Episode Summary

Podcast: I Have ADHD Podcast
Host: Kristen Carder
Episode: 366 - Five Things Doctors Still Get Wrong About ADHD
Date: January 6, 2026

Overview

In this episode, Kristen Carder explores five key misconceptions and concerning facts around ADHD treatment and diagnosis that even medical professionals still get wrong. Drawing on wisdom from expert Dr. William Dodson and her experiences at the CHADD Conference, Kristen breaks down issues that negatively impact adults with ADHD, from flawed diagnostic criteria to widespread “magical thinking” about medication. The tone is compassionate, direct, and full of real-life examples to empower listeners and foster self-advocacy.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Start of a New Year & Personal Reflections

• Kristen begins with New Year reflections, sharing her word for 2026: connection, and plans for fostering it in her life.
• She invites listeners to identify their own focus for the upcoming year, especially given the challenges and disconnection many feel.
  • “I'm trying to think of ways that I can bring connection into my own life. ... I'm going to be hosting monthly girls' nights at my home.” (06:00)
• The role of self-development and overcoming rejection sensitivity is highlighted as a path toward stronger relationships.

2. Setting Up the Main Topic

• Kristen recounts attending the CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD) conference and being influenced by Dr. William Dodson’s talk.
  • She notes Dodson’s deep expertise and how his presentation shifted some of her previous critiques.
• The purpose of the episode is stated clearly:
  • “There are some things that we need to bring to the forefront ... because ADHD is widely misunderstood even, or maybe especially, among professionals and clinicians…” (11:00)
• Kristen aims for education and empowerment for listeners—those with ADHD and allies.

3. Five Concerning Facts Doctors Get Wrong About ADHD

Fact 1: Most People Stop ADHD Medication Within a Year

• Evidence & Data: A systematic review of 147 studies found 80% of people discontinue ADHD meds within a year (all ages/genders).
  • “I was floored when I learned this...” (13:30)
• Reasons:
  • Side effects
  • Suboptimal response (especially doses too low)
  • Social stigma and pervasive myths (“it’s basically meth,” “ADHD is overtreated”)
  • Inconvenience and difficulty accessing medication due to regulations and supply issues
• Impact: Even those who go through the effort of getting diagnosed often drop off treatment.
  • “It doesn’t mean that [the medication] didn’t work; it often means that the system didn’t work.” (17:00)
• Self-Reflection Prompt: Kristen asks listeners to consider what support structures might help them avoid being part of this statistic.

Fact 2: Diagnostic Criteria Are Shockingly Inadequate—Especially for Adults and Women

• Current criteria (DSM): Still based on children under 16.
  • “All of the diagnostic criteria that is still being used in 2026 was originally established for individuals 16 years or younger. That’s some bullshit. That’s absolutely crazy.” (20:35)
• Lack of:
  • Adult-specific
  • Female-specific
  • Guidance for elderly adults
• “We also don’t have therapeutic guidance for the elderly, which is concerning ... a lot of doctors erroneously recommend that older adults discontinue their medication for fear that it may interact with, you know, their heart or just because they’re older.” (23:40)
• Result: Many adults (especially women and older people) are underdiagnosed or inadequately treated.

Fact 3: Many Seek Diagnosis/Treatment Due to External Pressure

• Motivation often external: Parents, spouses, bosses, or therapists pushing individuals to seek help.
  • “Many people are seeking ADHD diagnosis and treatment because someone else wants them to. It’s not their own motivation.” (26:27)
• Consequences:
  • Lower treatment engagement and higher dropout rates
  • Long-term success tied to internal motivation
• Self-Reflection Prompt: Kristen urges listeners to ask: “Am I internally or externally motivated?”
  • “External motivation can get people in the door ... but the internal motivation is what keeps someone in treatment.” (28:55)
• Barriers: Low self-trust due to past failures.

Fact 4: “Magical Thinking” Abounds About ADHD Treatment

• Antibiotic Fantasy: The false belief that the first prescription will “fix" ADHD instantly.
  • “That’s magical thinking ... Dodson calls that the antibiotic fantasy.” (34:00)
• Reality:
  • Finding the right medication/type/dose usually takes 6-12 months
  • Medication does not directly teach necessary life skills; it’s only part of the solution
  • Pills “give you more access to your brain,” but intentional self-development is still needed
• Clinician Pitfall: Some providers also expect one-and-done results and may prematurely give up on med options.
  • “Unfortunately, there’s no other way to know if they work for you other than to try.” (36:40)
• Real-life anecdote: Kristen shares her own experience of not noticing much change on her new non-stimulant until loved ones pointed out her improved regulation.

Fact 5: There Are Still Too Many Misinformed Clinicians

• Examples of problematic clinician behavior:
  • Framing prescriptions as “unfortunate”
  • Recommending “drug holidays” for children/adults (e.g., not medicating during summer) without understanding non-academic impacts
    • “...if school is the only reason why we take medication. Oh my gosh, I could go on another rant about that. I’m not going to.” (41:50)
  • Assuming ADHD is outgrown
  • Not accommodating ADHD-unfriendly diagnostic/treatment processes (“Don’t give me a portal. I’m not gonna log in.”)
  • Dismissing successful adults seeking diagnosis: “You can’t have ADHD, you went to Harvard.”
    • “As if your intelligence and your drive has anything to do with whether or not your executive functions are deficient. ... There’s just so much misunderstanding there.” (49:45)
• Good care includes:
  • Education for the whole family
  • Tracking symptoms together
  • Optimizing/normalizing long-term treatment
  • Recognizing the hereditary nature of ADHD

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |-----------|-------|---------| | 06:00 | “I'm trying to think of ways that I can bring connection into my own life. ... I'm going to be hosting monthly girls' nights at my home.” | Kristen Carder | | 13:30 | “I was floored when I learned this... within the first year, 80% of people discontinue their medications across all ages and all genders.” | Kristen Carder | | 17:00 | “It doesn’t mean that [the medication] didn’t work; it often means that the system didn’t work.” | Kristen Carder | | 20:35 | “All of the diagnostic criteria ... was originally established for individuals 16 years or younger. That’s some bullshit. That’s absolutely crazy.” | Kristen Carder | | 28:55 | “External motivation can get people in the door ... but the internal motivation is what keeps someone in treatment.” | Kristen Carder | | 34:00 | “That’s magical thinking ... Dodson calls that the antibiotic fantasy.” | Kristen Carder | | 36:40 | “Unfortunately, there’s no other way to know if [medications] work for you other than to try.” | Kristen Carder | | 41:50 | “If school is the only reason why we take medication. Oh my gosh, I could go on another rant about that. I’m not going to.” | Kristen Carder | | 49:45 | “You can’t have ADHD, you went to Harvard—as if your intelligence and your drive has anything to do with whether or not your executive functions are deficient.” | Kristen Carder |

Important Segment Timestamps

• [03:34] – Personal reflections, 2026 goals, and importance of connection
• [11:00] – Introduction to the five concerning facts/conference takeaways
• [13:30] – Fact 1: 80% discontinuation of medication
• [20:35] – Fact 2: Outdated/inadequate diagnostic criteria
• [26:27] – Fact 3: External vs internal motivation for diagnosis/treatment
• [34:00] – Fact 4: Magical thinking and the antibiotic fantasy
• [41:50] – Fact 5: Missteps from clinicians; medication myths, “drug holidays”
• [49:45] – The problem of dismissing “successful” patients
• [53:30] – Recap of all five concerning facts

Episode Takeaways

• Medication adherence among ADHD patients is a massive and under-discussed issue.
• The prevailing diagnostic framework is outdated and insufficient, especially for adults, women, and the elderly.
• Long-term treatment success depends on cultivating internal motivation and self-trust.
• There’s no “magic pill”—finding the right medication often requires patience and collaborative troubleshooting.
• Listeners are encouraged to advocate for themselves, seek collaborative clinicians, and reject stigma.
• Accurate education for patients and families is urgently needed.

Final Thoughts

Kristen closes by inviting listeners to join her free webinar and her FOCUSED coaching community, emphasizing the centrality of connection and self-development both on the podcast and in managing ADHD in real life. The tone is empathetic, relatable, and direct—a hallmark of her leadership in the ADHD community.