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 frustration and misunderstandings in their relationships. The symptoms may increase during periods of hormonal changes, like the pre-menstrual period and pregnancy.

Many women and girls use compensatory strategies to masking their symptoms and impairments, which can delay time until referral.

This group of patients has particular issues that must be considered when treating them.

1. Self-Esteem is not a strong point.

The emotional and social challenges that come with ADHD can leave women feeling down. Even when they are successful, it's easy to feel like a failure because of things they can't change. This can lead to an endless cycle of feeling like they are constantly overwhelmed and never satisfied and can affect their self-esteem and mental health.

Girls who don't have treatment for ADHD are at higher risk of developing chronic low self-esteem and teen pregnancy, anxiety, depression and substance abuse. As adults, they're more likely to be single-parents to a child with ADHD and also facing financial difficulties or underemployment. They're also more likely than others to be afflicted by eating disorders and pass their bad habits on to their children.

adhd in women signs that girls receive a diagnosis since it will allow them to better comprehend the challenges they face and manage their symptoms. Many women say that they feel much 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 age and approach menopausal age, their hormone levels could change, and ADHD symptoms could worsen. This makes it more difficult for them to be identified and treated since they are often misdiagnosed as anxiety or mood disorder, and the symptoms are dismissed as "hormonal" or "that time of the month."

Untreated adult ADHD can have devastating consequences on a woman’s self-esteem and relationships with her family and friends. Symptoms can interfere with daily routines, making her feeling exhausted and angry. attention deficit disorder in women may feel that she can't refuse people, causing her to be overwhelmed and resentful towards those around her. It could be difficult to manage her home and work life which can lead to missing appointments and lost files. She can also be more easily triggered by rejection which means she is more likely to react defensively and even lash out at the people she is in love with.

2. Rejection Sensitivity

The sensitivity to rejection causes you to feel very hurt when rejected. It could be real or perceived. It could be caused by an argument with your partner or a negative feedback from a coworker at work. Your brain's natural defense mechanisms are over-stimulated, and the thoughts emotions, feelings, and beliefs that result can harm your relationships and self-esteem. Sensitivity to rejection can lead to depression, anxiety and mood fluctuations.

Although it's often attributed to ADHD The issue of rejection sensitivity is actually a symptom of emotional dysregulation, which affects the way your brain manages emotions and how you react to them. Other mental health disorders such as borderline personality disorder may also be a cause for these symptoms.

RSD patients might perceive events through a filter, which makes them appear darker or brighter than they really are. This can cause people to interpret things as rejection related, even though they're not. RSD can also cause you to have a harder managing your emotions which is why it is important to have healthy coping strategies to deal with this.

Check out the following articles to learn more about the sensitivity to rejection.

Although there is no cure for RSD it is possible to treat symptoms with the assistance of a mental healthcare professional. You can employ coping strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy to change your negative thinking patterns. You can also establish a support network and practice mindfulness to lessen your chance of reacting negatively to rejection. This can help you find ways to overcome your RSD, so you can live a happier and more fulfilled life. Avoid relationships that are toxic, since they can worsen your symptoms. If you are in an abusive relationship, seek out counseling to find out how you can leave. This can help you lower the risk of experiencing feelings of rejection, such as depression and anxiety. By focusing on healthy relationships, you can improve your self-esteem. This will allow you to feel more confident about your abilities and provide you with an objective view of the world around you.

3. Sexuality

ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to maintain a healthy relationship. This often leads to sexual dysfunctions and risky sexual behavior. Women with high functioning adhd might be more at risk for sexual problems. These behaviors can result in feelings of guilt and shame which can have a negative impact on their relationships and overall well-being.

In one study, adults with ADHD were found to be more likely than people without ADHD to have adventurous sexual curiosity. Both genders were affected. This was likely due to their higher levels of impulsivity which could make them more likely to act on their sexual desires and thoughts. Specifically, the study found that females with adhd were more likely to engage in paraphilic masturbation fantasies and actions. This included submissive roles, bondage, and sex with strangers. It was also more common for them to go out to party and sex clubs.

Both women and men with adhd were more likely be infidelity than those who did not suffer from the disorder. This is due to their poor impulse control and alcohol-related disinhibition, as well as their desire for sensation. This is likely due to their greater levels of anxiety, and feeling misunderstood or misjudged by their partners. The survey asked respondents about their experiences with extra-partner affairs and sexual relations that were not contraceptive. Table 6 shows the results of this section.


The study also used the Hypersexuality Symptom Inventory-19 (HBI-19) to inquire of participants about their sexual issues. The questionnaire comprises 19 items, which are divided into three subscales. Each item is evaluated using a five-point scale, ranging 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 behaviours of people with and without ADHD.

These findings are important because the psychosexual outcomes of adults with ADHD have not been studied extensively. They have been associated with sexual dysfunctions, such as STI's and unplanned pregnancies, relationship dissatisfaction, adolescent and adult onset infidelity and risky sexual behaviours.

4. Relationships

Many people with high functioning ADHD have issues with their relationships with loved ones. Lack of clarity in communication and miscommunication caused by symptoms such as forgetfulness and inattention can lead to frustration, anger, and conflict within relationships. A supportive group of family and friends members who understand can be beneficial for maintaining healthy relationships.

It is also important to remember that people suffering from ADHD often have difficulty listening. They are easily distracted by their own thoughts or impulsive behavior, which can result in them missing out on the central purpose of a conversation. People with ADHD are more likely to struggle with multitasking as well and can cause them to tune out of conversations or engage in other things while someone else talks.

These battles can create a cycle where the non-ADHD partner becomes overwrought with stress and resentment, and the ADHD partner feels misunderstood, and defensive. The issue could escalate 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 might experience feelings of guilt and low self-esteem as a result of their unpredictable and unorganized behavior, or feel like they're not able to handle their bills and chores. They may also feel mood swings, sensitivity to rejection and a lack of sexual desire.

Because of this, it is vital for those suffering from ADHD to establish an effective treatment plan and seek assistance. It is essential that those who are closest to them, particularly spouses, understand ADHD and how it affects the person they love. Together, they can set clear expectations and establish boundaries. They can then develop a plan to meet their goals. For example the partner who is not ADHD could be more involved in the financial responsibilities, while the person with ADHD may be more focused on organizing and completing housework.

In addition, both parties should work to communicate more clearly and effectively, and establish a routine that includes regular sleeping patterns, meal times, and time for rest and relaxation. It is important to discover ways to make things easier for both partners, such splitting household chores or outsourcing some of those that are difficult for a person with ADHD.