GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., October 1, 2025 (Newswire.com) – Quintessence Psychiatry, a telepsychiatry practice led by Nona Kocher, MPH, MD, has adopted Mentavi Health‘s asynchronous Diagnostic Evaluation to offer patients a scientifically rigorous, accessible alternative to full neuropsychological testing. The Mentavi Diagnostic Evaluation is clinically validated (and now peer-reviewed and published in the The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry*) for the diagnosis of ADHD in adults.

Quintessence Psychiatry previously referred ADHD inquiries to external neuropsychology providers – a process that can involve weeks to months of waiting and hundreds of dollars in testing costs for a broad battery of tests many patients don’t need. Early experiences at Quintessence show patients can complete the self-directed evaluation at their convenience (often at home) and return to the clinic with a report reviewed by a licensed psychologist to guide treatment conversations.

“Mentavi gives my patients a focused, evidence-based ADHD evaluation at a price and speed they can actually use,” said Dr. Nona Kocher, psychiatrist and founder of Quintessence Psychiatry. “It adds rigor to my workflow and helps patients understand what the findings mean, so we can move forward with an informed plan rather than sending them into a lengthy outside testing queue.”

In the initial phase of adoption, three patients have completed the evaluation, with positive feedback on the clarity of the results and visuals. Patients typically review the Mentavi report with Dr. Kocher at a follow-up visit to discuss how ADHD symptoms may be affecting daily life and to consider therapy and/or medication options. “The report graphics make it easier for patients to grasp their results at a glance, which improves shared decision making,” Dr. Kocher added.

Beyond speed and accessibility, the Mentavi Diagnostic Evaluation integrates cleanly into Quintessence’s care model, which emphasizes applying modern, science-based methods – including, when appropriate, pharmacogenetic testing – to reduce trial and error in treatment selection.

“We are pleased that our validated diagnostic approach can serve Quintessence Psychiatry by removing barriers to timely access to care for their patients. This is what our approach was designed for,” said Keith Brophy, CEO of Mentavi Health.

“Clinicians like Dr. Kocher tell us Mentavi helps them triage ADHD inquiries efficiently and focus their time where it matters most – on individualized care,” said Mentavi Health Chief Medical Officer Barry K. Herman, M.D., MMM. “We’re pleased to support private practices with an evaluation that is clinically validated, rigorous, patient-friendly, and easy to fold into existing workflows.”

Quintessence intends to continue offering the Mentavi Diagnostic Evaluation for appropriate ADHD cases and to gather ongoing patient feedback to inform clinical workflows.

* Peer‑reviewed validation: Results of Mentavi’s diagnostic validation study were published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry on September 8, 2025 (J Clin Psychiatry 2025;86(3):25m15846; doi:10.4088/JCP.25m15846).

About Quintessence Psychiatry

Quintessence Psychiatry is a patient-centered telepsychiatry practice led by Nona Kocher, MD, offering comprehensive evaluations, medication management, and individualized care plans. The practice integrates modern, evidence-based methods to help patients move from assessment to actionable next steps. For more information, visit quintessencepsychiatry.com.

About Mentavi Health

Established as ADHD Online in 2018, Mentavi Health has evolved to encompass a broader range of mental health services. With the mission to make high-quality ADHD assessments accessible to all, Mentavi has grown to address not only ADHD but also the most common related mental health conditions. The nationwide Mentavi Diagnostic Evaluation and various treatment options showcase the company’s commitment to providing comprehensive, accessible, and compliant online mental health care, grounded in clinical validation and trust. For more information, visit mentavi.com.

Contact Information

Tim Cox 
ZingPR for Mentavi
tim@zingpr.com

Source: Mentavi Health

RELATED MEDIA

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN / ACCESS Newswire / September 25, 2025 / As the back-to-school season begins, the strain of transition extends beyond students to parents, professors, and staff. Limited campus resources often mean long waits for ADHD, anxiety, or depression evaluations, delaying care and harming academic performance.

Mentavi Health‘s clinically validated, asynchronous Diagnostic Evaluation – the first online assessment for adult ADHD validated against the current standard of care and now peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry – reduces waits from weeks to days, giving students timely answers when they matter most.

“Early identification and treatment of ADHD and related mental health conditions is crucial for improved clinical outcomes,” said Mentavi Health Chief Medical Officer Barry K. Herman, M.D., MMM. Timely diagnosis allows students to access the right accommodations and support to stay on track academically and personally.

Mentavi now serves more than a dozen higher-education institutions nationwide and has completed over 20,000 student evaluations, demonstrating both the scalability of its services and the value institutions place on timely, validated mental health support. Publication in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, one of the field’s leading peer-reviewed journals, further underscores Mentavi’s commitment to scientific rigor and expanding evidence-based access to care.

“For many of our students, the greatest challenge isn’t the classroom itself but the invisible barriers that prevent them from accessing the accommodations they are entitled to under federal law,” said Jana Garnett, DSPS Coordinator/Director at Santa Barbara City College. “By making professional diagnoses accessible and affordable, Mentavi gives our students a pathway to the support they need to persist and succeed in college.”

Efficient and affordable support

Students can complete the Diagnostic Evaluation independently in one to two hours. Each evaluation is reviewed by a licensed, doctorate-level clinician – not automated AI – with results delivered within five days. Students may then share their results with the appropriate offices at their college or university to discuss accommodations or treatment options when warranted.

Alternatively, in over 40 states, students can choose to meet with a Mentavi clinician to explore therapy, medical treatment, or coaching. This flexibility allows institutions to either keep students within their own health systems or to expand support through Mentavi’s nationwide network. At $189 per evaluation, Mentavi’s service is also far more affordable than traditional in-clinic assessments.

Improved student outcomes and institutional reputation

Early and accurate diagnosis empowers students to understand their challenges, access the right support, and adopt strategies that improve performance, strengthen retention, and build adaptability for life after graduation. For institutions, providing timely answers demonstrates a commitment to student well-being and reduces the risk of students falling behind.

“With national discussions underway about stimulant and non-stimulant treatments, and with increasing state-level scrutiny of AI in healthcare, Mentavi stands out by combining validated assessments with a human-centered model: every evaluation is reviewed by a licensed clinician, ensuring accuracy and accountability,” said Keith Brophy, CEO of Mentavi Health.

“Our mission has always been to make clinically validated mental health care accessible and affordable. As the new school year begins, higher-education institutions seek proven ways to support their students while managing limited resources. By partnering with Mentavi, colleges and universities can offer timely, evidence-based diagnosis and care as appropriate that reduces the stress families, faculty, and staff feel during this critical transition period.”

For more information, visit Mentavi Health or ADHD Online. The Mentavi Health Diagnostic Evaluation is clinically validated for the diagnosis of ADHD in adults. Study results were published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry on September 8, 2025 (J Clin Psychiatry 2025;86(3):25m15846; doi:10.4088/JCP.25m15846).

About Mentavi Health and ADHD Online

Established as ADHD Online in 2018, Mentavi Health has evolved to encompass a broader range of mental health services. With the mission to make high-quality ADHD assessments accessible to all, Mentavi has grown to address not only ADHD but also the most common related mental health conditions. The nationwide Mentavi Mental Health Diagnostic Evaluation and various treatment options showcase the company’s commitment to providing comprehensive, accessible, compliant online mental health care. For more information, visit mentavi.com.

Media contact:

Tim Cox, ZingPR for Mentavi Health tim@zingpr.com

Clinically validated ADHD diagnostic model positions Mentavi as a benchmark for trustworthy digital health solutions.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., September 15, 2025 (Newswire.com) – Mentavi Health will take a prominent role in Tech Week Grand Rapids (September 15-19, 2025), where CEO and Tech Week co-chair Keith Brophy will share insights at the intersection of health care and technology, drawing on Mentavi’s peer-reviewed, clinically validated digital diagnostic solutions as an example of how innovation can set new standards for trust in digital health.

Mentavi Health, founded in 2018, provides a broad spectrum of online services, from mental wellness checks to diagnosis and treatment. Mentavi is nationally recognized as an innovator in online mental health diagnosis and treatment.

Brophy’s leadership across multiple Tech Week events-including chairing the kickoff party, joining a digital health panel, and engaging with the VC Insights & Innovation Showcase-underscores Mentavi’s role as both a West Michigan success story and a national leader in validated digital health. Tech Week is expected to draw more than 16,000 attendees. 

Tech Week provides a platform to highlight Mentavi’s growth from its West Michigan roots to its recognition as a national benchmark for validated online mental health diagnostics.* Notably, Mentavi presented data at the 10th World Congress on ADHD in May and published a peer-reviewed validation study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (September 2025), documenting the accuracy of its proprietary online assessment.

Beyond Mentavi, Brophy is widely recognized as a leader in Michigan’s technology community, with a career spanning more than 25 years at the intersection of AI, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. His thought leadership has been featured in regional media and industry forums, where he has highlighted both the promise of technology and the importance of the human side of innovation. Brophy has underscored Mentavi Health’s commitment to deliver diagnosis and treatment with human psychologists, physicians, and coaches adhering to rigorous national clinical standards, with strong guardrails against AI providing any kind of patient clinical advice.

“Our approach has always been about doing this the right way-validated, clinician-reviewed, and built to earn trust from patients, partners, and regulators alike,” Brophy said. “At a time when credibility is the deciding factor in digital health, Tech Week is a meaningful place to share that story, both because of its focus on innovation and because West Michigan is where we’re proving that trustworthy digital health can thrive, and where I’ve dedicated much of my career to building a vibrant tech community.”

Tech Week Grand Rapids, where “Capital Meets Innovation,” will feature more than 50 events on innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship. Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, is the keynote speaker. The conference highlights Grand Rapids’ growing reputation as a technology hub, with Mentavi featured among the innovators helping to shape the future of digital health.

“At Tech Week GR we’re showing that credible innovation isn’t just good medicine-it’s good growth. Mentavi wins business by setting a higher bar for trust,” said Corey Hart, senior director of business growth at Mentavi Health.

About 17 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with ADHD but waiting periods to see a specialist often exceed six months. Mentavi’s online, asynchronous platform offers a much-needed solution: some 46% of U.S. adults with ADHD already use telehealth, meaning millions more can benefit from online access to diagnosis and treatment as warranted.

Mentavi’s online evaluation system provides people with an easily accessible and validated means of receiving a mental health diagnosis from a licensed provider. The evaluation has been developed from more than a dozen modern and widely accepted screening instruments and allows for the diagnosis of many mental health conditions, including ADHD.

Mentavi’s clinician-reviewed process delivers timely, evidence-based evaluations that meet the highest standards of clinical credibility. This approach embodies Mentavi Health’s mission: ensuring broad access to accurate, efficient, and evidence-based mental health assessments, grounded in trust and validation.

For more information, visit Mentavi Health or ADHD Online.

*The Mentavi Health Diagnostic Evaluation is clinically validated for the diagnosis of ADHD in adults. Study results were published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry on September 8, 2025 (J Clin Psychiatry 2025;86(3):25m15846; DOI:10.4088/JCP.25m15846).

Media Contact:
Tim Cox, ZingPR for Mentavi Health
tim@zingpr.com

About Mentavi Health and ADHD Online
Established as ADHD Online in 2018, Mentavi Health has evolved to encompass a broader range of mental health services. With the mission to make high-quality ADHD assessments accessible to all, Mentavi has grown to address not only ADHD but also the most common related mental health conditions. The nationwide Mentavi Diagnostic Evaluation and various treatment options showcase the company’s commitment to providing comprehensive, accessible, and compliant online mental health care, grounded in clinical validation and trust. For more information, visit mentavi.com.

Source: Mentavi Health

Awareness and treatment of ADHD have increased steadily in recent years,¹ with more people seeking diagnosis and treatment than ever before. And that’s encouraging. What’s not encouraging is that, for racially and ethnically marginalized communities — particularly Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Indigenous populations — significant gaps in diagnosis and treatment remain.² Let’s take a closer look at what’s behind these disparities and what opportunities exist.

Why diagnosis matters

Properly treating ADHD starts with a diagnosis. Critical support like school or work accommodations, counseling, and medication all require a formal diagnosis. Without one, those with ADHD can experience decreased performance, increased stress, more disciplinary actions, and even a higher risk of dropping out.³ 

More diagnoses, but still underdiagnosed

Several factors contribute to people of color being less likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis.

Implicit bias: Implicit bias can lead clinicians to interpret the same behaviors differently based on a patient’s race or ethnicity. They may be more responsive to White patients and see them as needing support for a mental health issue, while the same behavior in a Black patient may be dismissed as simple disruptive conduct or blamed on lifestyle.

Cultural mistrust: A 2024 report from the Pew Research Center showed that 55% of Black Americans said they’ve had negative experiences with doctors, while the CDC reported that nearly 1 in 5 Hispanics say they avoid medical care due to the fear of poor treatment or discrimination.

These gaps in institutional trust are obstacles to the proper treatment of a variety of conditions, including ADHD. According to 2023 data from the American Psychological Association, 79% of the U.S. psychology workforce is White, with Black and Hispanic providers accounting for only 5% and 8% respectively. One important step in building that trust could be increased representation among mental health providers. 

Limited access: A lack of access to quality health care is another factor contributing to the disparity in ADHD diagnosis. People from underrepresented groups may have limited access to resources like educational materials and support groups not to mention transportation, technology, and school-based mental health support. They may also face language barriers that prevent proper diagnosis or treatment.

Additionally, within the U.S., rates of health insurance coverage are significantly lower among people of color than for their White counterparts.⁴

Lingering stigmas: Despite strides made over the years, mental health issues are still considered taboo in many communities. Research indicates that Black, Hispanic, and Asian teens may not seek mental health care because of parental stigma. This stigma can sometimes lead to delayed treatment or reliance on disciplinary systems) rather than clinical intervention. While younger generations are more open about mental health, they may be held back by parental hesitation.⁵

Overcoming the disparities

Just as there are multiple factors that contribute to these disparities, there are many steps that the healthcare system can take to overcome them:

• Increase awareness of ADHD symptoms across all communities
• Provide more training for healthcare providers to recognize ADHD in different cultural contexts
• Improve access to culturally competent care and multilingual resources
• Reduce stigma through open conversations, education, and community engagement
• Advocate for policy changes that expand coverage and address inequality in mental health care
• Screen for ADHD using culturally responsive, validated tools

The ultimate goal is to make sure everyone has an equal chance at getting the help they need. ADHD affects people of all backgrounds, and access to diagnosis and treatment should reflect that.

¹ The Science of ADHD: The Evolution of ADHD As a Psychological Disorder

² ADHD Diagnostic Trends: Increased Recognition or Overdiagnosis?

³ Long-Term School Outcomes for Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Population-Based Perspective

⁴ Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Insurance Coverage: Dynamics of Gaining and Losing Coverage over the Life-Course

⁵ Barriers and Facilitators for Mental Health Service Use Among Racial/Ethnic Minority Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Literature

Clinically reviewed by Chereka Kluttz, DO, JD. Dr. Kluttz is a board-certified physician with over a decade of experience in ADHD, anxiety, and depression care. She offers comprehensive evaluations and medical management through Mentavi Health. Her background includes primary care, clinical leadership, and medical ethics, and she previously served as a hospital Medical Director. She holds a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine and a JD with a focus in health law.

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2025 / Mentavi Health will present new clinical data highlighting the validation of its proprietary online assessment for diagnosing attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults at a major international scientific conference, the 10th World Congress on ADHD, May 8-11, 2025, in Prague, Czech Republic.

Mentavi Health, founded in 2018, is an established innovator in evidence-based mental health solutions. Mentavi Chief Medical Officer Barry K. Herman, MD, MMM, will present clinical data from a study titled 

“Validity of an Online Assessment of ADHD Among a Real-World Sample of Adults Seeking Web-Based Mental Healthcare.” 

Mentavi’s study is the first of its kind to compare an asynchronous, web-based assessment against the current standard of care: a clinical interview, for diagnosing adult ADHD. 

“Too many adults live for years with undiagnosed ADHD, often experiencing significant impairment in their personal and professional lives,” Herman said. “This study demonstrates that validated digital tools can help close that gap and provide a credible first step toward care, especially for people who face barriers to traditional mental health services.”

Millions of U.S. adults are believed to have ADHD. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates the prevalence of ADHD 6.0 percent among adults.

The study’s manuscript is undergoing peer review and is expected to be published later in 2025. Herman will present key findings, including:

The Mentavi online assessment tool and the clinical interview have diagnostic agreement of 78%.

The Mentavi online assessment tool has a Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of 94.9%.

The Mentavi online assessment tool identified ADHD-positive cases more accurately than the clinical interview, with a 12% false positive rate vs. 56% for the clinical interview.

Comparison of the two measures indicates that the Mentavi online assessment tool is more conservative than the clinical interview, meaning it does not over-diagnose ADHD in adults.

“Presenting this data at the World Congress on ADHD, to many of the world’s leading experts on the disorder, will move the field forward for both the diagnosis of adult ADHD and for the value of telehealth,” Keith Brophy, CEO of Mentavi Health.

Mentavi Health’s core mission is to increase access to accurate, efficient, and evidence-based mental health assessments. Mentavi leadership sees the presentation as supporting the company’s mission through validating its technology, strengthening its clinical credibility, and building trust and a foundation for growth with stakeholders in healthcare and employer wellness.

For more information, please visit Mentavi Health or ADHD Online.

SOURCE: Mentavi Health

Time blindness is one of those invisible symptoms of ADHD that affects everything from daily routines to long-term goals. 

Fundamentally, it describes the struggle to sense and maintain awareness of the passage of time. 

Practically, it explains why people with ADHD often struggle to estimate how long tasks will take or effectively plan for future events.  

“What executive functions are really about is time,” says Psychologist Dr. Ari Tuckman, ”I sometimes say that ADHD is really about seeing time and feeling the future.” 

Strategies for managing time blindness

The good news is that, as with most ADHD symptoms, there are strategies and tactics to manage time blindness. Dr. Tuckman offered a few that might help.

1. Consider medication

For many with ADHD, proper medication can make a significant difference. Extended-release stimulants can help bridge the gap between knowing what strategies might help and actually being able to implement them consistently.

2. Manage distractions intentionally

Distractions are a big part of time blindness. Dr. Tuckman recommends getting honest with yourself about what distracts you. Then, create distance between yourself and those distractions. For example, if your favorite social media app constantly pulls your attention away from the task at hand, use blockers or timers to keep yourself from opening or scrolling. You might also consider putting your phone in a different room or using a timed lock box when you need to focus.

3. Prioritize Physical Wellbeing

Good sleep, a healthy diet, and regular exercise can significantly improve executive function and time management. Setting alarms and building routines around these wellness activities can help those with ADHD make these habits a part of their day. Even small improvements can enhance your ability to manage time.

5. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness creates a “pause button” between stimulus and response, giving you more opportunities to make conscious choices about how you spend your time. The more frequently you meditate, the better you become at hitting pause more often throughout your day.

6. Use External Time Markers

Set timers, use visual countdown clocks, or schedule regular check-ins to maintain awareness of passing time.

7. Be Realistic About Task Duration

A helpful rule of thumb: Take your initial time estimate for a task and double it. This accounts for transitions, interruptions, and the complexities you might not initially consider.

Self-reflection and awareness

One of the most powerful steps you can take is simply noticing when and how time blindness affects you. Dr. Tuckman suggests reflecting on your day to identify:

1. When did you lose track of time?

2. What activities or situations tend to create time blindness for you?

3. What were the consequences of that time blindness?

4. What strategies helped you stay more time-aware?

Understanding your personal “slippery spots” allows you to implement preventative strategies before you get caught in a cycle of distraction or hyperfocus.

Taking the First Step

If time blindness is affecting your life, you’re not alone. Many adults with ADHD struggle with this invisible challenge, but with the right support and strategies, it can be managed effectively.

Ready to understand your ADHD better? Take the first step by getting a comprehensive diagnosis. ADHD Online offers convenient, comprehensive ADHD testing and assessment from licensed professionals who understand the nuances of adult ADHD, including challenges like time blindness.

This article draws on insights from a podcast conversation hosted by ADHD Online, featuring Dr. Ari Tuckman. His perspectives provide valuable guidance for anyone struggling with time blindness and ADHD, whether diagnosed or seeking to understand their experiences better.

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. 

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, 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.