ADHD Experts Podcast

Thomas E. Brown, a clinical psychologist and founder of the Brown Clinic, dives into the often-overlooked social anxiety faced by teens and young adults with ADHD. He highlights the fear of embarrassment in social situations and its impact on personal interactions and academics. Brown discusses the crucial role parents play in building confidence and awareness in their children, as well as the nuanced relationship between ADHD medications and anxiety. The podcast also explores rejection sensitivity and provides practical strategies for fostering social engagement.

In a live Q&A session, clinical psychologist Sharon Saline tackles pressing ADHD questions from adults and parents. She shares effective strategies for managing time, overcoming burnout, and improving relationships impacted by ADHD. The discussion delves into challenges of teen screen time, emphasizing the need for set boundaries and family involvement. Saline also offers emotional regulation techniques, helping parents navigate the complexities of raising neurodivergent teens and encouraging collaboration for better communication.

Nicole DeMasi Malcher, a registered dietitian and founder of Eating with ADHD, shares her expertise on the link between ADHD and disordered eating. She discusses why traditional diets often don't work and advocates for intuitive eating as a healthier approach. Nicole offers practical strategies for overcoming impulsive eating behaviors, emphasizes the importance of recognizing hunger cues, and highlights how mindful eating can improve relationships with food. Her insights aim to empower individuals with ADHD to prioritize well-being over restrictive dieting.

Susan Bauerfeld, a licensed clinical psychologist and expert in Internal Family Systems therapy, delves into the interconnection between ADHD and trauma. She highlights how children with ADHD often face additional trauma impacts on their self-esteem. Bauerfeld introduces IFS therapy as a valuable tool for healing emotional wounds, emphasizing its role in understanding internal conflicts and nurturing resilience. She also discusses the challenges parents with ADHD face while raising similarly affected children, advocating for self-awareness and healthier parent-child dynamics.

Christina Danko, a clinical psychologist and associate professor, enlightens listeners on the unique challenges parents with ADHD face. She shares neurodivergent-specific tools tailored for both moms and dads, highlighting personalized strategies that can ease parenting stress. Learn how to foster positive relationships with children, manage forgetfulness, and prioritize self-care. Christina also emphasizes the importance of emotional coaching and structured routines, ensuring that families thrive together in their ADHD journey.

A powerhouse panel of experts discuss the distinct challenges women face with ADHD. Ellen Littman sheds light on the historical biases in diagnosis, while Andrea Chronis-Tuscano emphasizes the need for tailored treatment approaches. Lotta Borg Skoglund explores hormonal influences on symptoms across a woman's life. Diane Miller addresses the unique obstacles Black women encounter, and Maggie Sibley advocates for greater awareness of women's mental health needs. Together, they highlight the importance of community support and ongoing research.

In this discussion, psychiatrist James Kustow delves into the surprising links between ADHD and inflammatory conditions like allergies and autoimmunity. He reveals how neuroinflammation could affect mental health and highlights the significance of connective tissue disorders. Kustow emphasizes the impact of estrogen on ADHD symptoms in women and shares dietary strategies to support gut health and ADHD management. This engaging conversation frames ADHD as a complex interplay of mental and physical health factors, advocating for a holistic approach.

In this discussion, Dr. Sarah Cheyette, an ADHD specialist and author, dives deep into the complex relationship between caffeine and ADHD. She highlights how caffeine can act as a natural stimulant, potentially improving focus but also presenting risks like sleep disruption and increased heart rate. The conversation explores individual responses to caffeine, including its calming effects for some and potential mood crashes for others. Dr. Cheyette also addresses practical tips for mindful consumption and headache management related to caffeine.

Sharon Saline, a clinical psychologist and author, shares her expertise on parenting resistant tweens and teens with ADHD. She discusses the emotional complexities of adolescent development and offers strategies to promote cooperation rather than conflict. Saline emphasizes compassionate approaches to understanding defiance and enhancing self-esteem. She also highlights the crucial role of adults in providing support and fostering resilience, making this a must-listen for parents navigating the challenges of ADHD during adolescence.

Carolyn Jeppsen, CEO and co-founder of Broad Futures, sheds light on the potential of gap years for neurodivergent students. She discusses how these breaks can foster self-discovery and emotional readiness, making the transition to college smoother. The conversation dives into both the benefits, like enhanced employability and personal development, and challenges, such as maintaining structure and managing concerns about academic skill loss. Carolyn also shares practical strategies for navigating gap years while retaining scholarship eligibility.