The Mel Robbins Podcast The Mel Robbins Podcast

The ADHD Doctor: How to Focus, Stop Procrastinating, Manage Your Emotions, & Feel in Control

Aug 20, 2026 · 1h 13m

Summary

Mel Robbins interviews psychiatrist Dr. Sasha Hamdani to redefine ADHD as a regulation issue, not just an attention deficit. They discuss how emotional dysregulation leads to misdiagnosis, particularly in women who mask symptoms with high achievement. The episode covers the neurological basis of ADHD, its overlap with anxiety and depression, and provides actionable steps for seeking proper diagnosis and support.

Topics discussed

Introduction: ADHD, emotional struggles, and guest preview Sponsors: Autotrader and Bombas Guest Intro: Dr. Sasha Hamdani and the impact of ADHD Defining ADHD as a regulation and emotional processing issue Misdiagnosis, stigma, and the history of ADHD criteria Brain science: Frontal lobe, amygdala, and dopamine Personal story: Anxiety misdiagnosis and relief from correct treatment ADHD types and how symptoms manifest differently in women The link between undiagnosed ADHD, anxiety, and depression Masking behaviors and the burden of hiding ADHD symptoms Reframing ADHD: Beyond the 'superpower' trope Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) and coping strategies Step-by-step guide to getting an ADHD assessment Treatment options: Medications, therapy, and coaching tools Using trusted resources and concluding thoughts on self-compassion Outro: Casual chat, coffee, and final sponsor messages
Listen ad-free on Castria