Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+ Ep. 499 ADHD Is Not What You Think – The Most Misunderstood Condition in Women with Shanna Pearson | Mental Health & Menopause
14 snips
Sep 10, 2025 Join Shanna Pearson, Founder of Expert ADHD Coaching and author of Invisible ADHD, as she sheds light on the often misunderstood world of ADHD in women. Discover the significant differences in ADHD presentation between genders, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. Shanna discusses the societal pressures that contribute to misdiagnoses and offers practical strategies to manage ADHD symptoms. Learn about the impact of hormonal changes and lifestyle factors, and gain insights that could transform your understanding of ADHD.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
The 'Lost Generation' Of Undiagnosed Women
- Shanna labels many midlife women who were undiagnosed as a 'lost generation' now seeking answers.
- Even women on HRT may need ADHD-specific tools beyond hormone therapy to cope.
ADHD Often Looks Like Anxiety Or Depression
- Female ADHD is frequently misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression because screens overlap heavily with ADHD symptoms.
- Standard GAD-7 and PHQ-9 items often capture ADHD-related experiences in women.
Get Assessed By A Clinician Who Knows Women
- Seek diagnosis from a clinician experienced with female ADHD to avoid misdiagnosis.
- If you've lived in perpetual overwhelm since childhood, consider evaluation for ADHD.
