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Navigating ADHD in a Complex World: A Deep Dive with Dr. Emily Wood

In the final episode of a three-part series, Dr. Emily Wood, a pediatric and adult psychiatrist with a focus on neurodivergent individuals, discusses pressing issues in ADHD care. Topics include the potential over-diagnosis and over-prescription of ADHD, the impact of stimulant shortages, and the repercussions of outdated policies and stigma. Dr. Wood highlights how modern societal pressures may amplify ADHD symptoms and advocates for medications as vital support rather than a last resort. The conversation spans the implications of legislation, stimulant classification, and the broader societal impact of untreated ADHD. The episode provides crucial insights for individuals with ADHD, their families, and healthcare professionals. Dr. Wood also shares her experiences and the importance of adapting treatment to meet current needs, emphasizing the significance of recognizing neurodiversity and providing comprehensive care.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:10 Are We Overdiagnosing ADHD?
01:27 The Impact of Modern Life on ADHD
02:36 Medication and Safety Concerns
04:15 Stimulant Shortages and Policy Issues
09:25 Reclassifying Stimulants: Pros and Cons
15:16 Personal Stories and Broader Implications
17:56 Final Thoughts and Future Directions
23:57 Connecting with Dr. Emily Wood
26:19 Conclusion

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When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

In part two of a three-part series, Dr. Emily Wood, a certified psychiatrist at SpectrumPsych, delves into the complexities of ADHD, autism, and their intersections with chronic pain syndromes. The episode covers the science behind stimulant medications, how they impact the brain, and their efficacy in treating core ADHD symptoms, improving emotional regulation, relationships, and long-term health outcomes. Dr. Wood also shares a compelling case study of a late-diagnosed autistic adult with ADHD. The conversation addresses public misconceptions about addiction, over-prescribing, and the erroneous links between vaccines and autism, while discussing the challenges posed by medication shortages.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:33 Understanding Stimulant Medications for ADHD
06:14 Real-Life Impact of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment
11:16 Addressing Myths and Misconceptions
15:09 Genetics and Multifactorial Nature of Autism
19:25 Concerns About Stimulant Addiction
27:07 Comprehensive Treatment and Patient Stories
33:11 Conclusion

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

In the first of a three-part interview, Dr. Emily Wood, a board-certified psychiatrist and PhD neuroscientist, discusses the complex links between neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and autism, and chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Dr. Wood, who heads Spectrum Psych LA, sheds light on why these conditions are often overlooked in high-masking individuals and women and explains the sensory processing differences that contribute to chronic pain. The conversation touches on the shortcomings in traditional psychiatric training and the importance of reevaluating medical education to better serve neurodivergent individuals. Dr. Wood also shares insights from her unique training path and discusses the broader implications of misdiagnosis and lack of understanding in the medical community.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Emily Wood and Her Unique Expertise
01:11 Exploring Overlooked Neurodevelopmental Conditions in Women
01:55 The Intersection of Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Chronic Pain
02:52 Dr. Wood's Journey and Insights into Psychiatry
06:27 Challenges in Medical Training and Diagnosis
15:54 Implications of Misdiagnosis and the Importance of Listening
26:11 Concluding Thoughts

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*