MissUnderstood: The ADHD in Women Channel

Earlier this year, Hyperfocus took a field trip to San Diego for an ADHD conference called APSARD, which stands for the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (quite a mouthful).A conference of ADHD professionals might not sound fascinating, but it was — and we learned a ton. But there was one person and one talk I really wanted to find: A keynote speech about how ADHD affects women’s bodies by Dr. Sandra Kooij. What Sandra is doing is something so sensible and radical: Looking at ADHD as a whole-body issue. Digging into how it can affect women’s hormones, our health, and especially our hearts. I find Sandra’s research fascinating and was thrilled when she agreed to sit down for a conversation with me. We didn’t waste any time and quickly set up a makeshift studio for this week’s episode of Hyperfocus. Also, a quick note on the audio this week: We had to record this episode outside the conference hotel, on a bustling patio full of ADHD professionals and some noisy birds. So, please forgive the extraneous sounds. Related resourcesMissUnderstood: The ADHD in Women ChannelDid my ADHD make me more likely to have postpartum depression?ADHD Powerbank: Sandra’s video platformThe Head, Heart, Hormones foundation (in dutch with translations) Prevalence of hormone-related mood disorder symptoms in women with ADHD The heart health and ADHD connectionTimestamps(4:07) Swedish registry study data on diseases in people with ADHD(7:06) ADHD and hormones  (13:56) Cardiovascular disease in women(20:21) Talking to your doctor about diseases related to ADHDFor a transcript of this episode and more resources, visit the Hyperfocus page on Understood.org.We’d love to hear from you. Email us at hyperfocus@understood.org Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover the unique relationship individuals with ADHD have with hobbies. The emotional rollercoaster of starting new interests, only to abandon them, is explored in depth. Learn how stress and dopamine levels influence engagement and motivation. The potential downsides of monetizing hobbies are discussed, highlighting how it can stifle enjoyment. Practical tips for reframing abandoned hobbies encourage a mindset shift towards joy over guilt, making it possible to embrace fleeting passions without regret.

Jaye Lin, an ADHD coach and host of Tips from an ADHD Coach, shares her insights on the shame spiral that often follows mistakes in relationships for those with ADHD. She discusses strategies to "reverse the train" when confronted about errors, emphasizing the need for self-compassion and accountability. Jaye delves into the impact of perfectionism and rejection sensitivity, and she promotes open dialogue as a crucial tool for repairing relationships. Her advice encourages embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth and connection.

Explore the unique self-care challenges faced by women with ADHD. Discover how juggling responsibilities often sidelines personal well-being. Understand the nuances of self-care beyond just physical health, including the emotional and mental aspects. Learn practical strategies to prioritize your own needs, overcoming guilt and perfectionism. This informative discussion equips listeners with tools to reclaim their time and foster better self-care habits.

Join Dr. Kathleen Nadeau, a pioneer in ADHD research for women, as she tackles the gender biases within the medical community. With decades of experience, she highlights the historical neglect of ADHD in women and calls for a reevaluation of diagnostic criteria. Dr. Nadeau shares insights on how societal norms have distorted perceptions of ADHD, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of women's unique experiences. Dive into discussions about self-esteem, social connections, and the ongoing fight for women's health in ADHD research.

ADHD medications have been in the news a lot lately, especially stimulants. In this bonus episode of Hyperfocus, host and mental health journalist Rae Jacobson talks about two U.S. policy items that could affect people with ADHD.First, an executive order from February 13 established the “Make America Healthy Again Commission.” The executive order specifically mentions ADHD and the rise in diagnoses and medication usage among children. The order also requires the commission to “assess the prevalence of and threat posed by the prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, stimulants, and weight-loss drugs.” Dr. Andy Kahn, a licensed psychologist, joins Rae to discuss the notion that people with ADHD, especially kids, are overmedicated. Plus, Rae discusses proposed regulatory changes for controlled substances, including ADHD stimulants. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) issued its proposal on January 17, before the current administration took office. If accepted, the proposed changes would affect telehealth prescriptions for ADHD stimulant medications. The DEA is accepting comments through March 18.Related resourcesAll about ADHD medicationFull text: White House executive orderRead the DEA’s proposed telemedicine regulations What happens to my child's IEP if the U.S. Department of Education closes?Timestamps(0:38) What does the new executive order say about ADHD? (4:04) What does “overmedicated” mean today? (6:08) On stigma and ADHD(9:56) What is the new DEA telehealth proposal?For a transcript of this episode and more resources, visit the Hyperfocus episode page on Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at hyperfocus@understood.org.  Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Struggling to get started because you crave perfect conditions? You're not alone! Discover how ADHD can trick us into waiting for ideal circumstances that may never arrive. Gain practical tips to break the cycle of perfectionism and embrace flexibility in your routines. Learn to jumpstart activities even when everything feels off. It's time to take action, imperfections and all!

Emotional intimacy is about sharing an emotional connection and presence with yourself and other people. But a lot of ADHD traits, and lived experiences, can get in the way. This could be due to trouble with emotional regulation, the emotional labor it takes to feel believed, masking, and more.Michelle Frank is a clinical psychologist and the co-author of A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD. Listen to this conversation exploring how shame can be a roadblock to emotional intimacy, and how this intimacy can look different within every relationship.Related resourcesMichelle’s book, A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD by Sari Solden and Michelle FrankTimestamps(02:46) What is emotional intimacy?(04:14) Barriers to emotional intimacy with ADHD(09:33) Shame and ADHD(15:29) What steps can we take to build emotional intimacy?(17:28) Sitting in uncomfortable feelings, and rejection sensitivity(20:48) People pleasing versus building authentic connections(22:36) What about when we’re in a relationship without emotional intimacy?(28:41) Where can you find Michelle? For a transcript and more resources, visit the Sorry, I Missed This page on Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at sorryimissedthis@understood.org. Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Exploring the link between ADHD and oversharing, insights reveal how impulsivity and emotional dysregulation drive women to disclose too much. The discussion delves into personal boundaries, navigating the complexities of intimacy in conversations, and the unintended consequences of oversharing in relationships. Strategies for mindful communication emerge, emphasizing active listening and boundary management to foster healthier interactions. The unique challenges faced by women with ADHD are examined, making for a relatable and informative dialogue.

This week on the show, I’m hyperfocusing not on a topic or a question, but a person: the neurodivergent comedian and actor Emma Willmann. You might know Emma from her comedy (she’s done stand-up on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert) or her acting (she played “Beth” on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend).But I didn’t want to know about any of that. I wanted to spend some time with the person who has made a career out of smart, inclusive humor and understand how she does it. Plus, we talk about her ADHD and dyslexia diagnoses.Related resourcesEmma’s websiteEmma on InstagramListen: How to manage ADHD at workADHD and creativityTimestamps(1:58) Breaking up with your phone(5:39) Comparing and contrasting ADHD types(9:53) If you could get rid of your ADHD, would you?  (15:04) Is ADHD good for a stand-up comic?For a transcript and more resources, visit the Hyperfocus page on Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at podcast@understood.org. Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.