Podcasts are proving to be a lifeline for women with ADHD, according to new research.
A study by Understood.org, in partnership with Torrens University Australia, found that listening to podcasts helps women with ADHD feel more confident, connected and hopeful about the future.
The study, Women With ADHD: The Power of Podcasts, is one of the first to explore how podcast listening supports health literacy and wellbeing among women with learning and thinking differences.
Hundreds of listeners of ADHD Aha! and MissUnderstood: The ADHD in Women Channel from Understood.org were surveyed to analyse how they use podcasts for trusted information and support.
“For women with ADHD, a group that has long been underdiagnosed, hearing both expert insights and lived experiences helps reduce stigma, foster self-acceptance and build confidence,” said Laura Key, vice president of content at Understood.org and host of ADHD Aha!.
The findings show that over 90 percent of respondents trust these podcasts to provide accurate information, and nearly all say the shows have helped them understand their ADHD better.
More than 70 percent said they no longer feel ashamed of their challenges, while 86 percent said the podcasts give them hope for the future.
“Women with ADHD have often been overlooked by traditional mental health systems,” added Dr Ann Bennett of Understood.org. “This research shows that podcasts can improve self-concept, relationships and understanding, serving as a complementary mental health tool.”
The study also found that 94 percent of listeners say podcasts have positively influenced how they view themselves, highlighting the growing role of audio storytelling in personal wellbeing and awareness.
You can download the report here (email required).
