ADHD Chatter Psychiatrist who’s assessed 1000’s of ADHD women: ‘This will always terrify me!’ | Dr Asad Raffi
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Jul 28, 2025 Dr. Asad Raffi, a Consultant Psychiatrist specializing in female brain health and ADHD, dives into the complexities surrounding women with ADHD. He highlights the emotional struggles they face, like imposter syndrome and rejection-sensitive dysphoria, and emphasizes the need for self-validation. The discussion also covers the intricate ties between ADHD, sleep issues, and addiction, alongside parenting challenges. With a focus on inclusive support, Dr. Raffi advocates for holistic approaches to achieve mental wellness and navigate societal pressures.
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ADHD: Variability Not Deficit
- ADHD is about variability of attention driven by interest, novelty, and deadlines rather than a deficit.
- High-performing people with ADHD often achieve success at great personal stress and with low sustainability.
Hidden Struggles Behind Success
- Many with ADHD experience chronic underachievement and imposter syndrome despite external success.
- Success often comes at the cost of stress, addiction to work, and hidden struggles in personal life.
Stress Versus Anxiety Explained
- Stress is an external trigger causing an adaptive response; anxiety is internal, constant, and often disproportionate.
- Anxiety persists even after stressors are removed, causing ongoing distress in ADHD individuals.
