May 27
In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy talks about women, ADHD and hormones. She starts out by thanking those female pioneers, most of whom have ADHD, for leading the charge in teaching us about what ADHD looks like in women. Experts like Dr. Kathleen Nadeau, Dr. Ellen Littman, Dr. Patricia Quinn, Dr. Sari Solden, Dr. Sandra Kooj who she has learned so much from.
Tracy shares:
Why ADHD has always been about the boys
How ADHD looks different in girls
The biggest problem among health care practitioners that impacts women
Why girls/women are often misdiagnosed
Who struggles more with ADHD, men or women
How societal pressures and gender role expectations affect ADHD women
Her thoughts around perfectionism and ADHD
How estrogen impacts ADHD symptoms and is not stable during our lifespan
New research about hormone related mood disorders that may impact ADHD women
Whether or not there’s such a thing as adult onset ADHD
Some information on is it dementia or ADHD.
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YOUTUBE
"It is not in your head. We need more studies."
- Tracy Otsuka
"If you're smart, you can also hang on longer."
- Tracy Otsuka
"Look for your strengths, stop focusing on shoring up your weaknesses."
- Tracy Otsuka
- Tracy discusses the gender bias in ADHD diagnosis, highlighting that while boys are more commonly diagnosed, women are often missed due to their subtler symptoms.
- Women with ADHD face unique challenges, such as managing household responsibilities and juggling work and family life, which can lead to impostor syndrome and shame.
- Tracy emphasizes the importance of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses, citing the example of ADHD women who struggle with housekeeping but need to prioritize their strengths to feel successful and in control.
[14:33 - 21:10] ADHD, strengths, and Weaknesses
- Tracy encourages individuals to identify their opposing strengths and focus on developing them, rather than trying to shore up weaknesses, in order to achieve success and happiness.
- Tracy discusses the stigma surrounding ADHD in women, particularly in the context of higher education and career success.
- Tracy highlights the diversity of intelligences and creativity in women with ADHD, challenging the notion that they are less intelligent or capable than their peers without ADHD.
[21:10 - 30:55] ADHD and Dementia in Women
- Dr. Sandra Koosh from the University of Amsterdam found that even neurotypical female brains experience more impulsivity and inattentiveness during the week after ovulation, supporting the relationship between estrogen and ADHD symptoms.
- Tracy discusses her concerns about developing dementia due to similar symptoms to ADHD, such as forgetfulness and confusion.
- Women with ADHD may experience mood, emotion, and impulsivity changes due to hormonal fluctuations, and education and advocacy can help reduce shame and improve management.
www.tracyotsuka.com/aok/
adhdpalooza.com
www.drellenlittman.com
Sari Solden & Associates
www.eunetworkadultadhd.com
Youtube: Women, ADHD, and Hormones Webinar
“Why ADHD Is Different for Women: Gender-Specific Symptoms & Treatments”
“ADHD in Older Adults: From Late Diagnosis to Treatment Strategies”
Study: PMDD, Menopause, Postpartum Depression May Be More Severe in Women with ADHD
