Helping people work on their executive functioning challenges is a significant part of my work as an ADHD coach and psychotherapist. While I don’t diagnose ADHD, I’m surrounded by it—whether through direct work with patients, conversations with colleagues, or ongoing training.
Recently, I came across a debate between Peter Hitchens and Kat Brown, the author of It’s Not a Bloody Trend: Understanding Life as an ADHD Adult. The discussion centered on the recent surge in ADHD diagnoses, with both sides offering points worth considering. Intrigued, I decided to explore Kat Brown’s book to see if it might be a useful recommendation for my patients.
Brown made a striking statement in the debate: “At some point children are being drugged, and that’s okay!” It felt like an odd and overly broad assertion, so I wanted to read her work for myself.
The book is aimed at those either awaiting an ADHD diagnosis or processing the results of one. Each chapter is dedicated to a key area of life impacted by ADHD, such as diagnosis, comorbidities, treatment, exercise, lifestyle, parenting, and self-medicating. From the perspective of recommending this book to a patient, I appreciated how much practical information it contained in one place. By incorporating testimonials and professional perspectives, it offers a comprehensive and accessible overview of ADHD across different genders and ages. The writing style is engaging, blending respect for the topic with humour—because, let’s face it, there can be hilarity in being neurodivergent. For anyone seeking direction on treatment options and professional resources, the book is well-structured and informative.
However, the title continues to bother me. It sets the tone for Brown’s approach, which, at times, comes across as defensive and overly certain in a field that is far from conclusive. I could sense Brown’s relief in finally receiving her own diagnosis, which helped her connect the dots in her life and process a sometimes painful history. However, I wondered if her strong desire to validate others was also her way of reconciling her own struggles.
Notably, the book does not address the rise of online therapists, social media ADHD content, or the overlap of ADHD symptoms with other conditions. This struck me as a missed opportunity. These trends can confuse individuals and lead to misdiagnosis, making it crucial to help people discern whether ADHD is truly at the root of their suffering. For instance, many of the testimonials included could easily describe other conditions. Is it responsible to present vignettes that might make readers say, “Yes! That’s me,” without helping them consider broader possibilities?
It left me questioning whether the book is as much about ADHD as it is about providing a kind of diagnostic reassurance—a way for readers to feel validated and affirmed. While validation can be powerful, it also risks reinforcing narratives that may not be entirely accurate. This aligns with a broader societal trend of self-identifying into categories as a way to escape the pain of individual struggles.
Dr. Michael Cummings and Dr. David Puder recently discussed these diagnostic challenges on the Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Podcast, noting how many conditions share overlapping symptoms. They also pointed out a phenomenon where ADHD has become a “coveted diagnosis,” offering a socially acceptable explanation for challenges. For children, parents, and educators, an ADHD diagnosis may seem preferable to acknowledging emotional disturbances. For some, it’s a way to access disability accommodations, which can hold a certain cultural cachet in today’s social justice-oriented framework.
This raises an important question: What if ADHD is a very real condition, but it’s also becoming a trend? As someone supporting patients in this realm, I believe it’s crucial to help them critically evaluate their experiences before seeking a diagnosis or starting medication.
One critical factor in diagnosing ADHD is impaired functioning to a significant degree. While many people exhibit ADHD traits, they may still function well enough to avoid a clinical diagnosis. Assigning a diagnosis or medication too quickly risks reducing complex struggles to a simple label. While it may bring temporary relief to have an explanation, true healing requires deeper work.
Brown’s book does have merit, particularly in its wealth of information and humor, but it also underscores the need for a more nuanced discussion about ADHD. As a clinician working an ADHD coach online, I want my patients to approach their symptoms thoughtfully, considering whether they stem from ADHD or another cause. By doing so, they can make informed decisions that lead to meaningful and sustainable outcomes.