Many women struggle at midlife with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They typically report feeling overwhelmed, inadequate, misunderstood, and distressed at a time in their lives when they often have the greatest demands on their time and energy. Women not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood are more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep disorders, eating disorders, substance use, and low self-esteem.

In this episode, Dr. Carol Robbins provides an understanding of the challenges women face in midlife with ADHD, coping strategies, and the importance of reaching out when help is needed. 

Carol Ann Robbins, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD across the lifespan. She is the clinical director of the Annapolis ADHD Center and works with Kathleen Nadeau, PhD, an internationally known expert on ADHD, at the Chesapeake ADHD Center of Maryland. Dr. Robbins is a seasoned speaker, presenter, and author, as well as past president of the Maryland Psychological Association and coordinator of the MPA Post-Doctoral Institute on ADHD Across the Lifespan. She has served as coordinator of the Anne Arundel County chapter of CHADD since 2002.

Women in Midlife and ADHD

In this episode of ADHD 365, neuropsychologist Brandy Callahan discusses the relationship between ADHD and brain health, especially as individuals age. An expert in cognitive aging and brain health, Dr. Callahan, explains how over time, ADHD can have an impact on memory, executive function, and overall cognitive abilities. She highlights the importance of managing stress, sleep, and vascular health, as well as the potential benefits of lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and social engagement. 

Dr. Callahan also touches on the double challenge faced by adults with ADHD, especially women, who may experience both aging and ADHD-related cognitive difficulties. She shares valuable insights into the emerging research on ADHD and brain health, practical strategies for supporting brain health, and the role of mindfulness, sleep hygiene, and social interaction in maintaining cognitive function.  

Resources for Maintaining Brain Health with ADHD 

- National Institute on Aging 
Offers comprehensive resources on aging and brain health. 

- Alzheimer’s Association 
Provides excellent information on brain health and aging, particularly related to Alzheimer's disease. 

- Mayo Clinic 
Specialized clinics with valuable resources on brain health. 

- Family Doctors, Psychiatrists, and Psychologists 
Personalized advice and recommendations for brain health, particularly valuable as they can consider individual health and family history. 

- LIBRA Lab (Dr. Brandy Callahan’s research group) 
For more information on research into ADHD and brain health, visit: www.libralab.ca.

Boosting Brain Health in Adults with ADHD: Insights and Strategies

What needs to be done about ADHD among African-American children?  Untreated or undiagnosed ADHD among African-American youth creates a higher risk for school drop-out, drug abuse, and becoming engaged in delinquent activities which may lead to incarceration. Listen to Ask the NRC podcast with our guest ADHD Advocate Evelyn Polk-Green on combating ADHD in the African-American community.

Combating ADHD in the African-American Community

For teens with ADHD, finishing high school and preparing for college can be exciting and daunting at the same time. How do parents and students seek a college in getting the appropriate accommodations to ensure success? Listen to CHADD's ADHD 365 podcast on Students with ADHD Transitioning from High School to College, featuring Certified Educational Planner Judith Bass, for tips and strategies that may help your child succeed in college.

Students with ADHD Transitioning from High School to College

The decision to medicate a child with ADHD is a difficult choice for many parents. The news and social media have accounts of people benefiting from medication, while there also are stories of grave dangers associated with these drugs. What are the benefits and risks of taking ADHD medication? How do you know what’s right for your child?

Understanding the ABCs of ADHD Medications with Max Wiznitzer, MD

Mark Bertin, MD, gives us insight about the role of executive functioning in child development and the importance of self-care for parents. He shares many tips for parents and pediatricians who care for children with ADHD.

Executive Functions and ADHD in Childhood

CHADD is the nation's leading nonprofit organization serving people affected by ADHD. As home to the CDC-funded National Resource Center on ADHD, CHADD is the most trusted source for reliable, science-based information regarding current medical research and ADHD management. CHADD offers comprehensive programs and services at both the national and local levels.

 ADHD 365 podcast brings listeners into conversations about living with ADHD from every imaginable angle. The ADHD 365 podcast provides expert advice, tips, and strategies for families, adults, educators, and professionals. Each show is sponsored by companies, organizations, or individuals that support and provide a service to the ADHD community. 


 All Things ADHD podcast offers listeners access to educational content from leading experts who promote healthy living with ADHD. The All Things ADHD podcast is a learning resource program produced by CHADD's National Resource Center, funded by the CDC, to disseminate expert advice, guidance, and information to improve the lives of families and adults affected by ADHD. 




CHADD does not endorse products, services, publications, medications, or treatments, including those that sponsor or advertise in any CHADD publications, webinars, or podcasts.

This podcast is supported by Cooperative Agreement Number NU38DD000002-01-00 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC.

Boosting Brain Health in Adults with ADHD: Insights and Strategies

Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD)

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