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S1 E9 The Imposter Spiral: Why ADHD Women Feel Like Frauds (Even When They Aren’t)

S1 E9 The Imposter Spiral: Why ADHD Women Feel Like Frauds (Even When They Aren’t)

Update: 2025-10-14
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Imposter syndrome hits differently for ADHD women especially those diagnosed later in life. In this episode, Jess and Jeannine unpack how perfectionism, people-pleasing, and impossible standards leave us questioning our worth. They talk about masking, burnout, and what it means to finally believe: you’re not the imposter the system is.


Follow @angryontheinside for more candid ADHD conversations and unfiltered stories about late diagnosis, self-compassion, and neurodivergent life.



00:00 – Welcome & Disclaimer: ADHD, Imposter Feelings, and Real Talk

Jess and Jeannine open the episode, define imposter feelings, and remind listeners that this is a real-life ADHD conversation, not therapy.


00:36 – What Is Imposter Syndrome in Women with ADHD?

They unpack how self-doubt, fear of being “found out,” and difficulty accepting success often show up for ADHD women.


03:02 – Perfectionism, Negativity Bias, and ADHD Self-Doubt

A discussion on how ADHD brains fixate on mistakes and confuse perfectionism with worthiness.


06:21 – Late ADHD Diagnosis and the Cycle of Self-Doubt

Reflecting on the emotional mix of relief and doubt that comes with a late ADHD diagnosis.


08:27 – People-Pleasing, Overachievement, and ADHD Burnout

How overworking and people-pleasing become survival tools that eventually lead to burnout.


11:03 – Letting Go of Coping Strategies and Finding Your Voice

What happens when ADHD women stop people-pleasing and start speaking their truth aloud.


13:03 – Masking, Comparison, and Internalized Denial in ADHD

How masking traits and comparing struggles feed denial and reinforce imposter feelings.


16:31 – That’s Not Normal: Calling Out ADHD Imposter Thoughts

A lighthearted segment where Jess and Jeannine call out common ADHD imposter beliefs.


17:24 – Leaning Into ADHD: Diagnosis, Community & Acceptance

Using diagnosis as a tool for self-understanding and finding connection in the ADHD community.


21:09 – Rewriting the Narrative: Self-Compassion & ADHD Women

Closing reflections on journaling, acceptance, and reclaiming self-compassion for ADHD women.


23:32 – Kick Today in the Nuts: The Angry on the Inside Outro

Jess and Jeannine wrap up with laughter, honesty, and that signature AOI reminder — you’re not alone, and you’ve got this (nuts and all).

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S1 E9 The Imposter Spiral: Why ADHD Women Feel Like Frauds (Even When They Aren’t)

S1 E9 The Imposter Spiral: Why ADHD Women Feel Like Frauds (Even When They Aren’t)

Angry on the Inside