ADHDifference - IMPOSTER SYNDROME

ADHDifference

Julie Legg and Jel Legg discuss Imposter Syndrome – what it’s all about and how it can play out in the lives of those with ADHD.
What triggers their Imposter Syndrome and feeling like a phony? They candidly chat about how doubt, inner strength and belief, and the complexities of managing Imposter Syndrome with ADHD.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The definition of ‘Imposter Phenomenon’ aka imposter syndrome, and how it relates to ADHD brains.
• Imposter syndrome experienced during/after the ADHD assessment and diagnosis process.
• The juxtaposition of the co-existence of self-belief and self-doubt.
• Self-taught and high achieving individuals without tertiary qualifications.
• Is imposter syndrome self-imposed, or do others play a part in triggering this doubt?
• Correlation between imposter syndrome, self-criticism and self-identity.

Key takeaways:

• While initially the original 1978 study focused on high achieving women, anyone can experience imposter syndrome.
• Even those awaiting an ADHD assessment, or those recently diagnosed may feel like an ‘ADHD fraud’, that maybe they’re just lazy after all, when comparing themselves to others with more severe ADHD symptoms.
• Self-doubt, despite being successful achievers, can have crippling effects when it comes to careers, promotions or even taking a compliment.
• The generational differences of ‘learning on the job’ vs ‘university qualified’ can result in a disjointed view on capability and talent, lending some to doubt their abilities regardless of experience.

Links:

Julie is the author of THE MISSING PIECE: A Woman's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD (Harper Collins, 2024).

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