Jul 12
ADHD women have heard every excuse under the sun for why their doctors won’t consider an ADHD diagnosis or take their concerns seriously; everything from the classic “it’s just anxiety,” to “you’re too smart to have ADHD,” to even “you just think it’s cool to have ADHD and that’s why you want a diagnosis.” Seriously, what the hell?!
Being gaslit, misdiagnosed, and dismissed by medical professionals can prevent us from getting a proper diagnosis and accessing treatment for years, even decades, because of the shame and self-doubt that follows these appointments. This episode I’m sharing misdiagnosis stories from members of the Facebook group to highlight just how often it happens. I’m also giving you some tips and tools for pushing back against the ADHD stereotypes that still very much exist in the medical community.
We know our brains best and we know ADHD is real, and my hope is to empower you to keep advocating for yourself and your health until someone finally listens.
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"When we’re socialized to believe that women naturally are born with amazing executive function skills we think it’s us, there must be something wrong with us when we struggle to plan, schedule, and organize."
- Tracy Otsuka
"When we believe that our symptoms are within our control, this is what leads to shame and a reduced willingness to ask for help when we need it."
- Tracy Otsuka
"I believe that we are all not just smart, but brilliant in our area of interest."
- Tracy Otsuka
- Tracy shares her personal experience with ADHD and discusses common misconceptions about the disorder.
- Jackie N. shares her experience of being told she can't have ADHD because she can focus on things she enjoys, highlighting the lack of understanding about ADHD in women.
- Emily T. and Katie both share their experiences of being misdiagnosed or dismissed by medical professionals, emphasizing the need for more awareness and understanding of ADHD in women.
[23:44 - 36:40] ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment Challenges
- Andrea shares her experience with ADHD misdiagnosis and stigma, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Michelle shares her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD and depression, but being told she can't have ADHD because she passed neuropsych tests in a quiet room with no distractions.
- Women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with mood disorders, anxiety, and other conditions, while their ADHD symptoms go unnoticed.
- Kelly shared her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD and spending three months making progress, only to have a computer-based assessment contradict the diagnosis and leave her feeling frustrated.
- Tracy discusses her experience with ADHD assessments, including a frustrating test with confusing visual stimuli.
- Tracy encourages women with ADHD to embrace their strengths and find support in a community of like-minded individuals.
Help With ADHD Diagnosis: Symptom Evaluation Mistakes (additudemag.com)
Was ADHD to Blame All Along? 8 Reasons Symptoms Are Mistaken (additudemag.com)
‘If you can pay attention, you do not have ADHD’ — and 9 other misperceptions about the disorder - The Washington Post
ADHD Signs Hidden in Plain Sight: Overlooked Symptoms (additudemag.com)
ADHD Misdiagnosis Stories: Symptoms Mistaken for Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar (additudemag.com)
3 Defining Features of ADHD: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, Hyperfocus, Emotionality (additudemag.com)
