The MOST Up-to-Date ADHD & Women's Health Research with Professor Sandra Kooij

6 snips

Oct 2, 2024

In this engaging discussion, Professor Sandra Kooij, a pioneer in adult ADHD research and professor of psychiatry at the Dutch Expertise Center for Adult ADHD, shares her extensive expertise. She explores how hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can impact ADHD symptoms in women. The conversation also touches on the intriguing connections between ADHD, cardiovascular health, and even COVID-19. Professor Kooij provides practical advice on managing ADHD with medication and lifestyle choices, empowering women with essential tools for their well-being.

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ANECDOTE

Origin of Kooij's Research

Professor Sandra Kooij's ADHD research began with a single patient misdiagnosed with borderline personality disorder.
This patient's family cried upon hearing the correct diagnosis, validating Kooij's interest in the field.

INSIGHT

Early Stages of Adult ADHD Recognition

Adult ADHD was not recognized in the early 1990s.
Professor Kooij's early research involved extensive self-education and trips to the United States to learn from experts.

INSIGHT

Hormonal Impact on ADHD in Women

Women experience premenstrual depression, including suicidal thoughts, two to three times more frequently than the general population.
Postnatal depression rates are also three times higher in women with ADHD, impacting about 60% of this group.

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This week's guest is the esteemed Professor Sandra Kooij, a pioneer in adult ADHD research and professor of psychiatry at the Dutch Expertise Center for Adult ADHD. Since 1995, Professor Kooij has been at the forefront of groundbreaking studies, particularly focusing on ADHD in adults and women.

Together, we delve into the evolving understanding of ADHD, particularly in women, and how hormonal changes throughout life stages—puberty, pregnancy, and menopause—impact ADHD symptoms. Professor Kooij shares insights on the connection between ADHD, hormone fluctuations, cardiovascular health, and immune function. Sandra also offers practical advice on managing ADHD through medication, lifestyle, and hormonal treatments, providing women with more tools to improve their well-being.

On today's ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast, Kate and Sandra speak about:

Where her interest in adult ADHD came from
Sandra's groundbreaking research
ADHD and developing knowledge of the hormone connection
The potential connection between COVID and ADHD
Leading findings in adult ADHD research
Perimenopause and ADHD
Women with ADHD and their cardiovascular health
Sandra's world-leading research on ADHD and dementia

Timestamps:

[03:12] How ADHD in adults was first recognized in the 1990s
[10:34] ADHD and the connection to hormone fluctuations in women
[18:55] The role of estrogen and dopamine in ADHD symptom management
[25:40] PMDD, postnatal depression, and early menopause in women with ADHD
[32:15] Cardiovascular and immune health concerns for women with ADHD
[40:48] The risk of dementia and cognitive decline in older adults with ADHD
[48:30] The impact of long COVID on ADHD and immune function

Try Kate's new Apple podcast subscription, The Toolkit, here

You can find out more about all the work that Sandra does here.

Have a look at some of Kate's workshops and free resources here.

Kate Moryoussef is a women’s ADHD Lifestyle and wellbeing coach and EFT practitioner who helps overwhelmed and unfulfilled newly diagnosed ADHD women find more calm, balance, hope, health, compassion, creativity, and clarity.