ADHD and: Overachieving
ADHD and: Overachieving  
Podcast: MissUnderstood: The ADHD in Women Channel
Published On: Tue Jun 17 2025
Description: 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 resourcesADHD and perfectionismFrom ADHD perfectionism to empathy and grace (Livingston’s story)MissUnderstood: The ADHD in Women ChannelTimestamps(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 overachievingFor a transcript and more resources, visit the MissUnderstood channel page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at podcast@understood.org. ADHD Unstuck is a free, self-guided activity from Understood.org and Northwestern University designed to help women with ADHD boost their mood and take small, practical steps to get unstuck. In about 10 minutes, learn why mood spirals happen and get a personalized action plan of quick wins and science-backed strategies that work with your brain. Give it a try at Understood.org/GetUnstuck.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.