ADHD or Perimenopause? The Signs You’ve Been Missing
The Tamsen Show
Why Doctors Often Screen for Anxiety and Depression First
Shanna explains GP default screenings (GAD-7, PHQ-9) overlap ADHD symptoms and can lead to misdiagnosis and mistreatment.
ADHD in women has been invisible for decades. The overwhelm, the racing thoughts, the feeling that everything is urgent are often dismissed as anxiety, depression, or just “being busy.” But they’re not character flaws, they’re signs of something deeper.
In this episode, Shanna Pearson, founder of Expert ADHD Coaching and author of Invisible ADHD, shares why so many women are only being diagnosed later in life, how perimenopause and menopause hormones intensify symptoms, and the real strategies that help women regain control.
They talk about:
- Why ADHD in women often gets misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression
- How estrogen and dopamine shifts in midlife affect focus and regulation
- A simple way to cut through overwhelm by narrowing your focus
- Reset tools, from physical state changes to writing exercises, that stop spirals in their tracks
- How ADHD impacts confidence, relationships, and careers, and what to do about it
Shanna also shares the positives often overlooked, including how hyperfocus can be harnessed in the right environments and why the right tools, not just medication, can transform daily life.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s ADHD, menopause, or just modern life, this conversation will help you see yourself more clearly and give you solutions you can use right away.
Watch full video episodes HERE
Get Tamsen’s new book, How To Menopause: Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life and Feel Even Better Than Before
Want to try the self-assessments mentioned in this episode?
Patient Health Questionnaire 9 Depression Self Assessment
Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Symptom Checklist
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Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show.
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