%20(1)%20copy.png)
Mental health has rightfully taken center stage in today's conversations around well-being, especially when discussing topics relevant to women at midlife. In a recent episode of "Insights from the Couch: Mental Health at Midlife" podcast, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Brady Bradshaw, a dual board-certified psychiatrist specializing in neurodiverse patients, including those with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.
Dr. Bradshaw's personal journey with ADHD, diagnosed in her 30s, has not only shaped her understanding of the unique challenges faced by her patients but has also illuminated the importance of recognizing and addressing ADHD in women, particularly at midlife.
Unique Symptoms of ADHD in Women
While ADHD affects both men and women, it often presents differently in women, leading to frequent misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. Here are some of the unique symptoms women with ADHD may experience:
Internalized symptoms:
Women with ADHD often internalize their symptoms, which may manifest as low self-esteem, chronic feelings of inadequacy, or difficulty regulating emotions.
Inattentiveness:
While hyperactivity is a common symptom in boys, girls tend to display more inattentive behaviors, such as trouble focusing, being easily distracted, or having difficulty following instructions.
Relationship challenges:
Women with ADHD may struggle to maintain friendships, as they might appear forgetful, disorganized, or overwhelmed in social situations.
Exhaustion:
Juggling multiple responsibilities can lead to chronic stress and exhaustion, exacerbating ADHD symptoms in women.
Hormonal fluctuations:
Menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can all influence ADHD symptoms, making them more intense during these life stages.
Common Issues Faced by People with ADHD
In addition to the unique challenges faced by women, individuals with ADHD often experience difficulties related to time management, memory, executive functioning, attention, and emotional regulation.
Time blindness:
Many people with ADHD struggle with accurately perceiving time, which can lead to poor time management skills and difficulties meeting deadlines.
Working memory challenges:
Issues with short-term memory can make it difficult to follow multi-step instructions, retain information, or remember appointments and important dates.
Executive functioning deficits:
Challenges with executive functioning can manifest as difficulties organizing thoughts, prioritizing tasks, and following through on plans.
Sustained attention:
Maintaining focus on a task can be challenging for people with ADHD, particularly if the task is uninteresting or routine.
Hyperactivity: Fidgeting, restlessness, and an inability to sit still are common physical symptoms of ADHD.
Emotional dysregulation:
Individuals with ADHD may experience intense emotions, mood swings, or struggle to regulate their emotional responses in various situations.
Understanding these challenges and seeking appropriate support can greatly improve the quality of life for women with ADHD and their loved ones. With proper diagnosis, treatment, and coping strategies, women can thrive while managing their ADHD symptoms.
In our conversation with Dr. Bradshaw, we delved into the frequently overlooked emotional dysregulation aspect of ADHD and how hormonal changes can impact symptoms. She emphasized the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Therapy and coaching play pivotal roles in managing the emotional and executive functioning challenges associated with ADHD. By cultivating coping strategies and creating supportive environments, women can navigate the complexities of midlife with greater resilience.
While concerns around stimulant medications' tolerability and safety exist, Dr. Bradshaw explained the importance of considering all treatment options under the guidance of healthcare professionals. Unlike many medications, the efficacy rate for stimulants is high and remains the front line treatment of choice for ADHD. She also shed light on ADHD as an ego-syntonic disorder, and the challenges this poses for self-recognition and treatment-seeking. Dr. Bradshaw shared some of her favorite behavioral strategies for managing ADHD symptoms, which include mindfulness practices, implementing daily routines, and breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
Dr. Brady Bradshaw highlighted the significance of understanding ADHD in women, particularly at midlife. By raising awareness and encouraging open discussions around mental health, we can better support one another in overcoming challenges and embracing personal growth. Tune in to "Insights from the Couch: Mental Health at Midlife" for more enlightening conversations on mental health topics relevant to women in their 40s and beyond.