Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 6/17/2011

Question
I've not been diagnosed, but I'm pushing 50 and I believe I have ADD (and always have) but I have just come up with my own coping mechanisms like taking a time management class, making lists, having post it notes etc.  I've been dealing just fine, but now all of a sudden it feels like it's out of control.  I forget what I'm doing at the slightest distraction, I lose focus and feel overwhelmed a lot.  Assuming I have ADD, why would it be controlled well for so long and then now it suddenly seems debilitating? Could hormones play a part? Is it that I'm just to that age now where people start to naturally forget things and it seems amplified to me because I work so hard to remember everything?

Answer
Without examining you I can only discus possibilities. It is never too late to disgnose or to treat ADHD. Perhaps with an earlier diagnosis correctly treated you might have coped better.  Female Hormonrs play a vital part in ADHD but particularly whem there is a natural decline in Estrogen at menopouse. A case of mild ADHD might only start to be a problem at menopouse. Thus teatment might be not only stimulants for ADHD but hormone replacement therapy. The other important unfortunate consideration is early dementia which is less likely but important to exclude. You have only one course to follow and that is to seea competent doctor experienced in ADHD to help you make a final decision. Good luck!