You're Wrong About ADHD

Receiving a diagnosis as an adult can often bring up mixed emotions, whether that's grief, relief or even anger. Almost three years on from discovering they have ADHD, Sam and Katie look back on how they felt at the time and they take stock of where they are now.

To learn more and access valuable resources, go to:

www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/resources/

www.adhduk.co.uk/about-adhd/

Get in touch, send you stories and questions to ADHDpodcast@global.com.

Sam and Katie have been asking for your thoughts about whether you should tell people you have ADHD. It's a question that lots of ADHD'ers grapple with - especially when it comes to telling family members or colleagues at work. Sam and Katie share your stories in this special edition of You're Wrong About ADHD.

Thanks to everyone who got in touch - we love hearing from you. Send your stories and questions to ADHDpodcast@global.com

To learn more and access valuable resources, visit ADHD UK and The ADHD Foundation's websites.

www.adhduk.co.uk/about-adhd/

www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/resources

Get ready... this is BIG. NHS England has announced it’s launching an ADHD task force, with Henry on board! This has potential to initiate a massive change and significantly improve the care and treatment for people with ADHD.

Henry joins Sam and Katie just hours after speaking to NHS England to share the news. They discuss the announcement and details of what it really means.

Check out NHS England’s website for more: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2024/03/nhs-to-launch-cross-sector-adhd-taskforce-to-boost-care-for-patients-in-england/

To learn more and access valuable resources, go to www.adhduk.co.uk/about-adhd/

Get in touch, send your questions and stories to ADHDpodcast@global.com

Forgetting to eat, only eating certain foods and binge eating can be common issues for people with ADHD. This week Sam and Katie are joined by Aleta Storch, dietitian and founder of Wise Heart Nutrition to discuss the ways ADHD affects eating habits and how to improve these habits and make healthier food choices.

You can find out more about Aleta and Wise Heart Nutrition on her website: www.wiseheartnutrition.com/links

This episode contains sensitive topic discussions including eating disorders. If you've been affected by anything in this episode, contact Beat on: 0808 801 0677 or their website: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

The stereotypical image of ADHD is a naughty school boy who can't focus and disrupts the class. But women, girls and non-binary people can have ADHD too - and many go without a diagnosis because they don't fit this stereotype. This week Sam and Katie are joined by Pippa Simou, founder of The ADD-vantage, a support service hub for girls and women with ADHD. Pippa tells them how ADHD can look different in women and why it's important to recognise that it affects different people in different ways.

You can find out more about Pippa and The ADD-vantage on her website: www.theadd-vantage.co.uk

Get in touch, send your questions and stories to ADHDpodcast@global.com

Sam and Katie have always hated the idea of exercise. Let’s be honest, it can feel like such a chore despite the obvious benefits. Not only does it give you energy and keep you healthy but it can also help manage ADHD symptoms. So they’ve enlisted the expertise of Amie Barlow, an ADHD Functional Fitness coach to help shift their mindset around exercise. Amie shares some practical tips on how to get started and make it work for you.

You can find out more about Amie here: https://linktr.ee/Amiebfit_

Get in touch, send your questions and stories to ADHDpodcast@global.com

This episode is not a substitute for professional guidance or advice on managing ADHD without medication. Please contact your GP for personalised support and assistance.

Following last week’s episode on ADHD medication, Katie wants to find out more about how Sam – and others - manage their symptoms without drugs. They’re joined by Joseph Pack, founder of Drug Free ADHD, who manages his ADHD without medication. Joseph shares some of the practical strategies he uses, from cold showers and exercise to breathing techniques and ADHD-friendly meditation.

You can find out more about Joseph and Drug Free ADHD here: https://linktr.ee/josephpack

Get in touch, send your questions and stories to ADHDpodcast@global.com

This episode is not a substitute for professional guidance or advice on ADHD medication. Please contact your GP for personalised support and assistance.

Katie is on ADHD medication, Sam isn't. This week, they look at how ADHD medication works. Katie describes how it feels to take the medication: the highs, the lows and the side effects. Plus Dr Max Davie, consultant paediatrician and co-founder of ADHD UK joins them to answer their questions and fears around taking stimulant medication.

For more information about ADHD medication, go to the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/treatment

ADHD UK and The ADHD Foundation also have help and resources on their websites: www.adhduk.co.uk/videos/ and www.adhdfoundation.org.uk

Get in touch, send your questions and stories to ADHDpodcast@global.com

Parenting isn't always easy. It's full of rewarding moments but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Add ADHD into the mix and things can get even harder. So, how can you make it work when one or more family members are neurodiverse?

Educational and child psychologist, Dr Joanne Riordan is back to share some tips and strategies to help parents with ADHD create a supportive environment for their whole family.

Dr Joanne has created the Differently Parenting Programme, for parents and carers of neurodivergent children (including ADHD). To join her, book at https://www.drjoanne.co.uk/events

Find out more on Dr Joanne's website: www.DrJoanne.co.uk and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DrJoanneRiordan.

Get in touch, send your questions and stories to ADHDpodcast@global.com

Emotional dysregulation is an issue that has affected Sam throughout his life. It's what led him to get his ADHD diagnosis - and he's not alone. Many adults with ADHD find it difficult to regulate and manage their emotions. Life can feel really intense and at times, overwhelming. It can affect relationships, work and daily life. So, why is emotional dysregulation so common in ADHD?

Dr Tony Lloyd from The ADHD Foundation is back to explain how ADHD affects emotions and he shares strategies to help.

For more information, go to The ADHD Foundation's website: www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/resources

Get in touch by sending your questions and stories to ADHDpodcast@global.com

Around three years ago, Katie’s life fell apart. She couldn’t focus on daily tasks, struggled to sleep and became angry and impatient. Worst of all, she started forgetting everything. After visiting her GP, Katie learned her ADHD symptoms had got significantly worse because she had entered the perimenopause. And she’s not alone. 

94% of women with ADHD said they experienced more severe ADHD symptoms during perimenopause and menopause according to a survey by ADDitude. Many women find the treatments that have worked for them in the past, suddenly don’t. They struggle to cope and hit crisis point.

Dr Louise Newson is a GP and menopause specialist who founded Newson Health. She joins Sam and Katie to explain how the menopause can affect women with ADHD and sets out the different treatment options available.

For more information, check out Newson Health's website: www.newsonhealth.co.uk/wellbeing-centre/

You can find Newson Health's fantastic booklet on ADHD and the perimenopause and menopause here: www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/adhd-and-the-perimenopause-and-menopause-booklet/

Earlier in series 1, Sam and Katie spoke to neurodiversity specialist couples therapist Karen Doherty about how ADHD has impacted their relationships. The conversation gave them a lot to think about. So, they’ve invited Karen back to answer more of their questions. Plus she shares practical tips that couples can use to help improve their relationships.

Find out more on Karen's website: karendohertycoaching.co.uk

Get in touch, send your questions and stories to ADHDpodcast@global.com

This week Sam and Katie are joined by Capital FM and Capital Dance presenter Meg McHugh who only discovered she had ADHD when she was in her twenties. Meg tells them about the struggles she faced before she received her diagnosis and how her life has changed since. After her diagnosis, Meg set up a TikTok account where she shares her story of living with ADHD and gives tips on managing it. Follow her account: @immegmhugh for more.

Get in touch, send your stories and questions to ADHDpodcast@global.com

Living with ADHD can be difficult as the symptoms make everyday activities more of a challenge. It can be hard to stay organised, meet deadlines and keep up with work, family and friends. Fortunately, there are lots of strategies available to help manage these challenges. Sam and Katie share the coping strategies they use, from writing lists and setting alarms to regular exercise and establishing a consistent routine.

Get in touch, send your stories and questions to ADHDpodcast@global.com

ADHD can make it difficult for you to get motivated when it comes to tasks or activities you don't like. To be honest, sometimes it's hard to motivate yourself to do things you do like. You just can't make yourself start, however hard you try. It's something Sam and Katie both really struggle with. So, why is it so hard to do things that should be easy?

Dr Tony Lloyd from The ADHD Foundation is back to answer Sam and Katie's questions. He explains how ADHD can cause a lack of motivation and provides practical tips on how to get tasks done.

For more information, go to The ADHD Foundation's website: www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/resources

Get in touch by sending your questions and stories to ADHDpodcast@global.com

We're taking a short break over Christmas to rest and recharge! So, take a breather, enjoy Christmas and we’ll be back on 8th January 2024 with a brand-new episode on motivation. Dr Tony Lloyd from The ADHD Foundation is back to tell us why motivation is one of the biggest challenges for people with ADHD and we’ll share some of the strategies we use to help us get stuff done. 

If you are feeling the pressure over the Christmas period, please be kind to yourself and do take a break. The ADHD Foundation and ADHD UK have resources, help and support on their websites for anyone who is struggling.

For more information go to: www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/resources or www.adhduk.co.uk

Don’t forget, you can listen to all episodes of You're Wrong About ADHD on Global Player. Download it from the App Store or go to globalplayer.com.

Thank you so much for listening! We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Christmas can be really stressful. There are so many different things to think about, so many gifts to organise, food to buy and so little time to get everything sorted. Add ADHD into the mix and it becomes even harder. By Christmas day, you can end up feeling totally exhausted. But there are ways to make things easier and more enjoyable. Henry Shelford from ADHD UK joins Sam and Katie to answer your questions on Christmas. They share their top tips and strategies, so you can enjoy the festive period without feeling like it's all too much.

For more information and resources, go to ADHD UK's website: www.adhduk.co.uk

Get in touch by sending your questions and stories to ADHDpodcast@global.com

Music can have a profound effect on people with ADHD. It can provide a calming influence, help you to concentrate and reduce hyperactivity. It can also be very distracting. Music plays a significant role in Sam and Katie's lives and they believe that ADHD has shaped their experience of it. They discuss how music benefits them and the moments when they need total silence.

Joining them is Tristan Hunt, a Music Industry ADHD Coach, to explore the relationship between music and ADHD and discuss why people with ADHD are often drawn to creative jobs.

To learn more about Tristan, visit his website: www.tristanhunt.co.uk, and check out his Instagram at www.instagram.com/tristanhuntuk.

Get in touch, send your stories and questions to ADHDpodcast@global.com

The ADHD medication shortage is making things complicated for lots of people right now. But in an ideal world, Katie sees ADHD as her superpower. Since being diagnosed, she's come to see all the things she loves about ADHD and the advantages it brings. Sam totally disagrees. He's fed up of people calling ADHD a superpower because he thinks it creates unrealistic expectations and doesn't match his experience with ADHD.

Can Katie persuade Sam that ADHD is a superpower? Will Sam change her mind? Or can they at least find some middle ground...

Get in touch, share your questions and stories at ADHDpodcast@global.com

Katie has suddenly been unable to get hold of the medication she takes to help manage her ADHD. She only has five tablets left and has no idea when she'll be able to get her next prescription - and she's not alone. ADHD patients around the UK are struggling to get hold of their medication due to a national shortage. According to ADHD UK, 97% of people have been impacted by the ADHD medication supply issue which is expected to last until next April. In this emergency episode, Katie tells Sam how the shortage will affect her.

If you or someone you know has been affected by anything you hear in this episode, please contact your GP or contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or www.samaritans.org

NHS advice below:

If you are struggling to get your ADHD medication, the first step is to try other pharmacies, as another one may have it in stock. You can use the find a pharmacy page on the NHS website, www.nhs.uk. Your local pharmacy may also help you to find a supply, and you can ask for your prescription to be made available to other pharmacies.

If you are still unable to get your prescription, please contact your GP or ADHD service for advice. Do not try to substitute other medications yourself as this may be dangerous.

Like many children with undiagnosed ADHD, Sam struggled a lot at school. He was always getting told off for being "loud, silly" and "horribly irritable". Since getting his ADHD diagnosis, Sam has finally been able to make sense of his school days. He's dug out his Year 7 school report to show Katie - and it's made her think about her own school experience.

Plus Sam and Katie speak to educational psychologist, Dr Joanne Riordan about how best to support students with ADHD in school.

Find out more on Joanne's website: www.DrJoanne.co.uk and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DrJoanneRiordan.

Email enquiries@drjoanne.co.uk for more information on training for families, schools, and other professionals.

Get in touch, send your questions and stories to ADHDpodcast@global.com

Katie has always struggled to remember things. It affects every aspect of her daily life. A few years ago, her memory got bad she thought she might have dementia. It was only after getting her ADHD diagnosis that the pieces fell into place. It turns out, ADHD can significantly impact both working and long-term memory.

Sam's experience is very different. He's never had a problem with his memory. In fact, he’s always been hyper-organised. He believes it's one of the reasons why he wasn't diagnosed with ADHD sooner. So, how does ADHD affect memory? And why is it not the same for everyone?

Dr Tony Lloyd from The ADHD Foundation is back to explain the link between ADHD and memory. He shares strategies for improving memory and managing forgetfulness.

Find out more on The ADHD Foundation's website: www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/resources

Get in touch by sending your questions and stories to ADHDpodcast@global.com

ADHD can have a massive impact on your closest relationships. If you're the person with ADHD, you can feel like you're being constantly criticised, nagged or micromanaged. If you're in a relationship with someone with ADHD, you can feel lonely, unheard or resentful.

Karen Doherty is a couples therapist and coach who specialises in couples impacted by neurodiversity. She joins Sam and Katie to discuss how ADHD affects relationships and offers practical advice on overcoming the challenges. Find out more on Karen's website: karendohertycoaching.co.uk

Get in touch, send your questions and stories to ADHDpodcast@global.com

This episode contains sensitive topic discussions including suicide. If you or someone you know has been affected by anything you hear in this episode please contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or  https://www.samaritans.org/ 

Whatever you do, please don’t skip this episode. We know it’s longer than our other episodes and that can be really off-putting, especially if you have ADHD. But trust us, it’s well worth your time. 

Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be a long and confusing process that leaves you feeling lost, unsure of where to turn and the choices you have. In this episode Sam and Katie open up about their experiences of getting a diagnosis. Plus, Henry Shelford from ADHD UK joins them for a very honest conversation about the challenges surrounding ADHD diagnosis and how to cope when you're waiting for answers.

To learn more and access valuable resources, go to www.adhduk.co.uk/about-adhd/

For more information about the ADHD diagnostic process, go to www.adhduk.co.uk/diagnosis-pathways/

It’s thought that 1 in 20 of us has ADHD. But how much do we really know about it? In this episode Dr Tony Lloyd from the ADHD Foundation joins Sam and Katie to answer some essential questions. 

How does ADHD impact the brain? Why do people with ADHD react differently to others? And what are the different types of ADHD? Tony tells Sam and Katie everything they need to know and debunks common myths and misconceptions.

To learn more and access valuable resources, go to www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/resources/

Welcome to the first episode of You’re Wrong About ADHD. There’s a lot more to ADHD than the clips you see on social media. It affects people in so many different ways and it’s fair to say, Sam and Katie feel very differently about having it. In this episode they talk about their lives before being diagnosed with ADHD, how they came to terms with the diagnosis and share the challenges, frustrations and positives of living as adults with ADHD.

Classic FM presenters Sam Pittis and Katie Breathwick have been friends for more than twenty years. Around two years ago, their lives took a surprising turn - they both discovered they have ADHD. Katie thinks it's a superpower, Sam thinks it's a pain in the backside.

Join them every week as they explore what it's really like to live with ADHD, the highs and the lows and they’ll share tips and strategies on how they manage it. Across the series, they’ll also be speaking to expert guests to help bust some of the myths and misconceptions.

Episode 1 is available from Monday 6th November. If your podcast app of choice allows, follow or subscribe to never miss an episode!