Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast The Art (and Imperfection) of Diagnosing ADHD with Dr. Amie DeHarpporte
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Oct 9, 2025 Dr. Amie DeHarpporte, a licensed psychologist and ADHD assessment specialist, dives into the complexities of diagnosing ADHD. She discusses how social media, particularly TikTok, shapes perceptions and leads to misconceptions about the condition. The episode explores the balance of overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis, stressing the need for thorough assessments to validate experiences. Dr. DeHarpporte highlights the importance of understanding ADHD as a nuanced lens, rather than a binary label, and emphasizes the emotional validation and strengths unearthed through proper diagnostics.
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Diagnosis Is ASpectrum, Not Binary
- ADHD diagnosis sits between overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis depending on context and assessor.
- Drawing the diagnostic line is hard because common human traits can be mistaken for disorder.
TikTok Can Distort Symptom Expectations
- Social media narrows perceptions of what a disorder 'must' look like and spreads inaccurate symptom lists.
- Clinicians must correct misinformation while validating patients' experiences.
Use Strategies Regardless Of Labels
- Use ADHD strategies even if you lack an official diagnosis when they help you function.
- Practical tools work regardless of meeting formal diagnostic criteria.
