We often hear how unrecognized or untreated ADHD affects adults who have it. But what about the partners who live with them—especially when symptoms go unmanaged for years?

In this episode, I (Gina Pera) share a critical post from the ADHD Roller Coaster blog, spotlighting the hidden emotional, physical, and psychological toll that poorly managed ADHD can take on partners. I revisit my groundbreaking ADHD Partner Survey from 2004–2006 and connect those findings to a new 2025 study that finally validates what thousands of partners have long reported: chronic stress, depression, anxiety, and a declining quality of life.

We’ll explore:

• How ADHD-driven behaviors erode partner well-being over time
• Why early coping strategies often backfire
• What the latest research says—and why it matters now more than ever
• How to move from silent suffering to strategic action

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s “you” or “the relationship,” this episode is for you. Because when ADHD is in the mix, understanding what’s really going on is the first step toward healing—for both of you.

🔗 Read the blog post version:

🔗 Visit ADHDRollerCoaster.org
for related resources, blog posts, and details on my training and discussion groups.

Send Gina a text!

READY TO GO DEEPER — AND ACTUALLY MAKE PROGRESS?

💬 I love helping you better understand the complexity of ADHD as it applies to you, not a stereotype!

My online training program walks you through everything step-by-step:

Solving Your Adult ADHD Puzzle
For adults with ADHD and their partners. Includes expert video lessons and optional peer Q&A Zooms.

Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/

Podcast listener discount: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off any course.

Thanks for listening!
—Gina Pera

🔗 About My Work: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/about-gina-pera/

Too often, ADHD is treated as “just” a mental issue. But what about the body? In this episode, I unpack what I call Physical Strategies—a foundational corner piece in solving the ADHD puzzle. We’re talking about the real-world effects of poor sleep, poorly managed medication, erratic eating, and neglected exercise. Each one can amplify ADHD-related struggles—and make other solutions harder to access.

I also explain why getting these basics in place can be a complete game-changer—not just for the individual with ADHD but for the whole household.

💡 Highlights include:
• Why optimizing sleep is harder—but more critical—with ADHD
• The overlooked science of stimulant medications (and why results vary so much)
• How ADHD disrupts appetite regulation, nutrition, and even hydration
• Why movement—not necessarily exercise—is an essential piece of the puzzle

This is part of my ongoing series based on my self-paced online training, Solving Your Adult ADHD Puzzle. Specifically: the second of four “corner pieces” that support everything else.

🎧 Listen now and share with anyone trying to find steadier footing in daily life with ADHD.

🧩 Learn more about the full course:
https://GinaPera.ADHDsuccessTraining.com

🔗 Full blog post version:
https://adhdrollercoaster.org/adhd-medication/adhd-physical-strategies-podcast/

Send Gina a text!

READY TO GO DEEPER — AND ACTUALLY MAKE PROGRESS?

💬 I love helping you better understand the complexity of ADHD as it applies to you, not a stereotype!

My online training program walks you through everything step-by-step:

Solving Your Adult ADHD Puzzle
For adults with ADHD and their partners. Includes expert video lessons and optional peer Q&A Zooms.

Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/

Podcast listener discount: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off any course.

Thanks for listening!
—Gina Pera

🔗 About My Work: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/about-gina-pera/

Retirement: freedom at last—or a free fall into dysfunction?

In this episode of the ADHD Roller Coaster, Adult ADHD author and expert Gina Pera explore what she calls ADHD Retirement Syndrome. I

The sudden loss of external structure, purpose, and identity can turn what’s supposed to be the “Golden Years” into something far more chaotic, especially when ADHD goes undiagnosed or poorly managed.

You’ll hear real-life examples of how ADHD can quietly derail retirement plans—and what you can do to prevent or turn around the slide. Whether you're retired, approaching retirement, or supporting a loved one through the transition, this episode offers key insights and strategies.

Here is the original podcast: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/tools-and-strategies/healing-adhd-retirement-syndrome/

Mentioned in this episode:

📘 Blog post: Is It Alzheimer's Disease—or ADHD?
https://adhdrollercoaster.org/adhd-and-aging/is-it-alzheimers-disease-or-adhd/

🎙️ Podcast episode on ADHD & aging: The End Game with Don Akchin
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-17-diagnosed-with-adhd-at-37-and-now-she-writes-the-book-on-it--56984993

🎓 Online training: Solving Your Adult ADHD Puzzle: Practical Supports
https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/course-3-practical-supports

Send Gina a text!

READY TO GO DEEPER — AND ACTUALLY MAKE PROGRESS?

💬 I love helping you better understand the complexity of ADHD as it applies to you, not a stereotype!

My online training program walks you through everything step-by-step:

Solving Your Adult ADHD Puzzle
For adults with ADHD and their partners. Includes expert video lessons and optional peer Q&A Zooms.

Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/

Podcast listener discount: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off any course.

Thanks for listening!
—Gina Pera

🔗 About My Work: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/about-gina-pera/