Climbing the Walls: Episode 1 – "I Didn’t Want to Have ADHD"

Introduction to the Rising ADHD Diagnoses in Women

In the premiere episode of Climbing the Walls, hosted by Danielle Elliott from Understood.org, the spotlight is cast on a significant and timely issue: the dramatic increase in ADHD diagnoses among adult women since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Elliott sets the stage by recounting a personal anecdote that underscores the pervasive nature of distraction in the digital age.

Danielle Elliott [00:00]: "I've never been all that good at listening to instructions... I usually scroll Instagram until we lose service."

This initial story not only humanizes the discussion but also segues into the broader investigation of why ADHD diagnoses in women have surged and how this shift is reshaping our understanding of the condition.

Danielle Elliott’s Journey to Diagnosis

Elliott delves into her personal experience, beginning in early 2024 when she starts receiving mysterious Instagram messages that pique her curiosity. Amidst her work on a film about affirmative action, these messages lead Elliott to question her own cognitive patterns.

Brooke Schnitman [00:57]: "Adult women are being diagnosed with ADHD at a record pace. In just two years, diagnosis rate has nearly doubled."

This revelation leads Elliott to explore the factors driving this increase. She introduces Brooke Schnitman, an ADHD and executive function coach, who suggests that the pandemic provided people with the downtime necessary for self-reflection, thereby increasing mental health awareness and diagnoses.

Brooke Schnitman [01:30]: "Diagnosis in ADHD is going up. People are understanding more about themselves since the pandemic."

Elliott's narrative takes a poignant turn as she recounts a tumultuous breakup that left her grappling with intense emotions. This emotional upheaval propels her to research Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), a condition closely linked to ADHD, which ultimately leads her to question whether she might have ADHD herself.

Danielle Elliott [05:41]: "Rejection sensitivity is part of ADHD."

Understanding ADHD in Women: Historical Context

The podcast delves into the historical underdiagnosis of ADHD in women. Elliott explains that traditional diagnostic criteria were primarily based on male presentations of ADHD, characterized by hyperactivity, which is less prevalent in females. This oversight led to many women being undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for decades.

Expert [07:05]: "It's often harder when it's more the attentional, right?"

Elliott shares her own diagnostic journey, highlighting the complexities and emotional toll of seeking a diagnosis. She emphasizes that ADHD is a spectrum, encompassing not just attentional issues but also emotional regulation, organization, and sustaining interests.

Danielle Elliott [10:25]: "I learned that it was so much more than what I had thought it was... It's also about emotional regulation and scheduling and your ability to stay organized and sustain interests."

Interview with Emily Mitchell: A Case Study

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the interview with Emily Mitchell, a graphic designer from Traverse City, Michigan, who provides a personal account of living with ADHD. Emily recounts her early experiences with hyperactivity and the initial prescription of Ritalin during her childhood, which helped her manage her symptoms.

Emily Mitchell [16:04]: "She tried things that would help me not conform, but to participate in the structure of the day."

Despite early intervention, Emily's ADHD was misinterpreted as she grew older, particularly when societal expectations for adult women are stricter regarding organization and emotional control. Her struggles in her professional life, particularly in a high-stakes creative environment, highlight the ongoing challenges faced by adult women with ADHD.

Emily Mitchell [21:09]: "I was suffering at work also... So I started wondering."

Emily’s story underscores the often-overlooked emotional aspects of ADHD in women, such as Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, and the societal pressures that exacerbate these challenges.

Sari Solden’s Contributions

The episode also highlights the pivotal role of Sari Solden, a trailblazing author and psychologist who has significantly contributed to the understanding of ADHD in women. Solden’s work, particularly her book Women with ADHD, provided Emily with crucial insights into the emotional dimensions of the disorder, helping her piece together her experiences.

Sari Solden [28:10]: "You don't usually get to be there at the birth of a whole new way of looking at human beings."

Solden’s pioneering efforts challenged the existing narratives and opened doors for a more nuanced understanding of ADHD, particularly as it pertains to women.

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

Danielle Elliott wraps up the episode by reflecting on the complexities surrounding ADHD diagnoses in women. She acknowledges the strides made in recent years but also points out the lingering misconceptions and the need for continued research and awareness.

Danielle Elliott [28:26]: "That's next time on Climbing the Walls."

The episode concludes with credits, highlighting the dedicated team behind the podcast and encouraging listeners to support Understood.org's mission to empower individuals with learning and thinking differences.

Key Takeaways:

• The pandemic has been a catalyst for increased ADHD diagnoses in adult women.
• Historical biases in ADHD diagnosis have led to underrecognition in women.
• ADHD in women encompasses more than just attention deficits; it includes emotional regulation and organizational challenges.
• Personal narratives, like that of Emily Mitchell, illustrate the diverse experiences of women with ADHD.
• Pioneers like Sari Solden have been instrumental in broadening the understanding of ADHD in women.

This in-depth exploration sets the foundation for subsequent episodes, promising to delve deeper into the scientific, social, and personal dimensions of ADHD in women.