Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces SuperPsyched and highlights that women have ADHD yet up to 75% may be undiagnosed, then interviews psychologist Dr. Michelle Frank, co-author of A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD. They discuss why girls and women are often overlooked, the relief and grief that can accompany later-in-life diagnosis, and how medication should feel supportive rather than numbing or euphoric amid stigma. Frank describes how ADHD can be misattributed to character, the need to rule out or address co-occurring issues (depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, sleep disorders, head injury), and women-specific considerations including PMDD, postpartum risk, and hormonal impacts across the menstrual cycle and menopause. Frank shares her own late-recognized ADHD experiences, masking and imposter syndrome, and notes children with ADHD may receive 20,000 more negative comments by age 10. They outline multimodal supports for a teen diagnosis (curious adults, accommodations, coaching, therapy, family validation), emphasize avoiding shame spirals when symptoms recur, and recommend learning about ADHD, connecting with community, self-compassion, and taking small risks toward vulnerability.
00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched
00:28 Women and Undiagnosed ADHD
01:09 Meet Michelle Frank
04:21 Late Diagnosis Relief and Grief
07:40 Medication That Fits
08:27 Stigma and Self Blame
11:16 Ruling Out Lookalikes
12:47 Hormones PMDD and Menopause
16:51 Michelles ADHD Journey
22:59 Imposter Syndrome and Masking
27:24 Negativity Bias and Shame
29:05 Susie Treatment Roadmap
34:47 Practical Tips and Connection
36:41 Final Insight Vulnerability
38:13 Closing and Share
Helpful Links:
Michelle Frank, PhD
Michelle Frank, PhD LinkedIn
A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD Book
