Many people in this life have gone their whole lives feeling a bit… different. They feel unable to focus, unable to properly regulate themselves in their personal lives, hyper fixate on different topics, have difficulties in their relationships, etc. For some people, this is their normal, and you may be wondering, why? How? Well, these may be symptoms of ADHD/ADD. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of this condition, and how it could be affecting you.

Before we go into the details, it should be known that these types of conditions are very much underdiagnosed in girls and women. Many of these neurodevelopmental conditions are either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed by doctors. If you have concerns about any symptoms that seem similar to those causing concerns, we always recommend doing your own research and speaking with a health professional for more details.

What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or it can be a combination of both. People with ADHD may struggle to impulse control, following directions, completing tasks, among other symptoms. ADHD is considered one of the most common mental conditions in children, with an estimated 6 million children ages 3 to 17 years having ever been diagnosed. While ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, there are still many people who go undiagnosed until adulthood.

How does ADHD affect Women?
ADHD can affect women in the following ways: Psychological distress, feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and chronic stress. Often, women with ADHD feel that daily tasks may seem incredibly overwhelming, especially compared to the average person. Culturally, women are expected to take the role of someone who “has it all together”. So, for someone with ADHD, it makes it much harder to organize or plan, thus causing many societal pressures increase the feelings of stress. Undiagnosed or underdiagnosed ADHD in adults can look like missing
deadlines, having greater difficulty focusing, and problems organizing different parts of daily life. It can also look like having trouble regulating your emotions, causing life to feel even more chaotic.

It can end up affecting your relationships, day to day life, work, and school. Friendships can be hard to navigate because of the social rules that are overly complicated and don’t always make sense. Maybe you become easily snippy at another person because you aren’t able to regulate your feelings. Or you may be perceived as chattier about the topics you like, and more disinterested in topics you aren’t interested in, causing your mind to drift off. Sometimes, you can find yourself talking excessively (this can look like over-explaining yourself or “info-
dumping,” an informal term for talking at length about something you enjoy). You can also experience conversational self-restraint issues (you frequently interrupt people or finish their sentences).

Other conditions and ADHD:
While many people can only have ADHD, it is also possible to have other conditions in addition. The most common conditions being anxiety and depression. It is also possible to have other mood disorders. Substance use disorders, such as addiction to alcohol or drugs, anxiety
disorders (such as social anxiety disorder (SAD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), sleep disorders, eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia), or even mood disorders (like depression or bipolar disorder).

How many people experience ADHD?
According to most studies, there is a 2 to 1 ratio of boys being diagnosed over girls in childhood. In adulthood, it becomes more likely for women to get a formal diagnosis. While research indicates that the condition is more common in boys and men, there is also evidence that it
often goes undiagnosed in women.

ADHD in women may be underdiagnosed for a few reasons:
Stereotypes of sex, gender, and behavior: ADHD-linked behaviors, particularly hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, are often considered more socially acceptable for boys and men. As a result, women may suppress or hide ADHD behaviors to fit in better.

Bias: Because ADHD is more common in men and boys, healthcare providers and educators may not look for the symptoms in women. That can make it harder for women to receive a correct diagnosis and treatment.

What can cause ADHD?
Researchers are continuing to examine why and how brain development is related to ADHD. However, they believe ADHD has a strong genetic link. If at least one of your parents has ADHD, your chances of having ADHD are higher, and then your children are also more likely to develop it. People who have ADHD are considered neurodivergent. That means that their brains develop and work differently than those who are neurotypical (which means that their brains develop, and work as expected). There has been additional evidence to show that brain
structure and brain chemistry, and hormones may cause some of the characteristics associated with ADHD.

What can be done to help?

There are many treatment plans that can be done to help with ADHD and its accompanying symptoms.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is a really good method to help those with ADHD symptoms to be able to regulate themselves and work on strategies to cope with these symptoms. Talking to another person can help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms that can occur as well.

Some people take medications to help them manage their symptoms. One of the most common medications used for ADHD is stimulants, some examples being methylphenidate and amphetamine. The purpose of stimulants is to boost and balance the brain chemical levels (aka
neurotransmitters). Other medications used to treat ADHD include nonstimulant atomoxetine and some antidepressants such as bupropion. Atomoxetine and antidepressants work slower than stimulants, but these may be advantageous if you can’t take stimulants due to health problems or if stimulants cause severe side effects. Though, we always like to inform people that just because this works for some people, it does not mean this method will work for everyone.

There are alternative medicines that can help in the CBD industry. Research is still being done on how cannabinoids help in terms of ADHD. As of now, it has been discovered that the compound called Cannabichromene (aka CBC) has shown decent results. CBC is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is among the most abundant in the cannabis plant, following CBD and THC and several others. While CBC shares structural similarities with CBD, their properties differ significantly. It helps with reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in the
brain, allowing the adhd symptoms to be more at ease.

Regardless of how you would like to go about treatment, we always recommend doing your own additional research and speaking to a health care professional to make sure you are getting the care you need.

Many people in this life have gone their whole lives feeling a bit… different. They feel unable to focus, unable to properly regulate themselves in their personal lives, hyper fixate on different topics, have difficulties in their relationships, etc. For some people, this is their normal, and you may be wondering, why? How? Well, these may be symptoms of ADHD/ADD. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of this condition, and how it could be affecting you.

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or it can be a combination of both. People with ADHD may struggle to impulse control, following directions, completing tasks, among other symptoms. ADHD is considered one of the most common mental conditions in children, with an estimated 6 million children ages 3 to 17 years having ever been diagnosed. While ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, there are still many people who go undiagnosed until adulthood.

Other conditions and ADHD:

While many people can only have ADHD, it is also possible to have other conditions in addition. The most common conditions being anxiety and depression. It is also possible to have other mood disorders. Substance use disorders, such as addiction to alcohol or drugs, anxiety disorders (such as social anxiety disorder (SAD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), sleep disorders, eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia), or even mood disorders (like depression or bipolar disorder).

How many people experience ADHD?

Depending on sex, genetics, and environmental factors, ADHD can affect many people. According to most studies, there is a 2 to 1 ratio of boys being diagnosed over girls in childhood. While research indicates that the condition is more common in boys and men, there is also evidence that it often goes undiagnosed in women

ADHD in men has more of the symptoms that are looked for when diagnosing ADHD Lack of attention/easily distracted: This is one of the most common symptoms, where you become disinterested in whatever you’re listening to and end up staring into space or moving on to the next thing before your current task or conversation is done.

Difficulty staying on task: Sometimes you have multiple projects you’re working on at once, all of those being somewhat complete. Then that causes an overwhelming pressure to get all of them done at once or it will never get done.

Having trouble listening: It can be difficult to listen to topics that aren’t catching your attention, more than the average person. You end up involuntarily zoning out of whatever or whoever you are listening to.

Lack of follow through: Whether it be forgetfulness or due to procrastination, sometimes a task or plans can slip through the crack regardless of if it’s intentional or not.

Disorganization: You forgot where you set your phone, or maybe your keys. Or was it your pen? It can be hard to keep track of items, or it can be difficult to keep everything in one spot and clean.

Procrastination: You may be asking yourself, “Do I have the mental energy for this task?” ADHD can cause a normal day to day task as simple as brushing your teeth or cleaning your room to feel like pulling teeth.

Forgetfulness: Did you forget what you were doing today? What did I need to do next at work? ADHD can cause you to be more forgetful than most people, not due to not wanting to do the task.

What can cause ADHD?

Researchers are continuing to examine why and how brain development is related to ADHD. However, they believe ADHD has a strong genetic link. If at least one of your parents has ADHD, your chances of having ADHD are higher, and then your children are also more likely to develop it. People who have ADHD are considered neurodivergent. That means that their brains develop and work differently than those who are neurotypical (which means that their brains develop, and work as expected). There has been additional evidence to show that brain structure and brain chemistry, and hormones may cause some of the characteristics associated with ADHD.

What can be done to help?

There are many treatment plans that can be done to help with ADHD and its accompanying symptoms.

Some of the methods to helping with symptoms could be something as small as using post it notes to remember things or setting alarms to not lose track of time.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is a really good method to help those with ADHD symptoms to be able to regulate themselves and work on strategies to cope with these symptoms. Talking to another person can help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms that can occur as well.

Some people take medications to help them manage their symptoms. One of the most common medications used for ADHD is stimulants, some examples being methylphenidate and amphetamine. Other medications can be prescribed, depending on the severity of the condition. The purpose of stimulants is to boost and balance the brain chemical levels (aka neurotransmitters). Other medications used to treat ADHD include nonstimulant atomoxetine and some antidepressants such as bupropion. Atomoxetine and antidepressants work slower than stimulants, but these may be advantageous if you can’t take stimulants due to health problems or if stimulants cause severe side effects.
Though, we always like to inform people that just because this works for some people, it does not mean this method will work for everyone.

There are alternative medicines that can help in the CBD industry. Research is still being done on how cannabinoids help in terms of ADHD. As of now, it has been discovered that the compound called Cannabichromene (aka CBC) has shown decent results in helping to reduce ADHD symptoms. Cannabichromene, often abbreviated as CBC, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is among the most abundant in the cannabis plant, following CBD and THC and several others. While CBC shares structural similarities with CBD, their properties differ significantly. It helps with reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in the brain, allowing the adhd symptoms to be more at ease.

Regardless of how you would like to go about treatment, we always recommend doing your own additional research and speaking to a health care professional to make sure you are getting the care you need. There are many treatment plans that can be done to help with ADHD and its accompanying symptoms.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of cannabinoid, a chemical found naturally in cannabis (marijuana and hemp) plants. Early research is promising regarding the ability of CBD oil to help relieve anxiety. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another type of cannabinoid, CBD doesn’t cause any feelings of intoxication or the “high” you may associate with cannabis. CBD is also known for its ability to relieve stress and anxiety in the brain.

How does that exactly work?

Well, let’s start by talking about the human body and its many different receptors. CBD is thought to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, respectively. These receptors are part of our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), this system in the brain is responsible for so many of our day-to-day functions. A few of these functions include mood, sleep, appetite, memory, etc. There is still a lot that is being discovered about this system in our bodies.

What has been discovered is amazing. We all have this ECS in our systems, even if you haven’t had any form of cannabis in your system. When we are born, this system in our brains is in a form of homeostasis, though over time it can become unbalanced. That’s where CBD can come in to help. The endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor, the effects that result depend on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid it binds to. The CB1 receptors are located in the brain and throughout the body, while CB2 receptors are found mostly in the immune and gastrointestinal system; although CB2 receptors are also found in the brain, they are not expressed quite as densely as CB1

receptors. We have another blog that goes deeper into this topic.

What type of CBD can help with my anxiety?

At AHS, we have many different products that help with differing levels of anxiety. For example, we have our personal brand of gummies that have shown amazing results with clients. One of the most popular choices is our AHS Clarity gummies. What makes this product so special is the unique CBG/CBC compound. These ingredients together help with higher anxiety, mood, focus, mental clarity, and even pain. This product has 20mg CBC, 30mg CBG, 25mg Ashwagandha, and 5mg Full Spectrum CBD. All of these ingredients together give your body the relaxation it needs to come down from high anxiety. This has be shown to help alleviate these symptoms within half an hour or so. This form of intake goes through your digestive system, which the CBD (also having anti-inflammatory properties) can also help with any stomach aches or pains you may be having.

Another intake option would be a tincture/CBD oil that works throughout your entire body and more with your brain’s receptors. While gummies are good for anxiety you’re having at the moment, a tincture helps with overall anxiety and bodily care. You take the oil by leaving it under the tongue for about thirty seconds to a minute, allowing the CBD to enter into your blood stream faster. The CBD oil works best when taken in the morning and before bed so it can stay in your system for a full 24 hour period. The tincture can help with overall health by putting your brain in homeostasis as mentioned before. It’s like putting part of your body in an optimal setting.

Though, if you’re having other medical conditions, always speak to your doctor before trying new treatments. For generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says that CBD has been shown to reduce stress in animals such as rats. Study subjects were observed as having lower behavioral signs of anxiety. Their physiological symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate, also improved. CBD may also benefit people with other forms of anxiety, such as social anxiety disorder (SAD) and post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may help treat anxiety-induced insomnia as well. In 2011, a study researched CBD’s effects on people with SAD. Participants were given an oral dose of 400 milligrams (mg) of CBD or a placebo. Those who received CBD experienced overall reduced anxiety levels.

If you take any medications or have any questions on how you should take CBD, we have many specialists and a nurse on staff at AHS who can help answer any questions you may have.

For now, let’s dive into what CBD exactly is and what is the best way to take it to help you. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of cannabinoid, a chemical found naturally in cannabis (marijuana and hemp) plants. Early research is promising regarding the ability of CBD oil to help relieve anxiety. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another type of cannabinoid, CBD doesn’t cause any feelings of intoxication or the “high” you may associate with cannabis. CBD is also known for its ability to relieve stress and anxiety in the brain. But how does that exactly work? Well, let’s start by talking about the human body and its many different receptors. CBD is thought to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, respectively. These receptors are part of our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), this system in the brain is responsible for so many of our day-to-day functions. A few of these functions include mood, sleep, appetite, memory, etc. There is still a lot that is being discovered about this system in our bodies,
what has been found out is amazing. We all have this ECS in our systems, even if you haven’t had any form of cannabis in your system. When we are born, this system in our brains is in a form of homeostasis, though over time it can become unbalanced. That’s where CBD can come in to help. The endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor, the effects that result depend on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid it binds to. The CB1 receptors are located in the brain and throughout the body, while CB2 receptors are found mostly in the immune and gastrointestinal system; although CB2 receptors are also found in the brain, they are not expressed quite as densely as CB1
receptors. We have another blog that goes deeper into this topic.

With this, how can CBD help with different levels of anxiety? At AHS, we have many different products that help with differing levels of anxiety. For example, our SoCal gummies (peach rings, neon rings, and sour bears) are an ingestible CBD that is good for on-the-go anxiety or stress. If you feel any precursors to an anxiety attack or know something that causes you stress is coming up, you can take a gummy and
it may help alleviate these symptoms within half an hour or so. This form of intake goes through your digestive system, which the CBD (also having anti-inflammatory properties) can also help with any stomach aches or pains you may be having. Another intake option would be a tincture/CBD oil that works throughout your entire body and more with your brain’s receptors. While gummies are good for anxiety you’re having in the moment, a tincture helps with overall anxiety and bodily care. You take the oil by leaving it under the tongue for about thirty seconds to a minute, allowing the CBD to enter into your blood stream faster. The CBD oil works best when taken in the morning and before bed so it can stay in your system longer. The tincture can help with overall health by putting your brain in homeostasis as mentioned before. It’s like putting part of your body at optimal settings, though if you’re having other medical conditions, always speak to your doctor before trying new treatments. For generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says that CBD has been shown to reduce stress in animals such as rats. Study subjects were observed as having lower behavioral signs of anxiety. Their physiological symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate, also improved. CBD may also benefit people with other forms of anxiety, such as social anxiety disorder (SAD) and post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may help treat anxiety-induced insomnia as well. In 2011, a study
researched CBD’s effects on people with SAD. Participants were given an oral dose of 400 milligrams (mg) of CBD or a placebo. Those who received CBD experienced overall reduced anxiety levels.

If you take any medications, or have any questions on how you should take CBD, we have many specialists and a nurse on staff at AHS who can help with whatever you may need.