ADHD Treatment Over 40: What You Need to Know

Psychiatric nurse practitioner Jonathan Murphy addresses adults over 40 considering ADHD medication for the first time. This video provides essential guidance for older adults entering what Murphy calls "the back nine" of life while starting stimulant treatment.

Key topics covered: coordinating care with your primary care provider, the importance of comprehensive lab work before starting medication, why fitness and cardiovascular health matter more at this age, and how to distinguish true ADHD from midlife challenges like anxiety, unresolved trauma, or life transitions.

Murphy emphasizes a critical consideration for this age group: if you've functioned relatively well until now, the likelihood of undiagnosed ADHD may be lower than other explanations for current struggles. He encourages viewers to remain open to professional guidance beyond just medication.
For those who do start ADHD medication over 40 and experience immediate benefits, Murphy offers philosophical perspective: this is an opportunity to revisit past "failed attempts" with fresh eyes, leverage accumulated life wisdom, and write the next chapter without concerns about social approval that may have held you back in younger years.

The video balances clinical caution with encouragement for appropriate candidates, emphasizing the importance of aligning expectations with reality and building a professional support team for optimal outcomes.

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only. Always consult qualified healthcare providers for medical decisions. Coordinate ADHD treatment with your primary care physician, especially when starting medication after age 40.Evidence-based mental health strategies for neurodevelopmental conditions (ADHD, Autism) and trauma recovery. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner with 15+ years experience, I share practical systems that help neuroadaptive minds thrive in a world not designed for them.

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DISCLAIMER: Content is educational and not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. I provide general information, not individual clinical advice.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - For Those Over 40
00:46 - Why Now?
01:45 - The Next Chapter