Climbing the Walls: Episode Summary – Introducing “Climbing the Walls”

Podcast Information:

• Title: Climbing the Walls
• Host: Danielle Elliott (Understood.org)
• Description: "Climbing the Walls" is an investigative limited-series podcast by Understood.org that delves into the historical underdiagnosis of ADHD in women and examines how the surge in diagnoses post-pandemic is reshaping our understanding of ADHD.

Introduction to Danielle Elliott’s Journey

Danielle Elliott opens the episode by sharing her personal struggle with undiagnosed ADHD. She describes feeling consistently inadequate and unable to maintain relationships or manage everyday tasks effectively.

“For years, I felt like I was falling short. No matter how hard I tried, I struggled to get on top of things, to stay in relationships, to understand how anyone enjoys all the mundane parts of life.” [00:00]

At the age of 36, Danielle received an ADHD diagnosis, which finally provided clarity to her lifelong challenges. This revelation serves as a catalyst for the podcast’s exploration of ADHD in women.

The Gender Gap in ADHD Diagnosis

Danielle highlights a significant statistic to underscore the podcast’s focus:

“61% of women with ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood.” [00:XX]

She emphasizes that ADHD has historically been perceived as a disorder predominantly affecting boys, leading to a substantial underdiagnosis in women. This gender bias has left many women unaware of the underlying reasons for their struggles.

Surge in Diagnoses Post-Pandemic

The episode explores the dramatic increase in ADHD diagnoses among women since the pandemic. Danielle ponders the reasons behind this spike, questioning:

“Why women? Why now?” [00:XX]

She suggests that changing societal dynamics, increased stressors, and greater awareness may contribute to this trend. The pandemic may have amplified ADHD symptoms, making them more noticeable and thus leading to more diagnoses.

TikTok’s Role in Awareness

Danielle discusses the role of social media, particularly TikTok, in raising awareness about ADHD in women. She notes that platforms like TikTok have identified and amplified conversations around ADHD, making it easier for women to recognize and articulate their experiences.

“There were certain things that TikTok figured it out before I did, like the algorithm, heard the conversation and figured out, like, you're a black woman with ADHD.” [00:XX]

This digital shift has empowered women to share their stories, fostering a community that supports and validates their experiences.

Misdiagnosis and Overlapping Mental Health Issues

A critical point addressed in the episode is the common misdiagnosis of ADHD in women. Danielle explains that many women are initially diagnosed with depression or anxiety, with the ADHD component often overlooked.

“We still get misdiagnosed with depression or they see depression, but they don't see the ADHD component to it.” [00:XX]

This misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatments, as the root cause—ADHD—remains unaddressed.

Podcast Mission and Goals

Danielle outlines the mission of "Climbing the Walls," aiming to shed light on the overlooked experiences of women with ADHD. The podcast seeks to:

• Uncover Untold Truths: Delve into the reasons behind the historical neglect of ADHD in women.
• Expert Insights: Feature discussions with mental health professionals and experts in the field.
• Personal Stories: Share narratives from women who have navigated the journey of ADHD diagnosis and management.

“Join me, Danielle Elliott, as I dive into the real reasons why women have been left behind in the ADHD conversation.” [00:XX]

Conclusion and Call to Action

Danielle invites listeners to engage with the podcast to better understand the complexities of ADHD in women. By bringing together expert opinions and personal testimonies, "Climbing the Walls" aims to foster a more inclusive and informed dialogue around ADHD.

“This is Climbing the Walls, a new podcast from understood.org listen now wherever you get your podcasts.” [00:XX]

Key Takeaways:

1. Underdiagnosis of ADHD in Women: Historically, ADHD has been underdiagnosed in women due to gender biases in symptom recognition.
2. Post-Pandemic Surge: The pandemic has led to a noticeable increase in ADHD diagnoses among women, possibly due to heightened stress and greater awareness.
3. Role of Social Media: Platforms like TikTok have played a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering community support for women with ADHD.
4. Misdiagnosis Concerns: Many women with ADHD are initially misdiagnosed with other mental health conditions, delaying appropriate treatment.
5. Podcast Objectives: "Climbing the Walls" aims to explore and illuminate the unique challenges faced by women with ADHD through expert insights and personal stories.

Notable Quotes:

• “For years, I felt like I was falling short...” – Danielle Elliott [00:00]
• “61% of women with ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood.” – Danielle Elliott [00:XX]
• “Why women? Why now?” – Danielle Elliott [00:XX]
• “We still get misdiagnosed with depression or they see depression, but they don't see the ADHD component to it.” – Danielle Elliott [00:XX]
• “Join me, Danielle Elliott, as I dive into the real reasons why women have been left behind in the ADHD conversation.” – Danielle Elliott [00:XX]

Final Thoughts:

"Climbing the Walls" serves as a vital resource for women navigating the complexities of ADHD. By addressing the historical neglect and current advancements in ADHD understanding, the podcast aims to empower women with knowledge and community support, ultimately fostering a more inclusive conversation around mental health and neurodiversity.