For many women with ADHD, overachievement is a coping mechanism. It’s a way to cover up their trouble with focus, memory, or organization. But over time, it can lead to stress and burnout.

In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson explains the connection between ADHD and the constant drive to overachieve.  Learn how to recognize the signs and give yourself permission to slow down. 

Related resources

• ADHD and perfectionism
• From ADHD perfectionism to empathy and grace (Livingston’s story)
• MissUnderstood: The ADHD in Women Channel

Timestamps

(00:58) What is overachieving?

(01:42) How overachievement is related to ADHD 

(03:01) Why ADHD women are prone to overachieving 

(04:44) Strategies to combat overachieving

For a transcript and more resources, visit the MissUnderstood channel page on Understood.org. 

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