MissUnderstood: The ADHD in Women Channel

Picture this: As your menstrual cycle approaches, you notice a shift in your mood and focus. One moment you feel productive, clear-headed, and on top of your ADHD. The next moment your concentration slips away. Hormonal changes can turn everyday routines into huge challenges for women with ADHD. In this episode, listen as Dr. Monica Johnson explores how hormonal fluctuations can heighten ADHD symptoms. Learn key hormones that can impact mood and focus. And get tips on how to manage ADHD and hormonal changes effectively.To get a transcript and check out more episodes, visit the MissUnderstood channel at Understood.We love to hear from our listeners. Email us at podcast@understood.org.Related resourcesA guide to hormones and ADHDADHD and hormones (Catie Osborn’s story)ADHD and womenTimestamps(00:55) What are hormones?(01:35) Does research show a connection between ADHD and hormones?(02:38) How does ADHD impact the menstrual cycle?(04:11) How to manage ADHD and hormonal changes effectively(05:04) How diet and exercise play a role Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rae had heard that there was a link between ADHD and postpartum depression. But with a tiny baby to care for and a life to navigate, she had more pressing things to deal with. But the question kept bugging her: Does ADHD make you more likely to have postpartum depression?This week on Hyperfocus, Rae finally gets some answers to questions she has had for years. Her guest is Dr. Catherine Birndorf, a reproductive psychiatrist, co-founder of The Motherhood Center, and an expert on postpartum mood disorders.Related resourcesCatherine’s book: What No One Tells You3 things I’m learning as a new mom with ADHD72 hours in the life of a working mom with ADHDParenting tips when you and your child have ADHDTimestamps(02:55) ADHD as a postpartum concern(09:47) PMADs: Not just the ‘baby blues’(14:21) What can struggling parents do?(21:07) Medication and pregnancyTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the Hyperfocus podcast page at Understood.orgWe love hearing from our listeners. Email us at hyperfocus@understood.org. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

People may assume that an ADHDer doesn’t struggle with something because it looks easy from the outside. Though they may be feeling challenged, they’re masking, or “making it work,” to get something done. ADHD coach Jaye Lin reacts to a quote about how “making it work” can lead to anxiety and depression. It can also make it easy to dismiss your own needs for support and accommodations. Listen for some tips that can help.Related resourcesADHD and the “model minority” mask (Emily’s story)Masking my ADHD at work was exhausting, so I stoppedTimestamps(00:42) Emily’s quote(02:24) Jaye’s reaction(03:40) Pressure to mask due to shame(05:54) When others make assumptions about you because you’re masking(08:33) Why we might have a hard time asking for help(10:18) What can we do when we find ourselves in this masking trap?(14:32) Recap  To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the MissUnderstood podcast channel page at Understood.Have a challenge you’d like Jaye to talk about in an episode? Email or send a voice memo to us at adhdcoachtips@understood.org. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hey MissUnderstood listeners! We’ve got a new show coming soon to our channel.Hyperfocus is a show that zeroes in on what fascinates us about ADHD, learning, and mental health. Join journalist Rae Jacobson as she tackles big questions like, “Why can’t I get my ADHD meds? Who exactly gets to define a diagnosis? And can ADHD make postpartum depression worse?” New episodes launch every other Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Do you not notice that you’re hungry until you’re raging? Do you bump into things constantly? These are just two examples of how our sensory systems can affect those of us with ADHD. And they have a lot more to do with communication than you might think.This week, author of ADHD & Us and licensed clinical social worker Anita Robertson breaks down the three hidden sensory systems. Join Anita and Cate as they talk about how these can affect relationships with ADHD, and share some tools that can help. Related resourcesInteroception and sensory processing challengesADHD and UsAnita’s website, anitarobertson.comTimestamps(04:19) What is a sensory difference?(08:21) What are the 3 hidden sensory systems?(11:05) How does interoception impact ADHD?(14:47) The vestibular system and ADHD(20:28) Proprioception and ADHD(23:05) Sensory systems and communication with ADHD(26:56) How do we start identifying our sensory needs?(30:21) Where you can find AnitaTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the Sorry, I Missed This podcast page at Understood.orgWe love hearing from our listeners. Email us at sorryimissedthis@understood.org. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It was a spur-of-the-moment buy at the mall. A brand new handbag caught your eye and you couldn’t resist buying it.  For many women with ADHD, moments of impulsive spending can lead to feelings of excitement followed by regret once the bills arrive.In this episode, host Dr. Monica Johnson breaks down the connection between ADHD and impulsive spending. Listen as she discusses the value of pausing before making a purchase. And gives practical tips on how women with ADHD can build better financial habits and regain control over their spending.To get a transcript and check out more episodes, visit the MissUnderstood channel page at Understood.We love to hear from our listeners. Email us at podcasts@understood.org.Related resourcesADHD and managing moneyWhat is the ADHD tax?Timestamps(00:42) What is impulsive behavior? (02:03) What is the emotional impact of spending? (03:54) How can positive and negative emotions lead to poor spending habits? (06:05) Strategies for managing spending  Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

ADHD coach Jaye Lin shares valuable insights on managing ADHD. She explains how a lack of chaos can ironically hinder productivity, leaving many feeling unmotivated. Jaye dives into the importance of finding the right amount of stress to kickstart focus and offers practical strategies like shorter work intervals and creating mini-deadlines. With a keen eye on balancing chaos and productivity, she encourages celebrating small achievements to boost motivation and reduce anxiety.

Conflict can be uncomfortable. But it’s a necessary part of life that can have great outcomes. ADHD often comes with trouble with executive function, emotional regulation, time perception, and more. This can make conflict even tougher to face. Senior certified Gottman relationship therapist Michael McNulty walks us through the research on which the Gottman Method is based — and what it means for relationships.Listen to Cate and Michael as they explore how conflict can change with ADHD, and the four horsemen of divorce — each with their own antidote.Related resourcesTrouble with self-regulation: What to knowThe Gottman InstituteMichael’s website, chicagorelationshipcenter.comTimestamps(03:34) What is the Gottman Method?(06:00) The research the Gottman Method is based on(09:42) ADHD and the Gottman Method(12:54) Executive function and conflict(15:22) Time perception and conflict(16:20) What is “turning away and turning towards”?(19:13) The four horsemen of divorce(20:32) The first horseman: Criticism(23:26) The second horseman: Defensiveness(24:50) The third horseman: Contempt(27:48) The fourth horseman: Stonewalling(29:11) Where you can find MichaelTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the Sorry, I Missed This podcast page at Understood.orgWe love hearing from our listeners. Email us at sorryimissedthis@understood.org. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s not uncommon for some women with ADHD to scramble to complete tasks at the last minute despite having ample time to start. This struggle can cause frustration, anxiety, and even stress. Listen as Dr. Monica Johnson breaks down how symptoms of ADHD can lead to delays in task completion. And get strategies on how to improve productivity and reduce stress.To get a transcript and check out more episodes, visit the MissUnderstood channel page at Understood.We love to hear from our listeners. Email us at podcasts@understood.org.Related resourcesPrioritizing the wrong things at work? This may be whyProcrastination, rushing, and ADHD (Yasmeen’s story)Timestamps(00:59) What is procrastination?(01:13) What are key characteristics of procrastination?(04:27) Ways to break the cycle of procrastination(05:21) What is the Pomodoro Technique? Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Do you find yourself planning to go above and beyond often? What do you do when a voice you’ve made has gone the wrong way? Perfectionism can come up a lot with ADHD, especially in women. ADHD coach Jaye Lin reacts to a quote on pressuring ourselves to be perfect. Listen for why this anxiety might come up, and how to get real with yourself.Related resourcesAnxiety, imposter syndrome, and ADHD (Mallory’s story)ADHD and perfectionismADHD and anxietyTimestamps(00:47) Mallory’s quote(02:03) Jaye’s reaction(02:40) ADHD, anxiety, and perfectionism(05:22) Over-the-top expectations of doing it all(06:41) Does the idea of “perfect” align with why we want to do something?(10:17) Stuck in decision paralysis because we want to make the perfect choice(15:07) TakeawaysTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the MissUnderstood podcast page at Understood.orgHave a challenge you’d like Jaye to talk about in an episode? Email or send a voice memo to us at adhdcoachtips@understood.org Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.