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In this episode, I dig into the widely discussed New York Times Magazine article, “Have We Been Thinking About ADHD All Wrong?”—and more specifically, I zoom in on one particularly compelling component: the fluctuating nature of ADHD symptoms over time.

This idea—that ADHD is not a fixed trait but something that ebbs and flows with age and environment—is grounded in research from the MTA study and recent work by Dr. Margaret Sibley. I explore how her findings challenge our assumptions about stability, diagnosis, and treatment, and I share practical takeaways for clinicians, especially those of us doing ADHD evaluations.

If you’ve ever struggled to reconcile inconsistent ADHD data across settings or over time, this episode is for you. We talk about environmental demand, age-related changes, what “remission” actually means, and why our clinical models need to be more flexible. I also provide concrete recommendations for clinical psychologists to rethink assessment, feedback, and follow-up care based on this evolving understanding of ADHD.

Cool Things Mentioned

The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting
New York Times Magazine Article: “Have We Been Thinking About ADHD All Wrong?”
Sibley, M. H., et al. (2022). Longitudinal course of ADHD symptoms: Evidence from the MTA study.
PubMed Abstract
Previous Testing Psychologist podcast episode with Dr. Margaret Sibley on adult ADHD
Solanto, M. V. (2011). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adult ADHD: Targeting Executive Dysfunction. Book on Amazon
STAND Program for Teens with ADHD (Developed by Margaret Sibley). Overview from University of Washington

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About Dr. Jeremy Sharp

I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.

As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.

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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adult ADHD: Targeting Executive Dysfunction

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