Midlife ADHD in women: any relevance to menopause?

Abstract

Recently, there has been a growing interest in better understanding of the adult-type attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). It is now accepted that many children with ADHD continue to have symptoms later in life, although the characteristics of the disease may change substantially in adults. Data are emerging on ADHD in midlife and old age and some studies analyze gender differences and co-morbidities during the lifespan of ADHD patients. This short communication discusses the possible resemblance of certain menopausal symptoms and those of adult ADHD and the potential contribution of the female hormonal environment. Further, there might be a promising role for psychostimulants, the mainstay of ADHD management, as treatment of impairment of some executive function domains in menopausal women.

Keywords:

• Attention deficit hyperactive disorder
• ADHD
• menopause

Acknowledgements

To Pauline Maki (Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA) and Michael Craig (Human Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, The University of Edinburgh, UK), for their valuable comments.

Conflict of interest

The author reports no conflict of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Source of funding

Nil.