If you have suffered from ongoing pain, hormonal issues, fatigue or immune system challenges for most of your life alongside your long undiagnosed ADHD, today's FASCINATING episode is a MUST listen with leading Consultant Psychiatrist Dr James Kustow.

Kate and Dr. James Kustow, highly regarded expert in adult ADHD, explore the fascinating connection between ADHD, hypermobility, and many different physical health conditions.

Dr. Kustow sheds light on how ADHD is more than a neurodevelopmental condition, often accompanied by physical symptoms like chronic pain and immune dysfunction.

Dr Kustow is also a member of UKAAN's Executive Board (UKAAN is the main professional organisation for Adult ADHD in the UK). He is UKAAN’s Director of Education and was instrumental in developing the national training programme for psychiatrists.

He is the author of a new bestselling book on adult ADHD, ‘How to Thrive with Adult ADHD – 7 Pillars for Focus, productivity and Balance’, published by Penguin in October 2024.

He is a recognised national and international speaker on adult ADHD, and the winner of the ‘Genius Award’ at the 2021 Celebrating Neurodiversity Awards (run by the social enterprise group, Genius Within) for the ground-breaking ‘Lifeskills’ adult ADHD group programme he established in the NHS about 5 years ago.

During this ground-breaking episode, Dr. Kustow introduces us to his innovative approach to mental health care, which integrates traditional psychiatric methods with body-oriented therapies. He underscores the importance of treating the brain and the entire body, advocating for lifestyle changes encompassing nutrition, exercise, and emotional regulation techniques. By drawing attention to the role of inflammation and the autonomic nervous system in mental health, he challenges conventional notions about ADHD, urging a more inclusive understanding that recognises the complexity of these disorders.

What You’ll Learn:

✨ The link between ADHD and hypermobility affects nearly 50% of individuals with ADHD and often manifests as a cluster of symptoms.

✨ How hormonal fluctuations and misdiagnoses uniquely impact women with ADHD

✨ Chronic inflammation may play a significant role in ADHD and related conditions

✨ Why a holistic approach, including lifestyle changes and self-care, is vital for managing symptoms

✨ Insights from Dr. Kustow’s 3S model, which connects physical and mental health for better well-being

Timestamps:

• 13:10 - Exploring the connection between ADHD and physical health
• 18:12 - Understanding dysautonomia and mental health
• 25:18 - Understanding ADHD: A new perspective on diagnosis and hormonal influence
• 34:54 - Understanding the 3S model: The somatic super syndrome
• 52:21 - The crisis of medical understanding
• 54:33 - The intersection of mind and body in healthcare

Find out more about Dr James Kustow and his work via Instagram, @thegrovepracticeempowered or his website, www.thegrovepractice.com

Have a look at some of Kate's workshops and free resources here: https://www.adhdwomenswellbeing.co.uk

Kate Moryoussef is a women’s ADHD Lifestyle and wellbeing coach and EFT practitioner who helps overwhelmed and unfulfilled newly diagnosed ADHD women find more calm, balance, hope, health, compassion, creativity, and clarity.

This special Ask the Psych episode of The ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Podcast dives into how hormonal changes – particularly during puberty – impact ADHD symptoms in girls and young women.

You’ll discover how estrogen and progesterone fluctuations impact mood, focus and behaviour, and gain practical advice to help manage critical transitions, such as the move to secondary school and beyond.

You’ll learn…

✨ How hormonal changes during puberty exacerbate ADHD symptoms.

✨ How tracking your menstrual cycle helps tailor ADHD treatment plans.

✨ The importance of nurturing school environments for girls with ADHD.

✨ Hormonal treatments and their role in managing ADHD.

✨ Practical strategies to build resilience during life transitions.

Takeaways:

• Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty and perimenopause, significantly impact ADHD symptoms in women.
• Understanding the relationship between estrogen and dopamine is crucial for managing ADHD effectively.
• Individual experiences with hormonal treatments, such as the Mirena coil, can vary greatly among women.
• Tracking menstrual cycles and ADHD symptoms can lead to better management strategies and treatment adjustments.
• Early puberty appears to affect girls' brain development and mental health, necessitating careful observation.
• Contraceptive decisions should be made with an understanding of their potential effects on ADHD symptoms.

Timestamps

• 08.19 Understanding hormonal influence on ADHD symptoms
• 13.13 - Understanding ADHD Beyond Stereotypes
• 21.05 - Navigating ADHD in Academic Settings
• 23.34 -The importance of addressing childhood adversity

Whether you’re a parent, educator or someone navigating ADHD during life’s big transitions, the practical advice in this episode will help you manage ADHD throughout your cycle.

Click here to find out more about Reclaim Your Calm

Reclaim your Calm is a two-part on-demand workshop introducing the power of EFT tapping to help you break free from emotional overwhelm, calm your ADHD mind, and reclaim your peace – any time, anywhere.

Have a look at some of Kate's workshops and free resources here: https://www.adhdwomenswellbeing.co.uk

Kate Moryoussef is a women’s ADHD Lifestyle and wellbeing coach and EFT practitioner who helps overwhelmed and unfulfilled newly diagnosed ADHD women find more calm, balance, hope, health, compassion, creativity, and clarity.

Follow the podcast on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/adhd_womenswellbeing_pod/

Follow Kate on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kate_moryoussef/

Find Kate's resources on ADDitude magazine here: https://www.additudemag.com/?s=kate+moryoussef

This special Ask the Psych episode of The ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Podcast with Dr Asad Raffi, explores the brain health and unique hormonal challenges women face with ADHD – particularly during perimenopause and menopause.

We discuss how undiagnosed ADHD can lead to years of frustration and overwhelm that’s often compounded by societal pressures and a lack of awareness in healthcare.

In today's episode, you’ll learn…

✨ How hormonal changes during menopause intensify ADHD symptoms.

✨ The impact of going through life with undiagnosed ADHD.

✨ Using sleep, nutrition and exercise to manage ADHD holistically.

✨ How self-awareness can help you navigate ADHD more effectively.

✨ The importance of tailored strategies – not just medication – to manage ADHD.

Takeaways:

• ADHD management requires a holistic approach that includes lifestyle changes, medication, and self-awareness.
• Understanding the impact of sleep quality is crucial for those diagnosed with ADHD.
• Many women discover their ADHD late in life, often after decades of misdiagnosis.
• Lifestyle factors such as nutrition, exercise, and sleep can significantly influence ADHD symptoms.
• Self-esteem and confidence issues are common among those with ADHD due to societal pressures and criticisms.
• It is essential to seek credible information and expert advice when managing ADHD.

Timestamps

• 02:01 - Navigating ADHD Awareness and Menopause
• 10:46 - Understanding ADHD: A Holistic Approach
• 13:06 - Using lifestyle changes to manage ADHD
• 18:00 - Navigating ADHD and Self-Esteem
• 21:24 - Potential for Misdiagnosis

Kate's 'RECLAIM YOUR CALM WORKSHOP'

A two-part on-demand workshop introducing the power of EFT tapping to help you break free from emotional overwhelm, calm your ADHD mind, and reclaim your peace – any time, anywhere. Click HERE for more information.

Have a look at some of Kate's workshops and free resources here: https://www.adhdwomenswellbeing.co.uk

Kate Moryoussef is a women’s ADHD Lifestyle and wellbeing coach and EFT practitioner who helps overwhelmed and unfulfilled newly diagnosed ADHD women find more calm, balance, hope, health, compassion, creativity, and clarity.

Connect with Dr Asad Rafi here: https://www.sanctumhealthcare.co.uk/

Follow the podcast on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/adhd_womenswellbeing_pod/

Follow Kate on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kate_moryoussef/

Find Kate's resources on ADDitude magazine here: https://www.additudemag.com/?s=kate+moryoussef