82. ADHD or PTSD? Why So Many Women Are Misdiagnosed with Amanda Moses

ADHD Mums

Too many women walk into a psych’s office knowing something’s not right—and walk out with a label that only tells half the story. ADHD or PTSD? Or both?

In this episode, Jane chats with senior psychologist, educator, and PhD candidate Amanda Moses, whose work centres on complex, highly masked neurodivergent presentations. Together, they tackle one of the most misunderstood clinical issues facing ADHD women: misdiagnosis, trauma-blaming, and the dangerous trend of withholding treatment.

If you’ve ever been told to 'treat the trauma first' or felt like your neurodivergence was being ignored because of your childhood history, this one’s for you.

💡 What We Cover:

• Why ADHD and PTSD are so often confused—by professionals
• What the research actually says about overlap (not what google says)
• How to tell the difference between dissociation and ADHD brain fog
• The myth that trauma must be ruled out before ADHD can be diagnosed
• RSD vs trauma responses—how to tell what’s what
• What actually is trauma-informed ADHD care?
• What treatment looks like if you have both (and how to advocate for it)
• Questions you should be asking your health professional.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• 🔍 Guest: Amanda Moses Psychology
• 📸 Instagram: @amandamosespsychology
• Products:
• Misdiagnosis Series
• ADHD Strategies
• 📚 Referenced research:
• DSM-5 diagnostic guidelines
• Ari Tuckman on ADHD & executive function
• Alison Daminger on cognitive labour
• 🎧 Related episodes:
• (Spotify) Ep 20 – The Worst Assessment Process Ever

🎧 Listen Now

If you’ve ever walked out of an appointment more confused than when you went in—or been told your ADHD symptoms are ‘just trauma’—please don’t miss this one. Share it with your GP, your psych, your burnt-out mate who’s still waiting for a clear answer.

#ADHDMumsPodcast #ADHDWomen #PTSDvsADHD #Misdiagnosis #NeurodivergentWomen #RSD #TraumaInformedCare #ExecutiveFunction #ADHDandTrauma #RejectionSensitivity #NeurodiversityAffirming

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!

FOLLOW FOR MORE:

Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube

LEAVE A REVIEW:

Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.

COLLABS:

For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at [email protected].

MORE RESOURCES:

Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

ADHD and trauma, PTSD vs ADHD, ADHD misdiagnosis, ADHD and PTSD overlap, rejection sensitivity dysphoria, RSD vs trauma, trauma-informed ADHD care, dissociation vs brain fog, ADHD and executive function, ADHD diagnosis with trauma, ADHD in women, ADHD masking, ADHD and childhood trauma, complex trauma and ADHD, trauma-blaming in diagnosis, ADHD and emotional regulation, ADHD late diagnosis, ADHD medication and trauma, trauma-aware psychologists, ADHD mums podcast, ADHD support for women, ADHD and mental health, neurodivergent women, ADHD and therapy, ADHD self-advocacy, ADHD and comorbid conditions, trauma symptoms vs ADHD traits, ADHD and nervous system, navigating ADHD diagnosis

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.