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

Certain traits of ADHD, such as executive functioning deficits, inattention, and emotional regulation deficits, increase the odds of a person experiencing traumatic events during their lifetime. 

 

In this episode, Tonya L. Miles, PsyD, speaks about different types of trauma, how they interact with ADHD, routine treatment plans, and how to identify possible ADHD in patients with comorbid symptoms or trauma.

The Relationship Between ADHD and Trauma

Why do people with ADHD struggle with money management? And how can their romantic partners or family members support their efforts to achieve their financial goals? 
 
In this episode, David DeWitt, a financial planner who has ADHD, talks about the common obstacles people with ADHD face when trying to manage their money. He also shares resources and strategies that can empower them to take control of their finances—including how to budget effectively.

Managing Finances with ADHD

What is cognitive disengagement syndrome, formerly known as sluggish cognitive tempo? How does being “internally distracted” affect a person’s daily life and activities? How is CDS identified in children and adolescents, and can it be treated? 
 
In this episode, Stephen Becker, PhD, and Joseph Fredrick, PhD, describe CDS and contrast its key differences from the difficulties typically seen in ADHD. As researchers and clinical psychologists, they stress the importance of comprehensive evaluations and evidence-based interventions. They discuss the links between CDS and other mental health conditions and share information about treatment options. 
 
Find out more at: The Center for ADHD - https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/c/adhd

Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome

While most of the available information about ADHD deals with how it affects children and teenagers, we know it is a lifelong condition. How does ADHD affect people who are age fifty and older? Why are diagnoses increasing in this age group? What special challenges do they face, and how can they improve their daily lives? 
 
Our guest for this episode is psychologist Kathleen Nadeau, founder of the Chesapeake Center and author or coauthor of more than a dozen books on ADHD. She discusses what ADHD looks like in older adults, the ways ADHD is more challenging for women, what to expect if you pursue a midlife diagnosis, and more. She also shares a few simple steps you can take to improve your quality of life with ADHD.

ADHD in Adults at Midlife

Adults with ADHD often experience difficulties with navigating post-retirement life without the structure and the support offered by their workplace. Many find estate planning especially challenging. 
  
In this episode, Rick Webster, the founder and CEO of Rena-Fi, shares his expertise on how you can organize and manage your wealth-building journey and retirement life. He outlines ways to avoid the pitfalls of financial planning and discusses how to build a professional and peer support network, handle the estate planning process, and create an ideal post-retirement lifestyle. 
 
Learn more about how to holistically manage your finances and ADHD here: https://www.renafi.com/

Retirement and Estate Planning for Adults with ADHD

How can cultivating a meditation practice help people with ADHD to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life?  
 
Our guest for this episode is Adam Coutts, a meditation teacher who discovered that he had ADHD as an adult. He explains mindfulness and meditation practices and describes their benefits for individuals with ADHD. He also talks about how to ease into a meditation practice and develop strategies for meditating effectively even while experiencing the symptoms of ADHD.  
 
Click here to learn more about how to start a meditation practice: https://intromeditation.com/Wordpress/resources-for-beginner-meditators/

Cultivating a Meditation Practice

Like many adults with ADHD, you may struggle with symptoms that create barriers to eating a healthy diet. Do you turn to convenience foods, especially when you’re busy? Are you bothered by stress eating, chaotic food shopping, or kitchen disorganization? The good news is that you CAN take charge of meal planning! 
 
Our guest in this episode is Kim Arrey, a registered dietitian nutritionist. She offers practical strategies tailored for people with ADHD, while giving guidelines for healthy eating and meal preparation. She also explains how developing good habits will improve your life.

Healthy Eating and Meal Planning w/ ADHD

En este episodio de Todas las cosas TDAH podcast titulado “Qué le pasa a los padres cuando escuchan que sus hijos tienen TDAH?”. Los presentadores Tamara Schlez y Miguelina Suero de la organización El Futuro hablan sobre cómo se sienten los padres cuando descubren que su hijo tiene TDAH. Comparten historias personales y hablan sobre el torbellino de emociones que los padres experimentan cuando reciben esta noticia. Hablan sobre problemas culturales y estigma en la comunidad latina en relación al TDAH y cómo los padres pueden encontrar un equilibrio entre los valores tradicionales y las necesidades de sus hijos. Discuten los desafíos que enfrentan los padres al encontrar apoyo y recursos para la educación y el comportamiento de sus hijos. Tami y Miguelina brindan estrategias y recursos para ayudar a los padres a sobrellevar esta situación y abogar por sus hijos, con el objetivo de crear una comunidad donde los padres puedan hablar y aceptar el TDAH.

Qué le pasa a los padres cuando escuchan que sus hijos tienen TDAH?

It is becoming increasingly common for college students to misuse prescription stimulants meant to treat ADHD. What factors drive this misuse, and how can it be addressed?
In this episode, Dr. Kevin Antshel, a licensed psychologist and professor of psychology at Syracuse University, discusses the primary motivations behind stimulant misuse. He identifies high-risk groups and discusses the awareness of counterfeit drugs among students. Dr. Antshel also discusses ways to reduce ADHD medication misuse, including strategies for preventing drug diversion and educating parents.

Understanding Stimulant Misuse Among College Students (All Things ADHD)

The transition from high school to college is a significant challenge for any student, but for those with ADHD and other learning disabilities, the shift can be even more daunting. In this episode of ADHD 365, we spoke with Elizabeth Hamblet, a learning disabilities consultant with over two decades of experience, about how students who learn differently can successfully navigate the college environment. 

Hamblet shares insights on how college differs from high school for students with learning disabilities, the types of accommodations available, and the importance of developing independence before starting college. She emphasizes the need for proper documentation and offers strategies for selecting the right college. She also discusses how parents and educators can support students through this critical transition. With practical advice and a focus on empowerment, this episode provides valuable resources for students and families who are preparing for the college journey.

College Bound: Preparing Students with ADHD for the Next Big Step

ADHD can contribute to unique challenges that only girls with the disorder confront. Learn what you can do, anchored in the latest research, to guide girls through the challenges of ADHD. 

Working Solutions 

Understanding Girls with ADHD

ADHD is one of the most well researched medical conditions. Despite all the research, myths and misunderstandings still exist. Dr. Edward “Ned” Hallowell breaks down the most important aspects of the disorder. He clarifies the distinction between ADHD and ADD, answers the questions, Is ADHD on the rise? and reviews what's new or promising in ADHD research.

Working Solutions

What Everyone Should Know About ADHD

Medication is a proven treatment for ADHD. It can improve attention span and decrease distractibility and over activity. These symptoms can improve in over 80-90% of children and adolescents, and at least 70% of adults with ADHD. While medication is effective for many people, how do you know if it is right for you or your child? This webinar will discuss ADHD medication choices including the difference between stimulants and non-stimulants. Also, you will learn how medications work, the benefits, and potential side effects.

Medication Options for ADHD

Ep. 3: Do your spouse have ADHD? Do you need tips to help your relationship? We got you.

Survival Tips for the Non-ADHD Spouse

The message is clear. Treatment for ADHD, along with the related health risks it poses, has the possibility of adding an average of nine to 13 years to the lifespan of children and adults diagnosed with ADHD. This is the implication of a cutting-edge research study conducted by Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D., who evaluated the connection between ADHD and 14 critical health factors including nutrition, exercise, and tobacco and alcohol use.

Dr. Russell Barkley: Untreated ADHD Reduces Life Expectancy

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

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

While schools are scrambling to finalize online curriculum plans, Maggie Sibley, PhD, a member of CHADD’s professional advisory board, offers a few ways parents can help set up their children for success and transform their home into a school environment. 

For more information and resources on ADHD, visit CHADD.org.

Guidance for Uncertain Times: Tips for Creating an ADHD-Friendly Home Environment

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.

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