ADHD in women

Women with ADHD experience the same emotions of overwhelm and exhaustion as males with ADHD. Psychological distress, inadequacy feelings, low self-esteem, and chronic stress are all very frequent. Women with ADHD frequently feel out of control or in disarray, and daily chores may seem impossible to complete.

Does ADHD have an impact on sleep?

ADHD can disrupt sleep in a variety of ways, including making it more difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed. Those with ADHD, particularly those with the hyperactive subtype, may be more prone to feel physically restless at bedtime and have a harder time unwinding at the end of the day; evidence suggests they may also be at a higher risk of concomitant sleep disorders such sleep apnea. Sleep issues associated with ADHD impact both children and adults, and are often treated with sleep hygiene techniques, treatment, or (in severe situations) medication.

Is my insomnia exacerbating my ADHD symptoms?

Even in people who do not have ADHD, exhaustion can increase distractibility, make it more difficult to control impulses, and impair cognitive. Poor sleep can increase already existent symptoms of inattention or impulsivity in children and adults with ADHD. The link between ADHD and sleep issues is a contentious one: ADHD appears to increase the likelihood of chronic insomnia, and sleeplessness, in turn, can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Indeed, some specialists believe that what appear to be ADHD symptoms are actually the result of severe circadian rhythm disorder and fragmented sleep in some situations. While treating insomnia and other sleep issues won't always make ADHD symptoms go away completely, having more restorative sleep is likely to be a crucial part of the ADHD therapy jigsaw.

Is it true that meditation can help with ADHD?

Mindfulness meditation may help people with ADHD better concentrate their attention and regulate powerful emotions, according to some data. In a short study published in 2017, researchers discovered that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with mindfulness meditation reduced ADHD symptoms in adults while also increasing self-compassion and improving executive function. Mindfulness appears to help youngsters with ADHD better regulate their emotions, according to a 2019 study. In virtually all circumstances, mindful meditation should be used to supplement rather than replace a thorough therapy program.

Is exercise beneficial in the treatment of ADHD?

Regular exercise is important for everyone's health, but it may be especially beneficial for people who have ADHD. Exercise stimulates the production of crucial proteins and neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, which are important for cognitive function and are considered to be targeted by ADHD drugs. Exercise is beneficial for persons with hyperactive ADHD in terms of "releasing" surplus energy and taming fidgetiness in situations where it would be considered improper. Finally, exercise has been shown to increase mood, reduce stress, and alleviate anxiety, all of which can considerably improve an individual's well-being if they have ADHD.

Is it possible to treat ADHD with a balanced diet?

There is some evidence that individual nutrients or overall diet plans can help with ADHD symptoms, but the evidence that food can be used as a single treatment is lacking. In some small samples of children with ADHD, strict elimination diets—in which gluten, dairy, sugar, and most other items were completely eliminated—appeared to considerably reduce symptoms.

Furthermore, some research has linked a Western diet strong in processed foods, sweets, and bad fats to an increased chance of developing ADHD. Several studies have connected omega-3 fatty acids, which are predominantly present in seafood, to a reduction in ADHD symptoms. Eating a diet high in whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables, and low in processed foods is likely to be beneficial to one's health; it may also help to alleviate ADHD symptoms in certain situations.

Is it possible that certain foods aggravate ADHD?

Many parents believe that specific foods, such as eggs, dairy, sugar, or gluten, cause their children to become more hyperactive, distracted, or irritable; adults may also have similar experiences. However, research on so-called "trigger foods" is limited; while numerous studies have found that eliminating such foods from the diet of persons with ADHD improves their symptoms, they have limitations and are based on small samples.

To assess any changes in symptoms, some specialists recommend eliminating certain foods. However, they warn that such diets necessitate attentiveness and might be difficult to maintain, especially for parents who may not be able to monitor every bite their child takes. To reduce danger and ensure that nutritional needs are satisfied, parents and adults should consult their healthcare professional before starting a limited diet.

Is it true that food dyes are harmful to people with ADHD?

Artificial food colours and preservatives may increase ADHD symptoms, but the jury is still out on this. Food colours did appear to raise ADHD symptoms slightly, according to a 2012 authoritative review; some subjects saw a substantial rise in symptoms after drinking food dyes, showing that certain people may be particularly sensitive to their effects. However, the researchers point out that the impacts were tiny in general and could have been skewed by publication bias. On the other side, several parents and adults claim that eliminating artificial food colours from their diet has had a significant good effect on ADHD symptoms, and there is no health risk in doing so—though, like any strict elimination diet, it takes determination and can be difficult to stick to.

Do ADHD supplements work?

Supplements, like other dietary therapies for ADHD, have conflicting data. Some nutritional supplements, such as omega-3s, magnesium, or zinc, have been demonstrated to have beneficial benefits on ADHD in some research studies; however, those findings have been questioned in some cases due to poor study design, a lack of blinding, or small sample sizes. Other supplements, such as St. John's Wort, have been shown in studies to be completely ineffectual against ADHD—and, if taken improperly, may interact dangerously with prescribed drugs. It's usually a good idea to tell your doctor about any supplements you use on a regular basis so they can keep an eye on any potential hazards or adverse effects.

What are the best supplements for ADHD?

Omega-3 fatty acids, popularly known as fish oil, are the most well-known and, probably, the most effective supplement for treating ADHD. Several studies have found that children with ADHD symptoms had decreased omega-3 levels in their blood, and that supplementation appears to ameliorate symptoms with few negative effects. Other supplements, such as zinc, iron, or ginkgo biloba, have also been proved to be effective, especially for children and people who are low in a certain nutrient. However, certain minerals, such as iron, can be hazardous when taken as a supplement; as a result, it's always a good idea to consult with a doctor before beginning a supplement program and to track progress as needed.