Summary of "Danielle’s Story: A Breakup, an Intense Reaction, and ADHD Diagnosis" – Climbing the Walls

Release Date: May 21, 2025
Host/Author: Understood.org
Podcast Information: Climbing the Walls is an investigative limited-series podcast by Understood.org that delves into why women were undiagnosed with ADHD for so long and examines the significant increase in diagnoses since the pandemic, reshaping our understanding of ADHD.

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode features Danielle Elliott, a celebrated documentarian and science journalist whose work has appeared on platforms like HBO, NBC, The New York Times, and ESPN. Hosted by Laura Key, the episode intertwines Danielle's personal journey with ADHD and the creation of Climbing the Walls.

[00:26] Danielle Elliott: "Here I am."

[16:49] Danielle Elliott: "Climbing the walls is my attempt to understand the rise in diagnosis among women, primarily during the pandemic."

2. Danielle Elliott’s Personal ADHD Story

Danielle shares her ADHD diagnosis journey, which culminated in February 2022. This revelation was triggered by an intense emotional reaction to a breakup, leading her to explore deeper into her mental health.

[02:35] Danielle Elliott: "I kept thinking about it for another, I guess, two months. I just felt like I had this very strong reaction."

3. The Breakup and Its Impact

The breakup served as a catalyst for Danielle's self-discovery. She describes the relationship as one where both parties were "navigating their way out of it," leading to a visceral reaction that she later identified as linked to ADHD.

[03:33] Danielle Elliott: "I had been looking at other apartments... which is, and I apparently, I know this now... as we drove by it, his thought was like, oh, okay, good."

4. Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) and ADHD

Danielle discusses experiencing rejection sensitivity, a common facet of ADHD, which profoundly affected her emotional response during her breakup. This sensitivity led her to seek an ADHD evaluation.

[03:28] Laura Key: "rejection sensitivity often being a part of adhd."

[14:47] Danielle Elliott: "Sometimes it's an acceptance, but they want to have a conversation... my fear of, like, I don't mind putting things out there, but I don't really want to know how anyone reacts to it."

5. The Role of Travel and Novelty in ADHD

Danielle explains her penchant for travel and constant change, attributing it to her ADHD. Traveling provides the stimulation and novelty that she craves, allowing her to thrive in new environments without the constraints of routine.

[09:09] Laura Key: "Tell me what that feels like. And does it work out the way that you hope it will work out?"

[09:13] Danielle Elliott: "It's like completely new surroundings... a sense of discovery."

6. ADHD and Relationships

Reflecting on her longest relationship, Danielle realizes how ADHD influenced her emotional regulation and interactions. She acknowledges masking behaviors and the challenges of maintaining long-term commitments.

[07:01] Danielle Elliott: "I regulated by completely shutting down. And in this moment, I didn't shut down. I just let it all out."

7. ADHD in the Workplace

As a journalist, Danielle navigates rejection more objectively, understanding that editorial decisions often reflect volume and workload rather than personal shortcomings. However, she still grapples with the fear of potential criticism.

[15:19] Danielle Elliott: "I'm so sure. So that's probably how it shows up. But then it's already out in the world, so I can't do anything about it."

8. The Creation of "Climbing the Walls"

Danielle embarked on creating Climbing the Walls to explore the surge in ADHD diagnoses among women. The podcast aims to provide a nuanced understanding beyond simplistic explanations, incorporating personal stories and expert insights.

[16:49] Danielle Elliott: "It's my attempt to go beyond the headlines and the quick summaries of why so many women are being diagnosed with ADHD now."

9. Key Insights and Learnings from the Podcast

Through the podcast, Danielle discovers the universality of ADHD experiences among women, challenging her perceptions of uniqueness. Conversations with other women revealed shared struggles and triumphs, fostering a sense of community and understanding.

[18:54] Danielle Elliott: "The biggest thing I've learned is that I'm like, this is maybe a strange thing to say, but that I'm not all that unique."

She also highlights the lack of research on how female hormones intersect with ADHD, emphasizing the need for personalized treatments that account for biological differences.

[23:41] Danielle Elliott: "We need treatments that consider female hormones and how those affect... ADHD symptoms."

10. Conclusion

Climbing the Walls serves as a pivotal exploration of ADHD in women, shedding light on overlooked aspects and advocating for comprehensive research and tailored treatments. Danielle Elliott's personal narrative, intertwined with broader discussions, underscores the importance of awareness and understanding in transforming the ADHD landscape for women.

[28:53] Danielle Elliott: "That’s where the name of the show comes from."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Danielle Elliott [02:35]: "I kept thinking about it for another, I guess, two months. I just felt like I had this very strong reaction."
• Laura Key [03:28]: "Rejection sensitivity often being a part of adhd."
• Danielle Elliott [09:13]: "It's like completely new surroundings... a sense of discovery."
• Danielle Elliott [07:01]: "I regulated by completely shutting down. And in this moment, I didn't shut down. I just let it all out."
• Danielle Elliott [18:54]: "The biggest thing I've learned is that I'm like, this is maybe a strange thing to say, but that I'm not all that unique."
• Danielle Elliott [23:41]: "We need treatments that consider female hormones and how those affect... ADHD symptoms."
• Danielle Elliott [28:53]: "That’s where the name of the show comes from."

This episode offers a profound look into the intricacies of ADHD in women's lives, blending personal anecdotes with critical analysis. Danielle Elliott's candid storytelling provides both solace and insight, making Climbing the Walls an essential listen for anyone seeking to understand the female ADHD experience.