ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects up to 4% of the adult population although it is under-recognised and under-diagnosed in women and girls. 

In this episode we are joined by Dr Shevonne Matheiken, who shares her own lived and learned experience of ADHD and parenthood. We discuss the medical and social models of ADHD, the different ways that it can manifest, the challenges that can arise during major life transitions such as pregnancy and parenthood, and the implications for perinatal mental health. 

Resources and references for this episode:

• Adult ADHD: time for a rethink? - Matheiken et al 2024
• ADHD & autism: before, during, and after pregnancy - Tommy’s Pregnancy Hub
• Females with ADHD: an expert consensus statement - Young et al 2020
• Obstetric complications in mothers with ADHD - Walsh et al 2022
• ADHD medication use trajectories among women in the perinatal period - Bang Madsen et al 2024
• In utero exposure to ADHD medication and long-term offspring outcomes - Bang Madsen et al 2023

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health difficulties, there is lots of help available. You can contact your primary care provider in the first instance, or if you are based in the UK the NHS perinatal mental health website will help you to find support in your local area.