There was a misleading headline from The New York Times recently that claimed ADHD diagnoses are surging among “older Americans.”
In this episode, I set the record straight by clarifying who qualifies as an “older adult” (65+), highlighting why mental health needs for older adults are so often overlooked, and explaining how systemic issues like ageism, stigma, and misdiagnosis perpetuate these gaps.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why ADHD diagnoses are underreported among adults 65+ despite growing rates in younger age groups.
- The critical role of ageism in excluding older adults from clinical trials and mental health care.
- How stigma, misdiagnosis, and provider training gaps keep older adults from receiving proper care.
- The importance of resilience in older adults and how it can mask mental health challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- Misleading headlines distract from real mental health challenges faced by older adults.
- Ageism and stigma reduce the chances of mental health conditions being identified and treated.
- Untreated mental health issues lead to poorer quality of life, higher medical costs, and increased risk for suicide.
- Older adults deserve accurate representation and equitable care in mental health conversations.
Articles Referenced:
- “A.D.H.D. Diagnoses Are Surging Among Older Americans.” – NY Times Article
- Truveta Analysis on ADHD diagnoses 2018-2024 (scroll down to see the graph I discuss in the episode).
Resources Mentioned:
- Learn more about Dr. Regina Koepp and the Center for Mental Health & Aging
- Previous features of Dr. Koepp in The New York Times:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a colleague or friend. Together, we can ensure older adults are included in the mental health conversation.
Follow Dr. Regina Koepp:
- Website: www.drreginakoepp.com & Center for Mental Health & Aging
- LinkedIn: Regina Koepp, Psy.D.
Join the Conversation:
What do you think about the mental health needs of older adults? Share your thoughts and questions by commenting or reaching out on social media.
Let’s work together to spotlight the real issues and make sure no one is left out of the mental health conversation!
PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here
Dr. Regina Koepp is a board certified clinical psychologist, clinical geropsychologist, and founder and CEO of the Center for Mental Health & Aging: the “go to” place for mental health and aging. Dr. Koepp is a sought after speaker on the topics of mental health and aging, caregiving, ageism, resilience, intimacy in the context of life altering Illness, and dementia and sexual expression. Dr. Koepp is on a mission to ensure mental health and belonging for older adults, because every person at every age is worthy of healing, transformation, and love. Learn more about Dr. Regina Koepp here.
Regina Koepp, PsyD, ABPP
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Older adults deserve high quality mental health care.
Therapists deserve the training to provide that care.
