Meet the Coaches

Amanda Chocko, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner & Sleep Coach
Amanda supports patients with practical strategies for better rest and healthier sleep habits, helping improve energy and focus.

Valerie Snyder, LVN, NHW-BC – Executive Function Coach
Valerie helps patients overcome overwhelm with tools for task management, organization, and building momentum.

Monday, Oct 20, 2025 5PM EST

*This event is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek professional guidance for diagnosis, treatment, or medication decisions.

Mental health, an integral component of overall well-being, often takes a backseat for women amidst the hustle of career aspirations, family responsibilities, and societal expectations. But in the quiet moments between the demands of daily life, many women find themselves grappling with unseen battles. The societal pressure to excel in every role can lead to chronic stress and anxiety that is only made worse by limited support systems and economic constraints. 

One in Five

This reality for women shows up in the statistics. Approximately one in five women in the United States and the United Kingdom experience common mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders. These numbers are not just figures; they represent the stories of mothers, professionals, students, and leaders.

A Deeply Rooted Problem

The roots of these mental health challenges are multifaceted. Beyond the societal norms and unrealistic standards that contribute to anxiety and depression,  economic factors, including higher rates of poverty and the expectation to be primary caregivers also play a role. Women are more likely to experience physical and sexual abuse, which can have long-lasting effects such as PTSD and depression. 

And then natural life stages such as pregnancy, postpartum periods, and menopause, each a time of profound hormonal and emotional shifts, can surface or lead to even more challenges. 

Glimmers of Hope

Despite these challenges, women often possess inherent strengths that act as protective factors against mental health struggles. Strong social networks, the ability to communicate emotions effectively, and a propensity to seek help are pillars that support mental resilience.  

Actionable Steps

Empowering women to take charge of their mental health involves a combination of self-care practices and professional support. Here are a few ways to act today for yourself or the women in your life:

Reduce Stigma

Encouraging open conversations about feelings and emotions can dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health. 

Prioritize Movement

Physical activity and a balanced diet are not just beneficial for the body but also play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy mind. 

Create and Embrace Community 

Support groups, whether in-person or online, offer a sense of belonging and understanding that can be immensely therapeutic. 

Advocate

Policy and advocacy also play a critical role in shaping the landscape of women’s mental health. Integrating mental health considerations into broader health policies can address systemic issues such as economic inequality and access to healthcare. 

Ultimately, nurturing mental health is a continuous journey that requires collective effort and understanding. By fostering open dialogues, providing accessible resources, and advocating for supportive policies, society can create an environment where women are empowered to prioritize their mental wellness. In doing so, we not only enhance individual lives but also build a healthier, more compassionate world for future generations.

Take care of your mental health today with our Diagnostic Evaluation to see if ADHD has been getting in your way.

Brandy Butler, NBC-HWC, LVN

Value is one of those words with multiple meanings.  It can come in the form of money or material appraisals, but it can also be deeply personal—like that heirloom your grandma passed down through generations.

As a mental health coach, I’ve been reflecting on the value of an official diagnosis and, on the flip side, the cost of untreated conditions. Think about impulsive purchases, missed career opportunities, strained relationships, and even declining physical health. All of these are potential consequences of untreated mental health conditions. There’s immense value in addressing these issues and improving one’s quality of life.

Take ADHD, for example. Many go undiagnosed and untreated because they’ve developed strategies to cope with their symptoms. This can seem like a win, but it’s like treating diabetes with painkillers or a toothache with foot surgery—misguided at best and ineffective at worst. Similar to physical illness, a proper mental health diagnosis brings so much more to the table. 

Here’s why an accurate ADHD diagnosis is invaluable:

1. Clarity
   A diagnosis provides a level of self-understanding. It stops the endless wondering—why can’t I do this? Why is that so hard? This level of self-awareness not only saves you mental energy but can also improve your relationships.
2. Targeted Treatment
   ADHD presents differently in everyone—factors like age, gender, and life experience play a role. It also shares symptoms with conditions like depression, anxiety, and complex PTSD, which can lead to a misdiagnosis. Getting an accurate diagnosis ensures the right treatment, focusing on what will make the greatest impact on your life.
3. Improved Quality of Life
   There’s a saying: “What is measured, improves.” Diagnosis is a form of measurement. It’s not something to fear or avoid. When ADHD is recognized, it becomes something you can work on—and that brings relief. It’s not about just “willing” yourself through life anymore; it’s about managing it in a way that reduces stress and frustration.
4. Release the Guilt
   How often do you feel guilty for leaving things undone? Whether it’s household chores or failing to provide timely updates at work, the uneasiness can spiral into a vicious cycle of self-blame. A diagnosis won’t be an excuse, but it will offer a pathway to understanding and improvement, helping to lift the burden of guilt.

Proper diagnosis isn’t just about putting a name to your experience. It can help prevent anxiety, substance use disorders, broken relationships, and even poor health. The right diagnosis brings access to tailored resources, improves executive functioning skills, and reduces the emotional burden of living with uncertainty, guilt, or feelings of unworthiness.

In short, a proper ADHD diagnosis is worth it. It opens the door to treatment, understanding, and, ultimately, a better life.

Brandy Butler is a nationally board-certified health and wellness coach and licensed nurse. She has conducted research with UCLA/JHA and has 25 years of experience caring for patients with mental health and substance misuse disorders. Trained in Integrative Health Coaching at Duke Integrative Medicine, Brandy has coached hundreds of clients, helping them implement behavioral changes to optimize their health and well-being.

Research on ADHD in women didn’t begin until the 1980s, and didn’t get much attention until nearly 20 years later. Why? Because ADHD presents differently in women than it does in men. Think fewer obvious, external symptoms and more subtle, internal markers.

Here are some of the most notable differences and what they mean for the future of diagnosis.

Symptomatic Differences

Men with ADHD commonly display somewhat obvious, externalized symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity. These aid in early diagnosis of young boys because everyone from teachers to parents notice the behaviors and begin to ask questions. Women tend to manifest internalized symptoms, such as inattentiveness and emotional dysregulation. Subtler and easier to mask, these symptoms are frequently overlooked in diagnostic assessments of both young girls and adult women.

Historical and Societal Bias

ADHD diagnoses have historically centered around male behavioral patterns, leading to a diagnostic bias that sidelines female experiences. This bias, coupled with societal expectations that encourage quieter, less disruptive behavior from girls (and the opposite from boys) further complicates early recognition and treatment of ADHD in women.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormonal changes significantly influence ADHD symptoms in women. Estrogen, a hormone that declines notably during puberty, menstruation, and menopause, exacerbates common ADHD symptoms like irritation, mood swings, and focus issues. Conversely, higher testosterone levels in men might provide some protection against certain ADHD symptoms, though this relationship requires further exploration.

Cognitive Function

Gender-specific cognitive challenges also arise, with women generally facing greater difficulties with working memory and behavioral regulation compared to men.

Comorbidity Patterns

Men with ADHD are more inclined towards externalizing disorders, including substance abuse and conduct disorders, whereas women frequently endure internalizing disorders like anxiety and depression, which complicate accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Lifelong Effects

ADHD doesn’t dissipate with age; its symptoms can evolve, entering new facets of life with ongoing challenges. Men may continue facing obstacles pertaining to impulsive behaviors into adulthood, while women often experience intensified symptoms during significant hormonal changes, such as menopause.

Furthermore, women with ADHD confront heightened risks of mental health issues, including self-esteem challenges and suicidal behavior.

Actionable Insights for Advocacy and Support

The Need for More Gender-Specific Treatment

There’s a growing need for gender-sensitive diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. 

Conducting Clinical Interviews:

Gathering qualitative data through patient experiences can help tailor interventions specifically catering to gender-specific challenges in ADHD.

Data-Driven Policy Changes:

Analyzing demographic-specific data on ADHD prevalence and treatment efficacy can guide policy shifts towards inclusive practices that accommodate women and girls.

Public Awareness Campaigns:

Strengthening societal understanding and recognition of ADHD’s gender-specific manifestations through educational campaigns will enhance early detection and support for those affected.

By delving into these nuances, stakeholders can better understand and mitigate the systemic blind spots that have historically obstructed comprehensive care for women with ADHD.

If the symptoms here sounded familiar to you, but your questions have been overlooked, it’s time to get answers. Take our Diagnostic Evaluation Diagnostic Evaluation. 

Whether you’ve got a paid account with Chat GPT or you wouldn’t even know where to begin, chances are good that you’ve heard of how AI is changing everything from search to email writing.

But have you considered using it to help you manage your mental health?

A new frontier in living with ADHD

For those with ADHD, struggles with time management, organization, and maintaining focus can lead to challenges in both academic and professional settings. Traditional strategies, like behavioral therapy and medication, timers, schedules, and routines, have been effective for many, but AI offers a new frontier in living with ADHD.

Personalizing ADHD Productivity with AI

AI-based task management and productivity tools can help with prioritizing tasks, setting reminders, and organizing schedules more effectively. By analyzing behavior and task completion patterns, these apps can suggest optimal ways to structure daily activities and reduce the overwhelm that often accompanies ADHD.

Focus-enhancing apps often incorporate gamification elements and timer-based techniques to keep our attention. These tools not only help us stay on task but also make the process engaging. Productivity becomes rewarding, and not just because you’ve checked something off the list.  

Speech recognition technologies enable the capture of thoughts and tasks without the distraction of manual input. No more opening your phone to complete a task and getting lost in the flow of a feed.

Wearable Technology and Real-Time Support

Wearable technology, like smartwatches and fitness trackers, is equipped with AI algorithms and offers real-time support through timely reminders and alerts. These devices can monitor behavioral patterns, suggesting breaks and activities that align with focus and energy levels to enhance overall productivity and reduce the likelihood of burnout. Using technology like this can also help to normalize these challenges. Everyone needs a little support, sometimes. 

Benefits of AI for ADHD Management

Enhanced Organization 

One of AI’s standout benefits is its ability to create structured and accountable systems. Most AI organizational tools offer color-coded tasks, visual reminders, and automated scheduling. Essentially, the tool takes on the responsibility of creating a more organized daily routine that those of us with ADHD can simply operate within.

Improved Time Management 

AI excels at analyzing large data sets to identify patterns and trends. In this case, the large data set is a person’s performance trends and behaviors. AI tools can use that data to suggest optimal work and break times, ensuring maximized productivity during peak focus periods. Managing energy levels like this is a great way to prevent burnout.

Personalized Strategies 

Machine learning is a subset of AI that allows these tools to adapt continuously to user behavior. This adaptability means that AI tools can offer personalized strategies tailored to improve each individual’s executive function skills. Whether it’s adjusting task priorities, modifying reminders, or suggesting specific organizational techniques, AI ensures that the support provided is uniquely suited to each user’s needs.

AI Challenges and Considerations

Ensuring Accessibility for All Users

While AI tools offer substantial benefits, cost, and access to technology can limit their availability. Digital literacy varies widely and the creation of user-friendly interfaces and affordable solutions hasn’t quite caught up yet.

Protecting Data Privacy

As with any digital tool, the protection of user data is paramount. Applications designed to manage ADHD must prioritize data security, ensuring that personal information is safeguarded and used ethically. Transparent privacy policies and robust security measures are essential to build and maintain trust among users.

Looking Ahead: Future Trends in AI and ADHD Management

Advancements in Therapy and Behavioral Coaching

Future developments in AI hold the potential to further revolutionize ADHD management. Emerging AI-based therapy platforms aim to provide users with coping strategies, mindfulness exercises, and behavioral coaching. These platforms can offer personalized therapeutic interventions, complementing traditional treatment methods and providing a more holistic approach to ADHD management.

Ongoing Research and Collaborative Development

Continued research is crucial to understanding the long-term efficacy of AI tools in managing ADHD. Collaboration between technologists, psychologists, and educators will drive the development of more effective and comprehensive tools. By addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with ADHD, future AI innovations can offer even more targeted and impactful solutions.

The integration of artificial intelligence into ADHD management represents a significant advancement in supporting individuals affected by this condition. By offering innovative tools that enhance focus, organization, and time management, AI technologies can transform the daily lives of those with ADHD. However, it is essential to address challenges related to accessibility and data privacy to ensure that these benefits are universally accessible. As research and technology continue to evolve, AI holds the promise of not only managing ADHD more effectively but also improving the overall quality of life for millions around the world.

For those interested in exploring further, resources such as ADDitude: Strategies for ADHD, the American Psychiatric Association – ADHD, and the National Institute of Mental Health – ADHD Statistics offer comprehensive information and support.

Looking for help managing your ADHD? Take our Diagnostic Evaluation and then explore your treatment path with us.

Dr. Amy Marschall, Psy.D

When it comes to struggles with our mental health, getting the most accurate and specific diagnosis can be the difference between treatment that doesn’t make a difference and treatment that changes our lives. Unfortunately, our brains’ complexity makes getting the right diagnosis tricky. Even trained professionals sometimes find it hard to tell the difference between conditions that have similar symptoms. Arming yourself with the information can help you advocate for yourself and ask the right questions. Here are five conditions that are often confused with ADHD:

1. Anxiety

It’s normal to feel anxious, nervous, or worried from time to time. We all do. Anxiety disorder happens when people feel anxiety too often or too strongly or when those nervous or worried feelings arise even when there’s no real, present danger. Anxiety can make it challenging to focus, stay organized, and sit still—all similar symptoms to those present with ADHD or made worse by ADHD.

2. Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings, with periods of high energy and impulsiveness, followed by low energy and depression. Mood swings and impulsiveness are also ADHD symptoms. The difference here is that when bipolar disorder is the root of the struggle, these symptoms happen in episodes that last for a short time. ADHD, on the other hand, starts in childhood and its symptoms are more constant.

3. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is a condition of repetitive, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and the performance of certain actions (compulsions) meant to relieve anxiety. Sometimes people with ADHD develop routines to stay organized, which can look like OCD behaviors. However, OCD involves intense distress and constant checking, while ADHD is more about forgetfulness and losing things.

4. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

ODD involves frequent anger, irritability, and defiance toward authority figures, which can sometimes be mistaken for the emotional outbursts and impulsive behavior seen in ADHD. Both children with ADHD and those with ODD may have trouble controlling their emotions, but ODD is more about defiance and aggression.

5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is caused by experiencing a traumatic event and can lead to symptoms like memory problems, difficulty focusing, and impulsive behavior—similar to ADHD. People with ADHD are also more likely to experience trauma, making it harder to tell the two apart. However, if the symptoms are still present after trauma treatment, ADHD might also be present.

Final Thoughts

If your treatment isn’t helping all your symptoms, it’s worth asking your doctor about more testing. It’s common to have more than one condition, and getting a clear diagnosis can help you find the right treatment plan that works for you. 

Do you need an ADHD diagnosis? Take our Diagnostic Evaluation to find out if it’s ADHD, anxiety, depression, and/or other co-occurring mental health conditions. Our professional assessment is reviewed by a licensed psychologist to ensure you get the right diagnosis and the help you need.

Dr. Marschall is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in diagnosing ADHD and autism across the lifespan. She is an author, speaker, and advocate for neurodiversity-affirming care and improving access to accurate diagnoses and mental health support for the ADHD and autistic communities. She owns a private practice providing assessments and therapy. She was diagnosed with ADHD and autism as an adult.

In honor of ADHD Awareness Month, we’re launching a special series revisiting some of our most insightful podcast episodes to offer valuable insights and practical advice for navigating life with ADHD.

As the founder of ADHDmarriage.com, Melissa Orlov has dedicated her career to helping couples understand how ADHD impacts emotional connections, communication, and day-to-day relationship dynamics. We’re spotlighting five key takeaways to help couples manage ADHD in their relationships. 

1. Emotional Volatility in ADHD Relationships

ADHD doesn’t just affect attention or focus—it also significantly impacts emotions. Melissa explained that emotional volatility is one of the hallmarks of ADHD, and it can lead to confusion and frustration for both partners.

“Emotional volatility, like quick anger or irritability, or a lot of escape…those are indicators ADHD may be present,” Melissa explained. These emotional ups and downs can create tension in the relationship, especially when the ADHD partner struggles to regulate their emotions and the non-ADHD partner doesn’t understand why.

She also emphasized the role that shame plays in ADHD relationships. ADHD individuals often carry the emotional scars of childhood, where they may have faced repeated criticism for their behavior. This shame can manifest in adult relationships, adding another layer of emotional complexity.

2. The Hyper-Focused Courtship

One of the more unique aspects of ADHD in relationships is what Melissa refers to as “hyper-focused courtship.” Early in the relationship, the ADHD partner may appear highly attentive, energetic, and focused on their significant other, making the early stages feel exciting and intense. However, this hyper-focus is often short-lived.

“Hyper-focused courtship is so much fun to go through…you feel like everything’s fitting perfectly,” Melissa noted. But this focus tends to fade as dopamine levels return to normal. The ADHD partner may then become more distracted, which can leave the other partner feeling confused or even neglected.

Understanding that this shift is part of ADHD dynamics—not a lack of interest—can help couples navigate this transition and build a relationship based on communication and mutual understanding.

3. Challenges Women with ADHD Face in Relationships

Women with ADHD often face unique challenges in relationships, especially when their ADHD wasn’t diagnosed until adulthood. Melissa explained that women are more likely to manage household responsibilities, which can become overwhelming when ADHD makes it difficult to stay organized or handle monotonous tasks.

“A lot more women are responsible for managing things around the household,” Melissa said. These tasks often don’t have clear structure or immediate rewards, which makes them especially hard for individuals with ADHD to manage consistently. This can lead to frustration, guilt, and stress for women who feel they are falling short in both their professional and personal lives.

4. The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Patterns and Solutions

Melissa introduced the concept of the “ADHD effect” on marriage—how ADHD symptoms shape the dynamics between partners. Often, the non-ADHD partner feels frustrated or overwhelmed by their partner’s forgetfulness or lack of follow-through, while the ADHD partner feels misunderstood or criticized.

“Most people find me because they’re in a state of great struggle,” Melissa shared. This struggle often stems from a mismatch in expectations, where the non-ADHD partner assumes their spouse should be able to handle certain tasks, while the ADHD partner is genuinely struggling to keep up.

To break these patterns, Melissa recommends that couples educate themselves about ADHD and how it affects relationships. By learning about the common dynamics in ADHD-impacted relationships, couples can better understand each other and start to work on solutions together.

5. Managing ADHD in Relationships: Communication and Planning

For couples managing ADHD, communication and planning are essential to maintaining a healthy relationship. Melissa stressed that couples must have open, honest conversations about their frustrations without falling into a blame game.

Planning is another crucial tool for managing ADHD in relationships. Melissa recommends creating structured routines and systems, such as weekly check-ins, where both partners can discuss responsibilities and stay organized. This not only helps the ADHD partner stay on top of things but also reduces frustration for both individuals.

For couples considering parenthood, Melissa warned that ADHD can make parenting more challenging, particularly when it comes to managing the constant stream of tasks that come with caring for a child. “The number of tasks that are boring and hard to keep track of…really hit couples like a two-by-four to the head,” she noted. Couples can mitigate these challenges by preparing in advance and working together to build supportive routines.

Melissa Orlov’s February 2023 podcast remains a must-listen for anyone navigating ADHD in a relationship. Her practical advice and expert insights provide couples with the tools they need to communicate better, understand each other more deeply, and create lasting, fulfilling partnerships.

As we revisit some of our favorite podcasts throughout October in honor of ADHD Awareness Month, this episode is a perfect place to start. To learn more, you can listen to the full podcast episode here and explore more resources on ADHDmarriage.com.

In honor of ADHD Awareness Month, our very own Keith Brophy is joining Coach Ryan for a special Folding with Friends Instagram LIVE session!

Folding with Friends is Coach Ryan’s regular body doubling session where he and his followers fold laundry together and talk about ADHD. It’s a great example of why “body doubling” has gained popularity in the ADHD community. 

What is Body Doubling?

Body doubling is the practice of having another person present while you work on a task. Your body double doesn’t necessarily help with the task itself but serves as a supportive presence. The concept is based on the idea that having someone else in the room can provide accountability, reduce distractions, and create a more structured environment.

How Does Body Doubling Help People with ADHD?

People with ADHD know how challenging it can be to complete mundane tasks when your brain seeks distraction and dopamine. Body Doubling provides that dopamine along with other factors that help keep you focused.

Increased Accountability

Knowing someone else is present can create a sense of accountability, making it less likely for procrastination or distraction to take hold.

Reduced Anxiety 

The presence of another person can help alleviate anxiety associated with starting or completing tasks. THink of your body double as an emotional support.

Improved Focus

Having a “body double” can help create a more structured environment, making it easier to concentrate on the task at hand.

Motivation Boost 

The social aspect of body doubling can make tedious tasks feel more enjoyable and less isolating. For example, folding laundry becomes a time to catch up with friends.

How Do I Body Double?

Fortunately, Body Doubling is simple and can be done in a variety of ways.

In-Person Body Doubling

Ask a friend, family member, or colleague to be physically present while you work. They can engage in their own tasks or simply provide a supportive presence.

Virtual Body Doubling

Use video calls or specialized apps to connect with a body double remotely. This can be especially useful for those working from home or in isolated environments.

Body Doubling Groups

Join or create a group where multiple people with ADHD can work together, either in person or virtually.

Professional Body Doubling

Some ADHD coaches offer body doubling services as part of their support programs.

Reciprocal Body Doubling

Take turns being the body double for each other with a friend or colleague who also has ADHD.

Body doubling can be a powerful tool for individuals with ADHD to enhance their productivity and focus. By creating a supportive environment and leveraging the presence of others, people with ADHD can overcome common challenges associated with task initiation and completion. Whether in-person or virtual, body doubling offers a practical and accessible strategy for managing ADHD symptoms and achieving greater success in daily tasks

Body Doubling is just one way to manage your symptoms and live your best life. Discover more when you take our Diagnostic Evaluation and get on a treatment path.

Whether you know and love someone with ADHD or are living with it yourself, this is the month to spread awareness. Ready to dispel some myths, share some tips, and get the world to understand how the ADHD brain really works?  Here are five ways to spread awareness and make a difference:

1. Share Personal Stories

One of the most powerful ways to raise awareness is by sharing personal experiences. If you have ADHD, or know someone who does, consider:

• Writing a blog post or social media update about your journey
• Creating a video testimonial
• Participating in podcasts or local radio shows
• Speaking at community events or support groups

Personal stories not only reduce stigma by putting real life faces to the symptoms but show that ADHD’s challenges can be overcome.

2. Organize Educational Events

Host or participate in events that inform the public about ADHD. Some of our favorite ways to do this include:

• Arranging a lecture series with ADHD experts
• Setting up an information booth at local fairs or markets
• Organizing a webinar or virtual conference
• Planning a film screening of documentaries about ADHD

These events can provide valuable information and resources to your community while also offering a safe space for people to find help if they are struggling.

3. Use Social Media Effectively

Many of those recently diagnosed with ADHD were inspired to get an evaluation because of something they saw on social media. Sharing your story, your journey, your challenges, tips, and hacks can help those who are struggling and don’t know why. You could change someone’s life. Consider these actions:

• Use hashtags like #ADHDAwarenessMonth or #ADHDAcceptance
• Share infographics with ADHD facts and statistics
• Post daily ADHD tips or myths vs. facts
• Create or participate in social media challenges related to ADHD awareness

Social media can help reach a wide audience quickly and effectively.

4. Collaborate with Local Organizations

Stepping into your local community is more powerful than you might think. Schools, libraries, and community centers are always looking for thought leaders to create engagement. With this in mind, you might:

• Offer to give presentations about ADHD
• Distribute informational flyers or brochures
• Set up ADHD book displays in libraries or bookstores
• Organize a fundraiser for ADHD research or support organizations

Collaborations can help reach diverse groups within your community.

5. Advocate for ADHD Support and Understanding

The theme of ADHD Month 2024 is ‘Awareness is Key’ and we couldn’t agree more. If you, like us, want to use ADHD Awareness Month as a platform for advocacy, here are some ideas:

• Write to local representatives about ADHD-related issues
• Push for better accommodations in schools and workplaces
• Start a petition for improved ADHD services in your area
• Join or support ADHD advocacy groups

Advocacy efforts can lead to lasting changes in policies and support systems.

Remember, spreading awareness about ADHD is not limited to just one month. These activities can be continued throughout the year to maintain ongoing support and understanding for those affected by ADHD.

Follow us on Instagram for more ADHD Awareness content all month long.

Spooky myths are fun, especially during spooky season, unless they’re about our mental health. Those of us in the ADHD community are best prepared to dispel myths and remove the stigma attached to ADHD. Here are the top five we come across, plus all the facts you need to debunk them.  

 #1

MYTH: GIRLS CAN’T HAVE ADHD.

FACT: 5.6% OF WOMEN AND GIRLS ADHD

In fact, the percentage of newly diagnosed women with ADHD nearly doubled from 2020 to 2022.   However, ADHD is often overlooked in both girls and women, with nearly 50-75% of cases missed. 

Why? It turns out that males and females present with ADHD differently. While males might externally show impulsive and hyperactive behaviors, females tend to display inattentive symptoms. Females are also more likely to internalize their behaviors and mask their symptoms, making them harder to pick up during an evaluation.

#2

MYTH : ADHD ISN’T REAL. IT’S JUST LAZINESS OR TOO MUCH ENERGY.

FACT: ADHD IS RECOGNIZED AS A DIFFERENCE IN BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

Three of our country’s primary medical organizations, The National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Psychiatric Association, recognize ADHD as a difference in brain development. Research has also shown it is hereditary.  

Those who are diagnosed with ADHD have lower levels of dopamine, a hormone in the brain that helps control reward and pleasure centers, while also regulating response and movement. With lower levels of dopamine, the brain is limited in its ability to stay motivated. 

#3

MYTH: ADHD IS ONLY FOR KIDS AND WILL BE OUTGROWN. 

FACT: MORE THAN 8.7 MILLION ADULTS HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH ADHD

Unlike pants or shoes, you can’t outgrow ADHD. If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a child, it’s likely that you’ll still have it in adulthood.

ADHD affects the brain and dopamine levels While treatment will help, it won’t make ADHD disappear forever.

That’s why it is important to get an evaluation for a diagnosis as soon as you can, so that you can factor your unique challenges and strengths into decisions about career, relationships, and more. 

#4

MYTH: ADHD IS A STAND-ALONE DIAGNOSIS.

FACT: AT LEAST HALF OF THOSE WITH ADHD ALSO HAVE ANOTHER CONDITION

When multiple conditions are present, these are often referred to as comorbid conditions. Comorbid conditions exist in parallel and typically each requires its own specific treatment plan.

The most common comorbid conditions with ADHD are anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

At ADHD online, our online assessment not only evaluates a patient for ADHD, but also for anxiety and depression while our Mental Health Snapshot screens for a number of . We work with doctorate-level psychologists to determine not only the best treatment plan, but also any other factors impacting mental health. 

#5

MYTH : ADHD CAN’T BE TREATED.  

FACT: ADHD TREATMENT CAN INCLUDE MEDICATION, THERAPY, AND/OR COACHING

While there is no cure for ADHD, there are a number of different treatment options. Often these treatment options are used in combination to help manage symptoms.

Our mission at ADHD Online is to help diagnose and find the best treatment plan to conquer life’s daily challenges with ADHD. We offer a variety of treatment options, including virtual counseling and medication management. 

These are just some of the myths surrounding ADHD. If you or someone you know hears additional myths or has questions about the information you are hearing, visit our resource library to get the facts.

Don’t be spooked this season by myths surrounding ADHD during ADHD Awareness Month, or any month. 

¹ https://psychcentral.com/adhd/adhd-and-gender#prevalence

² https://www.epicresearch.org/articles/number-of-adhd-patients-rising-especially-among-women

³ https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2024/06/why-adult-adhd-rise#:~:text=Adult%20ADHD%20ranks%20in%20the,struggling%20with%20focus%20and%20concentration.%E2%80%9D

⁴ https://www.additudemag.com/when-its-not-just-adhd/#:~:text=We%20now%20know%20that%20at,Anxiety