Ask The Expert

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

The symptoms of ADHD affected more than school performance. They reach into every aspect of life and can impair major life activities at work, school, socially and financially. Dr. Russell A. Barkley, researcher and author of "Taking Charge of Adult ADHD," will discuss how ADHD impairs major life activities and answer questions about ADHD during this special Ask the Expert Webinar presentation. Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D., is Research Professor of Psychiatry at the State University of New York Upstate Medical School in Syracuse, NY and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina. He is a Diplomate in three specialties, Clinical Psychology (ABPP), Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, and Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN, ABPP). Dr. Barkley is a clinical scientist, educator, and practitioner who has authored, co-authored, or co-edited 20 books and clinical manuals and published more than 200 scientific articles and book chapters related to the nature, assessment, and treatment of ADHD and related disorders. He is the Editor of the bimonthly clinical newsletter, The ADHD Report. He has presented more than 600 invited addresses internationally and appeared on the nationally televised 60 Minutes, the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Sunday Morning, CNN, and many other programs on behalf of those with ADHD. In 1996, he was awarded the C. Anderson Aldrich Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics for his research career in child development. He has received several awards from the American Psychological Association for his contributions to research in ADHD, to clinical practice, and for the dissemination of science. In 1998, he received the Award for Distinguished Contribution to Research from the Section on Clinical Child Psychology, (now Division 53) of the American Psychological Association. In 2002, he received the Dissemination Award from the Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology, Division 12, of the American Psychological Association for his career long efforts to dispel misconceptions about ADHD and to educate the public and other professionals about the science of this disorder. And in 2004, he received an award for distinguished service to the profession of psychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology. In 2012, Dr. Barkley was given the Distinguished Career Award from the Division of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology of the American Psychological Association.

How ADHD impairs major life activities and what you can do about it

A Pattern of Struggles: ADHD and the Older Adult - Martin Wetzel, MD

Children Meds and Heart Safety: A Tale of ADHD and Public Health - Sue Visser, MS

Helping parents and kids understand the social & emotional aspects of ADHD.

What to Know, Say, & Do: Helping Parents & Kids Understand ADHD - Jerome Schultz, PhD

ADHD-friendly Summer Family FUNdamentals.

Family Activities:  ADHD Toolkit for Summertime Success - Tiffany D. Sanders, PhD

Behavioral and Emotional Concerns of Children with ADHD: Strategies to Help - Richman & Phillips

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.

How ADHD impairs major life activities and what you can do about it

Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD)

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