Hyperfocus with Rae Jacobson The over-pathologizing of ADHD (From Hacking Your ADHD)
Dec 4, 2025
Rae Jacobson, a journalist and host specializing in ADHD and neurodiversity, shares valuable insights on the over-pathologizing of ADHD behaviors. They discuss how everyday actions, like forgetting keys or having songs stuck in your head, are often misattributed to ADHD. Rae explains the importance of distinguishing chronic patterns from isolated incidents and the impact of shame on memory lapses. They also touch on the challenges of clutter management and the necessity of addressing comorbid conditions before tackling ADHD to improve overall well-being.
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Pattern And Impact Matter More Than One-Offs
- Losing keys once isn't ADHD; repeated, lifelong patterns causing major disruption suggest ADHD.
- Ask whether the behavior makes life unmanageable to decide if you need help.
Convert Mementos To Compact Memory Cues
- Convert sentimental clutter into compact memory systems like photos or a one-line journal.
- Preserve memories in smaller forms to reduce overload while keeping the memory cues you need.
Community Validation Can Blur Diagnosis
- Online communities give validation but can blur diagnosis by conflating ADHD with many comorbidities.
- Validation helps, yet it may delay finding which condition actually needs treatment.