Saturday, February 8, 2014

Stamping Out Gender Differences: Women Hit Harder with Adult ADHD

by A. Grano 
Although male children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) display more signs of impulsive behavior versus their female peers, in adulthood, the roles appear to reverse. Adult women with ADHD were found to have high levels of emotional symptoms in combination with cognitive problems associated with ADHD including depression, limited anger management, excessive tension, and over-reacting to normal stressors.
As a result, ADHD may be missed when these women report troublesome symptoms to their doctor or healthcare provider, as these other issues may overshadow the underlying cause of symptoms. The results also showed that women had more combined-type ADHD than men, which could explain the increased prevalence of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
These findings were featured in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry after clinical trials conducted by Dr. Frederick W. Reimherr of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and his colleagues.
As we have seen, leaving ADHD untreated can lead to many personal and professional difficulties, including:
  • Chronic tardiness and forgetfulness
  • Anxiety
  • Low self-esteem
  • Employment problems
  • Difficulty controlling anger
  • Impulsiveness
  • Substance abuse or addiction
  • Poor organizational skills
  • Procrastination
  • Low frustration tolerance
  • Chronic boredom
  • Difficulty concentrating when reading
  • Mood swings
  • Depression
  • Relationship problems
There are also many herbal and homeopathic remedies which can help maintain harmony, health, and systemic balance in the brain and nervous system, without side effects or sedation. These products are known for their supportive function in maintaining brain, nervous system and circulatory health, and well-being.
Hormones play a vital role in every woman’s health and well-being. When hormone levels fluctuate, this can affect your mood, sexual desire, fertility and ovulation.  Even when healthy, women experience monthly hormonal fluctuations that can add to the effects of ADD/ADHD.
To help balance and support hormonal changes that can compound stressors and emotions in women, natural, herbal remedies can provide a safe, effective solution. Vitex agnus-castus (Chasteberry) is an effective treatment to promote hormonal balance and health. Cimicifuga racemosa (Black Cohosh) contains phyto-estrogenic properties, which are also effective in correcting menstrual irregularities.  In addition, Eleutherococcus senticosis (Siberian Ginseng) is a highly respected Chinese herb that helps to restore vital energy and promote overall systemic functioning while also regulating the menstrual cycle and improving hormonal balance.
Making simple changes in diet, sleep, exercise, and routine can help. Even trying more involved approaches like incorporating relaxation therapies such as guided imagery, meditation techniques, or yoga can be beneficial.
In addition, the following tips may be helpful in learning to accept and manage ADHD… which can make all the difference in leading a satisfying, productive life.
Tips for Adults:
  • Set aside a few minutes each night to schedule the following day’s events
  • Organize needed everyday items so you know where things are
  • Use diaries and notebook organizers
  • Don’t be too hard on yourself or set unrealistic goals
Brain Tonic™ is a homeopathic remedy that relieves forgetfulness and mental fatigue, and increases alertness.
www.gooddeedsmall.com 

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