ADHD Meds: Are They Safe Long-Term? What the World's Largest Study Just Told Us

You’re sitting in the paediatrician’s office, staring at a tiny tablet in your hand, wondering if giving it to your child makes you a bad parent—or a better one. Sound familiar?

In this solo episode, Jane breaks down the world’s biggest ADHD medication study—just published in The Lancet Psychiatry—and unpacks what it really means for neurodivergent families. We’re talking hard data, real side effects, long-term unknowns, and the emotional load mums carry when we’re asked to medicate our kids. This episode is your crash course in science and lived experience. No moral panic, no TikTok nonsense. Just the facts—and how they actually apply to real-life parenting.

💡 What We Cover:

• What the new research says about long-term safety of ADHD meds for kids and teens
  
  
• The truth about stimulants vs non-stimulants (both affect vitals)
  
  
• Why we need to track more than behaviour—and what to watch for
  
  
• The real-life variables the study didn’t cover (puberty, co-regulation, family chaos)
  
  
• How to use your lived experience to advocate during appointments
  
  
• Questions to ask your paediatrician now, based on the new data
  
  
• Why clinical reassurance alone isn’t enough—and never replaces your gut
  
  
• The difference between data-backed parenting and paranoia (and why you’re probably not overreacting)
  
  

🔗 Resources & Links:

• 🧪 The full Lancet Psychiatry study – [link in show notes]
  
  
• 🎧 Related episodes:
  
  
• • From Skeptic to Advocate – Medication, Neuroplasticity & Motherhood
    
    
  • Stimulants vs Non-Stimulants – What’s the Difference?
    
    
  • ADHD Meds & Pregnancy – with pharmacist Dr Rodney White
    
    
    
• 📚 Referenced researchers: The Lancet, ADHD Australia, Dr Ari Tuckman, Rodney White (UTS Pharmacy)
  
  

🎧 Listen Now

If you’ve ever spiralled at 2am wondering if your child’s meds are doing more harm than good—or if you're exhausted from explaining your choices to well-meaning relatives—this episode will ground you in real data and real life.

Hit play, send it to your co-parent or GP, and take this study to your next appointment.

#ADHDMumsPodcast #ADHDMedicationStudy #ParentingWithADHD #NeurodivergentKids #ADHDMumLife #ADHDAndMedication #ADHDSafety #StimulantMedication #ParentAdvocacy #MedicationTracking

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

Have questions or want to talk to other mums navigating ADHD meds and emotional whiplash? Join our Facebook group [here].

FOLLOW FOR MORE:

Daily validation, tips, and the occasional rage-fuelled vent session — Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube.

LEAVE A REVIEW:

Your review helps more overwhelmed mums find this podcast—and feel less alone in the chaos.

COLLABS:

For interviews, speaking, or partnership enquiries: jane@adhdmums.com.au

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

ADHD medication study, ADHD meds and safety, stimulant vs non-stimulant ADHD, Ritalin Vyvanse Intuniv, ADHD in children, medicating neurodivergent kids, paediatric ADHD, ADHD parent guilt, ADHD and blood pressure, ADHD mum podcast, ADHD and tracking symptoms, how to talk to your paediatrician ADHD, lived experience and medication, medication decisions for kids, ADHD research explained, ADHD and monitoring, ADHD study Lancet Psychiatry, neurodivergent parenting, ADHD crash management, ADHD support for mums

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Okay, so you’ve screamed into your car steering wheel.

Now what?

In Part 2, Jane and clinical psychologist Dr Jacinta Thompson return to bring the goods: the actual, practical tools ADHD mums can use to manage rage without pretending to be zen all the time. From self-coaching scripts to nervous system hacks, this episode gives you permission to be angry—and shows you what to do with it that’s actually effective.

Because no, you don’t need to just 'try yoga' again. And no, you’re not the only one who wants to punch the air when your partner asks what’s for dinner.

💡 What We Cover:

• How to spot rage earlier (before you hit full explosion)
• DBT’s ‘BUT to AND’ method for flipping shame spirals
• Why screaming into a pillow can be a regulation strategy
• How to coach your partner to be useful in the heat of the moment
• The link between sensory load and delayed rage meltdowns
• Releasing anger without suppressing it (and modelling this for your kids)
• Medication and mum rage: what no one tells you
• Jane’s own messy beliefs—and how she’s rewriting them out loud

🔗 Resources & Links:

• 🧠 Guest: Dr Jacinta Thompson – Time to Untangle
• Blog from Jacinta here on this topic.
• 📚 Referenced approaches:
• • DBT dialectical thinking
  • Emotional regulation via stress cycle completion
  • Agomelatine & SSRIs for ADHD irritability
• 🎧 Related episodes:
• • Ep 71 – 7 Honest Reasons ADHD Mums Stay Silent About the Mental Load
  • Listen on Spotify
  • Listen on Apple
  • Ep 32 – Realising Autistic Burnout: Self-Awareness Part 1
  • Listen on Spotify
  • Listen on Apple

🎧 Listen Now

You’re allowed to feel rage. You’re also allowed to not be destroyed by it.
This one’s for every mum trying to hold it together while everyone needs a snack, a hug, or your last nerve.

#ADHDMumsPodcast #MumRage #EmotionalRegulation #DBTForADHD #Burnout #NeurodivergentWomen #MentalLoad #TooMuchIsValid #ADHDRealTalk #ParentingWithADHD

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've ever felt like you were about to rage-clean the entire house, scream in your car, or book a one-way ticket to anywhere then here, this episode is for you.

We’re diving into mum rage, sensory overload, and the shame spiral that follows—because if just regulating your emotions was that easy, none of us would be listening to this episode.

Dr. Jacinta Thompson is back to break down why ADHD mums experience explosive frustration and what’s actually happening in your brain when you hit breaking point.

💡 What We Cover:
✔️ Why mum rage happens & how ADHD makes it worse
✔️ How sensory overload builds up (no… it's not just the loud noises)
✔️ The patriarchy’s role in why women suppress anger
✔️ The rage-shame cycle and why it’s so hard to break
✔️ Why we lash out at our partners (um.. it’s not actually always their fault… mostly)
✔️ How to recognise the early warning signs before you explode

🔑 Key Takeaway: Mum rage doesn’t mean you’re a bad mum—it means you’re overwhelmed, overstimulated, and probably undersupported.

Find out more about Jacinta Thomson here

Blog from Jacinta here on this topic.

Related Episodes:

ADHD and Autistic Traits in Mums:

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple

💬 What’s your biggest mum rage trigger? Drop it in the comments!

#ADHDMums #MumRage #NeurodivergentParenting #SensoryOverload #ADHDMentalLoad

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever been called ‘a bit much’? Apologised for your personality before someone’s even asked your name? You’re not alone - and you’re not the problem.

In this solo episode, Jane cracks open the messy reality of emotional intensity, ADHD, and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD). From 2am spiral sessions to crying because someone didn’t wave back - this episode calls it what it is: a misunderstood but very real part of neurodivergent life.

No shame. No pastel filter. Just honest strategies to help your emotional wiring work for you - not against you.

What We Cover:

• Why being ‘too much’ is usually just being human with ADHD
• How RSD can derail your week before breakfast
• Scripts for when you want to rage-text the school group chat
• How to pause before you blow up (or implode)
• What the hell the 10-Minute Rule is - and why it actually works
• Why emotional regulation isn’t just breathing exercises and wine
• Modelling emotional resilience (without toxic positivity)
• Turning emotional intensity into advocacy, connection, and actual power

Resources & Links:

Download the RSD & Emotional Intensity Kit – includes scripts, reflection prompts, calm-down strategies

Related episodes:

• Handling Family Criticism, Boundary Setting & Boundary Creep on Apple or Spotify (S2 Ep 51)
• Stop People Pleasing on Apple or Spotify (S2 Ep 50)

Listen Now

If your emotions feel like a liability (or your kid’s meltdown sets off your own), this one’s for you. Hit play. Share with a friend who spirals too. And share it with the mum who keeps apologising for just being herself.

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 jane@adhdmums.com.au.

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 emotional intensity, rejection sensitive dysphoria, RSD and ADHD, emotional regulation ADHD, ADHD mum meltdown, ADHD and relationships, ADHD overwhelm, how to manage big emotions ADHD, ADHD parenting stress, ADHD spiralling, ADHD and shame, ADHD self-compassion, ADHD boundary setting, scripts for RSD, ADHD reaction control, ADHD neurodivergent emotions, calming strategies ADHD, ADHD social anxiety, ADHD overstimulation, ADHD mum guilt, ADHD burnout prevention, ADHD advocacy, ADHD friendship struggles

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’re not overreacting. You’ve spent hundreds trying to keep their “safe foods” stocked, only for them to refuse it the next day. You’ve stood in the kitchen, holding a full lunchbox, wondering how they’ll get through the day - and how you’ll keep holding it together.

This isn’t just fussy eating. And this episode isn’t just more information - it’s the support you’ve been looking for.

Want real tools to help with ARFID at home? The companion kit to this episode is packed with scripts, trackers, and strategies to make food feel less impossible. Grab it here for just $10.

• What *actually* helps when you’ve run out of safe foods and ideas
• How to feel less panicked when they suddenly refuse the only thing they ate yesterday
• Ways to reduce the guilt, pressure and dread around mealtimes (for them and for you)
• Scripts to help you handle family comments or school pushback with calm and clarity
• How to track food patterns and build a “yes list” that gives you more breathing room
• What Jane does at home to manage ARFID without daily battles

This isn’t about getting them to eat broccoli.

It’s about reducing the anxiety, shame, and exhaustion around food - and giving you a path forward that doesn’t rely on force, tricks, or “just one bite” deals.

If your child only eats two things, if family mealtimes feel like a minefield, if you’re terrified the fridge doesn’t have the one thing they’ll eat - this episode is for you.

🎧 Hit play for real strategies that meet you where you're at right now - and help make food one less thing to fight about.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Facebook Group Community

Episode: Beyond ‘Picky Eating’ - What ARFID Feels Like: Claire Britton’s Personal Story - Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Website

Episode: Could it be ARFID? Spotting the signs + why it’s not just fussy eating - Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Website

FOLLOW FOR MORE:

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

LEAVE A...

Ever feel like you’re the only one holding everything together - school schedules, emotional meltdowns, forgotten socks, and all? And somehow, despite all that effort, your child’s teacher still doesn’t quite get it?

You’re not imagining it - and you’re definitely not alone.

In this episode, Jane sits down with educator and special ed expert Sue Larkey to talk about what really helps when school feels like a battle, your kid is stuck in ADHD paralysis, and you’re just trying to make it to bedtime without losing it.

💬 “None of your strategies will work unless you build a relationship first - at home or at school.” – Sue Larkey

Whether you’re navigating teacher conflicts, trying to avoid another morning meltdown, or carrying the entire family’s mental load, this conversation is packed with real talk and practical ideas that actually work.

• Why parents are the experts in their own child (and how to help teachers hear you)
• Building better teacher relationships - especially after a tricky start
• Why you need someone in the school leadership team on your side
• The Four Positives to One Negative rule (and how it helps with teachers and partners)
• Executive function in real life: school bags, time blindness, overwhelm, and more
• Supporting independence without micromanaging (yes, it’s possible)
• What to do when your kid hits a wall (a.k.a. ADHD paralysis and autistic inertia)

Your child doesn’t just need support at school or at home—they need connection between both worlds. This episode helps you build that bridge, without burning out.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Sue Larkey's website

Sue Larkey's Instagram

Anne Tullemans Books

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 jane@adhdmums.com.au.

MORE RESOURCES:

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

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EP:

ADHD, executive function, ADHD paralysis, autistic inertia, parent teacher relationships, school...

This episode won’t give you a 12-step schedule — just real strategies, honest validation, and permission to drop the guilt.

If school holidays leave you feeling overstimulated, under-supported, and one snack request away from snapping — you’re not alone.

Need extra support this break? The School Holidays Sanity Kit has printables, reset plans, transcript and flexible tools to help things feel a little more doable. DOWNLOAD HERE.

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In this episode, Jane breaks down why school holidays can completely fry ADHD mums: the emotional labour, the pressure to make it special, the chaos of no routine, and the guilt (whether you’re working or not).

This isn’t just a vent session — it’s packed with practical, neuro-affirming tools to help you reduce the overwhelm, create a rhythm that works for your brain, and survive the sibling meltdowns without burning yourself out.

• Why unstructured time hits ADHD mums so hard
• The pressure to create “core memories” (and how to opt out)
• Jane’s personal rhythm strategy that keeps things doable
• The emotional load creep (and how to call it out)
• How to support PDA and sensory-sensitive kids without rigid routines
• What to say when you’re about to lose it — or already have

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

ADHD Planner & Personal Values Workbook

Polyvagal Theory - Dr Mona Delahooke

The Brown Model of Executive Function

Ari Takmin

PMDD episode with Dr Miranda Robison

ADHD Mums Facebook Group Community

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 jane@adhdmums.com.au.

MORE RESOURCES:

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

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EP

ADHD mums, school holidays, ADHD parenting, executive dysfunction, emotional overload, sensory overload, school break stress, managing ADHD kids, burnout in mums, school holiday routine, ADHD family rhythm, PDA...