ADHD Meltdown: The Spiral When Mom and Child Have ADHD | Psychiatrist's Advice

Research indicates that discontinuing ADHD medication during pregnancy can be more harmful than continuing treatment. Untreated ADHD in mothers can lead to significant challenges, including mood swings, anxiety, and difficulties in caring for both themselves and their newborns. Experts emphasize the importance of consulting healthcare providers before making any changes to medication, as studies show that many women can safely continue their ADHD treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding without adverse effects on their babies.

The postpartum period presents unique challenges for mothers with ADHD, often exacerbated by hormonal changes and sleep deprivation. Experts note that the executive function load of motherhood can feel overwhelming, especially when managing ADHD symptoms alongside parenting an ADHD child. Strategies for coping include simplifying daily routines, preparing in advance, and seeking support from partners and family members. The conversation highlights the need for mothers to prioritize self-care and recognize that their struggles are valid and shared by many.

Additionally, the discussion touches on the emotional complexities of parenting with ADHD, including feelings of shame and guilt. Experts encourage mothers to reframe their experiences, acknowledging that tough moments do not define their worth as parents. They stress the importance of open communication, both with themselves and their families, to foster a supportive environment that allows for growth and understanding. Ultimately, the conversation aims to empower mothers to embrace their unique challenges and seek the support they need.

An ADHD meltdown can leave moms feeling ashamed, especially when they’re navigating postpartum changes or supporting a child with ADHD. In Episode 5 of the ADHD in Women series, Dr. Jolene Brighten and two guests discuss pregnancy and postpartum medication conversations, executive function, the mental load of motherhood, and practical ways to support ADHD families; view the show notes at DrBrighten.com: https://drbrighten.com/podcast/adhd-and-motherhood/

Episodes 1–4 of the ADHD in Women series

Episode 1: ADHD in Women Symptoms: Why Success Can Hide the Signs

Episode 2: ADHD and Hormones in Women: Why Symptoms Change Across Your Cycle and in Perimenopause

Episode 3: Psychiatrists Warning: ADHD Relationships, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, and Building a Life That Works

Episode 4: ADHD Medication and Your Period: What Women Need to Know About Treatment, PMDD, and Changing Symptoms

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In this episode, you’ll hear about:

Questions to bring to your clinician about ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How postpartum changes, sleep disruption, and caring for a newborn can affect daily functioning.

Why motherhood can place a heavy executive-function load on an ADHD brain.

Ways to reduce that load, including simplifying routines, using visual cues, sharing tasks, and easing up on unnecessary standards.

Supporting a child with ADHD through co-regulation, mirroring, and repairing after a parent loses their temper.

Making school mornings more manageable when several family members have ADHD.

🎙️ Meet the guests

Dr. Agnes Kwon Simone — Board-certified psychiatrist with general psychiatry and women’s midlife health practices. Website: https://www.simonepsych.com/

Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart — Pediatric psychologist, board-certified in clinical child and adolescent psychology. Website: https://drannlouiselockhart.com/ | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.annlouise.lockhart/

👩‍⚕️ Your host

Dr. Jolene Brighten is a naturopathic physician board-certified in naturopathic endocrinology, a nutrition scientist, and the author of ADHD and Women.

📚 ADHD and Women: https://drbrighten.com/adhdandwomen

🌐 Website: https://drbrighten.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrJoleneBrighten

🎧 The Dr. Brighten Show: https://drbrighten.com/podcast/

📚 Resources mentioned

💊 MotherToBaby fact sheets: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/

🧠 MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health: https://womensmentalhealth.org/

⚠️ Medical note: This episode is for educational purposes and is not individuali