After finally being diagnosed with ADHD at 52, I know what it’s like before treatment and if anyone takes my medication away from me, I’ll be devastated that I have to go back to that life.
I would love to see breakdowns on who has been diagnosed in the past five years. I would venture a guess that many are women over 50.
A lot of us were just getting by and when the pandemic hit, we crashed and burned. Doctors finally took notice and we got the diagnoses we so desperately needed earlier in our lives.
I think a big part of women over 50 being diagnosed is that attention, focus, and concentration issues are part of the menopause journey. As well as brain fog and memory issues.
I completely agree. I am not a scientist. I have no scientific evidence for this, but I strongly believe the menopause exacerbates symptoms.
We know that in women who menstruate, the efficacy of medications like SSRIs changes throughout a woman’s cycle and is related to the change in estrogen.
It makes sense that the biggest drop in estrogen we experience would make our symptoms worse.
As a psych NP and a 48 yo female, I’ve done a lot of research on the subject. Menopause most definitely either exacerbates or has new onset of ADD symptoms as well as depression, anxiety, panic, memory issues, and much more.
From one stranger to another (who mentioned both ADHD and menopause), I would encourage you to listen to a bit of Gary Brecka. He outlines five (six?) common gene variants that relate to how our bodies process vitamins and minerals.
I believe the one that is most closely linked to AHDH is a MTHFR gene variant/mutation, and the solution is too simple to believe.
If your body can't properly process it, where does the excess go?
The solution is to consume folate that is already "processed" (i.e. methylated).
I'm early on my journey towards the healthiest, best version of me that I can be, and I'm combining a methylated multivitamin with other, more drastic changes to my lifestyle. So I can't pinpoint what is making me better.
Thank you for writing and sharing this article. I have a Republican congressman who loves to claim he is pro-life when I write or leave messages for topics such as this, I always weave in, “you call yourself pro-life, so you can’t be for the MAHA commission and see autism and ADHD as diseases to be eliminated, if you pro-life.” He is still a pos so maybe it isn’t working if I can get even one of his staff to ponder how not for life the Republicans are, it is worth it.
Whoa. I’m so glad I found your words on this today. I roamed this earth with undiagnosed personality disorders and ADHD for 46 years and am FINALLY getting the therapy and medications I need to build a life with living… it’s terrifying to think that anyone would be cruel enough to take that away from me or anyone in my position.
Neurodivergence and mental illness ARE an epidemic, but only because we finally have the knowledge and tools to diagnosis them properly, not because they’re contagious. It’s SOCIETY that needs to be fixed, not US.
It's a scary time to be autistic right now. I decided not to seek an official diagnosis for this very reason. Thank you especially for the section about how to make a phone call even if that feels really overwhelming—I almost completely avoid talking on the phone to anyone outside a very select circle of loved ones, so this feels like giving me a superpower :) Still feels scary, but with the supports you listed, I think I can do it! I just never even knew those things were options!
When will Alcohol and Substance Abuse be the target? Seems rampant in the corridors of power. Old as time- fear difference and bully those perceived as weak.
I really appreciate this advice. I have joined several resistance groups and they keep telling me to call my senators, etc. It's ok to try to call after hours but chances are, you'll hit a full inbox that can't take any more messages. That only leaves the work day to call and speak to someone live. I do much better having time to compose my thoughts in writing. I have followed my senators on Facebook and now I am able to message them. Some also have email addresses if you can find it. I appreciate the support for those of us who find it really difficult to call.
Thank you for sounding the alarm on this. The way this commission frames autism and ADHD as public health threats is terrifying—not just because of the potential policy changes, but because of how it shapes public perception. As someone who is autistic and ADHD, I’ve seen firsthand how misinformation leads to stigma, denial of accommodations, and harmful ‘treatments’ that prioritize compliance over actual support. This is about our rights, our autonomy, and our humanity. I’m grateful for this breakdown and the action steps—let’s make sure this doesn’t go unchecked.
I find my diagnosis of ADHD liberating. At last I understood many of my lifelong problems! But I was in my 70s when I found out, which made me too old for medications to control it. So I have had to develop systems for managing my various manifestations. Without meds. I have a psychotherapist who helps me out.
The gift ADHD gives me is the ability to super concentrate when I’m making art. It makes me special. Or at least feel special. It’s not a disability at all.
After finally being diagnosed with ADHD at 52, I know what it’s like before treatment and if anyone takes my medication away from me, I’ll be devastated that I have to go back to that life.
I would love to see breakdowns on who has been diagnosed in the past five years. I would venture a guess that many are women over 50.
A lot of us were just getting by and when the pandemic hit, we crashed and burned. Doctors finally took notice and we got the diagnoses we so desperately needed earlier in our lives.
I would too.
I think a big part of women over 50 being diagnosed is that attention, focus, and concentration issues are part of the menopause journey. As well as brain fog and memory issues.
I completely agree. I am not a scientist. I have no scientific evidence for this, but I strongly believe the menopause exacerbates symptoms.
We know that in women who menstruate, the efficacy of medications like SSRIs changes throughout a woman’s cycle and is related to the change in estrogen.
It makes sense that the biggest drop in estrogen we experience would make our symptoms worse.
As a psych NP and a 48 yo female, I’ve done a lot of research on the subject. Menopause most definitely either exacerbates or has new onset of ADD symptoms as well as depression, anxiety, panic, memory issues, and much more.
From one stranger to another (who mentioned both ADHD and menopause), I would encourage you to listen to a bit of Gary Brecka. He outlines five (six?) common gene variants that relate to how our bodies process vitamins and minerals.
I believe the one that is most closely linked to AHDH is a MTHFR gene variant/mutation, and the solution is too simple to believe.
The CDC info page ( https://www.cdc.gov/folic-acid/data-research/mthfr/index.html ) gives some hints, since this gene processes FOLATE.
If your body can't properly process it, where does the excess go?
The solution is to consume folate that is already "processed" (i.e. methylated).
I'm early on my journey towards the healthiest, best version of me that I can be, and I'm combining a methylated multivitamin with other, more drastic changes to my lifestyle. So I can't pinpoint what is making me better.
But I'm getting better.
Almost 40 and just diagnosed. It’s only because my therapist took some very specific training on autism/adhd for women over 30 that I got diagnosed.
Thank you for writing and sharing this article. I have a Republican congressman who loves to claim he is pro-life when I write or leave messages for topics such as this, I always weave in, “you call yourself pro-life, so you can’t be for the MAHA commission and see autism and ADHD as diseases to be eliminated, if you pro-life.” He is still a pos so maybe it isn’t working if I can get even one of his staff to ponder how not for life the Republicans are, it is worth it.
Excellent article! Love the calls to action, so important. These are scary times.
I’m glad it was helpful
Thank you for this! As the mother of two young adults with ADHD/autism.
You're welcome!
Whoa. I’m so glad I found your words on this today. I roamed this earth with undiagnosed personality disorders and ADHD for 46 years and am FINALLY getting the therapy and medications I need to build a life with living… it’s terrifying to think that anyone would be cruel enough to take that away from me or anyone in my position.
Neurodivergence and mental illness ARE an epidemic, but only because we finally have the knowledge and tools to diagnosis them properly, not because they’re contagious. It’s SOCIETY that needs to be fixed, not US.
That's what I think too, Kali.
It's a scary time to be autistic right now. I decided not to seek an official diagnosis for this very reason. Thank you especially for the section about how to make a phone call even if that feels really overwhelming—I almost completely avoid talking on the phone to anyone outside a very select circle of loved ones, so this feels like giving me a superpower :) Still feels scary, but with the supports you listed, I think I can do it! I just never even knew those things were options!
You are welcome! Voice mails can be hard too. But are more effective I hear than emails.
When will Alcohol and Substance Abuse be the target? Seems rampant in the corridors of power. Old as time- fear difference and bully those perceived as weak.
Good point.
I really appreciate this advice. I have joined several resistance groups and they keep telling me to call my senators, etc. It's ok to try to call after hours but chances are, you'll hit a full inbox that can't take any more messages. That only leaves the work day to call and speak to someone live. I do much better having time to compose my thoughts in writing. I have followed my senators on Facebook and now I am able to message them. Some also have email addresses if you can find it. I appreciate the support for those of us who find it really difficult to call.
What are the "dangerous 'cures' " that you mention?
And what's wrong with reducing/eliminating autism/ADHD?
Are you also opposed to reducing blindness?
Hard pass on health advice from the heroin addict https://www.buildtheresistance.org/50501
All of this, but they are also questioning mood stabilizers. Send love to your bipolar brothers and sisters, too.
Thank you for sounding the alarm on this. The way this commission frames autism and ADHD as public health threats is terrifying—not just because of the potential policy changes, but because of how it shapes public perception. As someone who is autistic and ADHD, I’ve seen firsthand how misinformation leads to stigma, denial of accommodations, and harmful ‘treatments’ that prioritize compliance over actual support. This is about our rights, our autonomy, and our humanity. I’m grateful for this breakdown and the action steps—let’s make sure this doesn’t go unchecked.
So concerning.
I find my diagnosis of ADHD liberating. At last I understood many of my lifelong problems! But I was in my 70s when I found out, which made me too old for medications to control it. So I have had to develop systems for managing my various manifestations. Without meds. I have a psychotherapist who helps me out.
The gift ADHD gives me is the ability to super concentrate when I’m making art. It makes me special. Or at least feel special. It’s not a disability at all.
I"m glad you found understanding.
Thank you for posting and sharing this critical information! 🙏
You're welcome!