Getting an ADHD diagnosis isn’t always a straightforward path, and for many, it can feel confusing, overwhelming, or simply out of reach.
In this week's episode of The ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Podcast, I’m joined by Vicki George, specialist nurse and founder of The ADHD Nurse, who’s working to make ADHD assessments more accessible, inclusive and compassionate, especially for women and adolescents.
This is a practical, myth‑busting and empowering episode for anyone who feels stuck or confused by the ADHD assessment process, is unsure who can assess them or whether their past diagnosis was thorough enough, feels uncomfortable being asked to involve family, is exploring non‑medication approaches, or is navigating perimenopause and wondering how hormonal changes affect ADHD and treatment.
Click here to book your ticket for a full day of community, connection, awareness and growth.
Key Takeaways:
- Why psychiatrists aren't the only professionals who can assess and diagnose ADHD
- What it means to be an “appropriately trained” ADHD assessor under NICE guidelines
- Why the current system can feel inconsistent or subjective
- The need for neurodevelopmental assessments, not just standalone ADHD or autism
- How ADHD assessments should ideally be carried out using tools like the DIVA
- Why family input is requested in assessments, despite sometimes complicating the process
- A deeper look at the role of hormones in ADHD, especially for women in midlife
- Clarifying the confusion around medication and how it needs to consider hormonal shifts
- Exploring non-medication pathways (e.g. nutrition, mindfulness, exercise, nervous system support)
- How stigma and misunderstanding still shape people’s experience of diagnosis and treatment
Timestamps:
- 04:30 - Navigating ADHD Assessments: Evolving Perspectives
- 17:56 - Understanding ADHD Diagnosis and Stigma
- 22:54 - Navigating ADHD Diagnosis and Advocacy
- 25:29 - Exploring Hormonal Interventions for ADHD in Women
- 36:56 - The Beginning of a New Understanding
Today's episode sponsors: The ADHD Weasel
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