I wanted to chat with ADHD coach Erik "Doc" Anderson (who himself is an ADHDer) after I learned that many of the symptoms of perimenopause/menopause – such as depression, anxiety, brain fog, forgetfulness, memory struggles, and other cognitive issues – mimic adult ADHD.
It's estimated that 85% of adults with ADHD are undiagnosed. For women, that figure may be even higher because ADHD in girls and women often presents differently and is missed. The life changes and hormonal changes ushered in by perimenopause may bring to the forefront ADHD traits that previously had been manageable.
Erik says that a diagnosis of ADHD in later life often enables his clients to connect the dots and develop a deeper understanding of themselves.
In the course of my conversation with Erik and his wife, Andrea, of Coaching for Creative Brains, we touched on what ADHD is and isn't, why ADHD in women often goes unaddressed, and how "fast brain" women can acquire some new tools that transform their ADHD into their greatest strength.
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