection and a lack of sexual desire.

This is why it is essential for those suffering from ADHD to find an effective treatment plan and seek assistance. It is crucial that those who are closest to them, particularly spouses, are aware of ADHD and how it affects the person they love. They can work together to set clear boundaries and expectations and then devise a plan for how they will meet those objectives. The non-ADHD partner could take on more financial responsibilities while the person with ADHD would focus on organizing and completing chores at home.

In addition, both partners should work to communicate more effectively and clearly, and establish a routine that incorporates regular sleep schedules, meal times, and time for rest and relaxation. It is important to discover ways to make things easier for both spouses, such as dividing household tasks or outsourcing certain tasks that are difficult for a person with ADHD.