Women With ADHD: Late Diagnosis, Hormonal Changes, and Symptom Management | Dr. Maggie Sibley

Originally Published April 2024. Sharing in honor of ADHD Awareness Month.

Dr. Maggie Sibley explains the often-misunderstood reality of women with ADHD, from evaluation and treatment to symptom management and hormonal changes.

Episode Summary

In this fascinating episode of Fempower Health, Georgie Kovacs is joined by Dr. Maggie Sibley, a renowned women’s ADHD specialist and researcher. As a clinical psychologist and professor of psychiatry at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Dr. Sibley shares her research-based knowledge and unique perspective on the often overlooked and misunderstood topic of ADHD in adult women. 

Listen as we discuss the complexities of ADHD beyond childhood, the relationship between ADHD and hormones in women with attention disorders, and practical strategies for managing ADHD symptoms across different life stages.

Key Discussion Points:

• Common misconceptions about ADHD being a children’s condition and the reality of how symptoms persist into adulthood.
• Research on the trajectory of ADHD from adolescence to adulthood and why it’s so important to recognize ADHD in adults.
• How ADHD symptoms in women manifest differently than men, including internalized symptoms like inattention and executive dysfunction. 
• Connections between societal expectations of women and why ADHD often goes undiagnosed in women until later in life.
• How women’s hormonal changes impact regions in the brain that are associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
• Ways to treat and manage adult ADHD, including lifestyle modifications, medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and personal coping strategies. 
• The importance of structure, routine, exercise, and healthy diet for effective ADHD symptom management. 
• Tips for navigating the healthcare system during the evaluation stage and treatment plans after diagnosis to ensure specialized care for women with ADHD.
• The importance of community support and further research for women with ADHD.

“Estrogen interacts with dopamine in the brain, which can significantly impact ADHD symptoms, especially during hormonal transitions like perimenopause.” - Dr. Margaret Sibley

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on Mental Health

• Related episode: Living With ADHD: Your Brain’s Not Broken
• Learn more about Dr Margaret Sibley
• CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): This is the major advocacy organization for ADHD, providing support, resources, and community connections for both children and adults.
• ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association): This organization focuses on the adult ADHD community, offering tools, resources, and networking opportunities for adults dealing with ADHD.
• Psychology Today: A resource for finding therapists who specialize in ADHD and other psychological conditions. Dr. Sibley recommends using their therapist finder tool to locate experts who specialize in cognitive behavioral approaches and other treatments for ADHD.

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