🎧 Listen or Watch the Full Episode:
What If Everything We Thought About ADHD… Isn’t Entirely Right?
When The New York Times published Paul Tough’s article questioning how we understand Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), I’ll be honest, I hesitated to click. Because when you’ve spent most of your life feeling misunderstood, a headline like that can hit a nerve.
But I clicked. I read it. I sat with it. And in this episode of The Vibe With Ky Podcast, I walk through the article’s biggest claims, not just as someone with ADHD, but as someone who has lived through the confusion, the shame, the misdiagnoses, and the very real impact of this condition.
This episode is a personal one. And an important one.
Is ADHD Really a Disorder?
Let’s talk about the article’s boldest claim: maybe ADHD isn’t a medical disorder. That’s a loaded suggestion, especially for those of us who’ve spent years being told we’re lazy or broken. The article leans into the idea that ADHD might not stem from brain deficits and questions whether medication provides long-term value.
That’s a huge assertion. And while I’m all for pushing the conversation forward, I also believe it’s dangerous to invalidate the lived experiences of millions who have found relief through treatment. Myself included.
Yes, ADHD Diagnoses Are Rising, And That’s Not a Bad Thing
The article points to the sharp rise in diagnoses as if it’s suspicious. But here’s the thing: maybe more people are getting diagnosed because more of us finally have the language to understand what we’ve felt all along.
I didn’t get diagnosed until I was 34. If someone had handed me that clarity at 17? It might’ve saved me from years of self-blame. Late diagnosis doesn’t make the condition less real. It just means we’re catching up.
Medication Is a Tool, Not a Magic Fix
The article highlights the MTA study, which found that medication like Ritalin offers short-term help but might lose effectiveness over time. But here’s the context they didn’t emphasize enough: the study lost structure halfway through. People switched treatments. The long-term results? Messy and inconclusive.
And while meds aren’t perfect, they’re still helpful for many of us. I take Adderall. It helps me start my day. It’s not a cure, it’s a support. Just one tool in my ADHD toolbox.
ADHD Symptoms Can Fluctuate (And That’s Normal)
One part of the article I did agree with? The idea that ADHD is a fluctuating condition. Because wow, yes.
Some days I feel on point, focused, clear, driven. Other days? It’s like trying to think through fog. ADHD doesn’t show up the same way every day, and that’s what makes it so tricky to live with and explain. It’s not linear. It never has been.
Focus Isn’t the Same as Learning
The article mentions that while kids on medication might do more math problems, they don’t necessarily learn more. And honestly? That checks out.
Medication can help with focus, but it doesn’t replace good teaching, emotional support, or a stable learning environment. What helps me actually learn is structure, patience, support… and yes, sometimes meds.
ADHD Is a Spectrum, and That Needs to Be Understood
This one’s simple: ADHD doesn’t look the same for everyone.
Some people need medication. Others benefit more from therapy, coaching, or environmental changes. It’s not one-size-fits-all, and the more we understand that, the better we can support people navigating this condition.
This Article Was Flawed, but It Started a Conversation
I don’t agree with everything the article said. In fact, I think parts of it were flat-out harmful. Suggesting that ADHD might not be real, when so many of us have internalized shame and doubt, is not just irresponsible. It’s dangerous.
But I’m also glad this article exists. Because it got people talking. It got me talking. And maybe, just maybe, it’ll push us to demand better research, ask smarter questions, and keep telling our real stories.
One Action You Can Take Today
If you’ve ever felt dismissed or misunderstood because of your ADHD, write it down. Journal it. Say it out loud. Your story matters. And the more we share our truths, the harder it is for people to ignore them.
5 Things to Remember
- ADHD doesn’t present the same way in everyone.
- Medication is a tool, not a cure.
- A rise in diagnoses doesn’t mean it’s overdiagnosed.
- Fluctuating symptoms are normal.
- You are not broken, lazy, or making it up.
FAQ
Q. Does everyone with ADHD need to be on medication?
A. Nope. Some people benefit from meds, others don’t. It’s deeply personal and should always involve a conversation with a healthcare provider.
Q. Why do ADHD symptoms feel worse some days?
A. ADHD fluctuates based on stress, sleep, hormones, environment… you name it. That’s totally normal, even if it’s frustrating.
Q. What’s the harm in questioning whether ADHD is a real disorder?
A. It invalidates lived experiences, fuels stigma, and can delay people from seeking the help they need.
Thanks for reading and listening, friends. Let’s keep talking about this stuff, even when it’s messy. Especially when it’s messy.
Much love. Good vibes. – Ky
