MissUnderstood: The ADHD in Women Channel
Hyperfocus: “Who are we missing?” One doctor’s lifelong fight for women with ADHD
Feb 20, 2025
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.
27:59
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Dr. Kathleen Nadeau highlights the historical oversight of ADHD in women, advocating for gender-sensitive diagnostic criteria to address unique challenges.
- Community support plays a vital role for women with ADHD, enabling shared experiences that deepen understanding and validation of their struggles.
Deep dives
Identifying Overlooked Populations
Dr. Kathleen Nadeau highlights the historical oversight of adult women and girls in ADHD diagnoses, pointing out that early understanding focused almost exclusively on young, hyperactive males. She recognized that many adults, particularly women, who exhibited inattentive symptoms were often overlooked and untreated, leading to a lack of appropriate support. Alongside her colleague Dr. Patricia Quinn, Nadeau advocated for a greater awareness of ADHD in women, addressing this gap at conferences and through publications. Their work has transformed the understanding of ADHD and has been crucial in validating the experiences of countless women who had previously struggled in silence.
