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When most people think about ADHD, they imagine missed deadlines, disorganization, or academic struggles. But many adults with ADHD are highly accomplished - building businesses, leading teams, and performing at high levels while quietly struggling behind the scenes.

In this episode of Thriving With ADHD, host Nada Pupovac is joined by Maren Londahl-Smidt, LCSW, a therapist and coach who works with entrepreneurs, professionals, and high-performing adults navigating ADHD.

Together they explore the “successful but struggling” paradox - why many high achievers with ADHD go undiagnosed for years and how masking, perfectionism, and hyperfocus can both support and strain performance.

Maren shares insights from her clinical work and lived experience with ADHD, along with practical strategies to help high achievers move from hustle and burnout toward sustainable success.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why high achievers often receive ADHD diagnoses later in life
• The hidden emotional cost of masking ADHD symptoms
• Hyperfocus: when it’s a superpower and when it leads to burnout
• ADHD, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome
• Coping patterns like overwork, people-pleasing, and adrenaline dependence
• How to build sustainable routines and protect mental health
• Practical tools for executive function and productivity

If you’re a high performer who feels like you’re constantly working twice as hard to keep everything together, this episode will resonate.

Thank you for listening to Thriving with ADHD. This show is produced by Animo Sano Psychiatry. For more information about our clinic, please visit animosanopsychiatry.com.

Animo Sano Psychiatry has introduced new services for enhancement of our patients' mental health - ASP Concierge and Health & Wellness Program. Please visit our website to learn more.

Animo Sano Psychiatry is constantly looking for the talent in behavioral health. If you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health therapist, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers pages to learn more about the available positions. https://animosanopsychiatry.com/careers/

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In this February episode of Thriving With ADHD, we’re going back to basics - unpacking what ADHD really is, how it’s diagnosed, what’s happening in the ADHD brain, and what actually helps.

Joining Nada is Whitney Kost, PA-C, physician assistant at Animo Sano Psychiatry, who brings clinical insight and practical experience from working closely with adults navigating ADHD and other mental health challenges.

Together, they explore:

• What ADHD diagnostic criteria actually involve
• The difference between ADD and ADHD
• Types of ADHD and how they show up in daily life
• Symptom overlap with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders
• Common everyday struggles adults report
• What’s happening neurologically in the ADHD brain
• Treatment options - medication, therapy, coaching, and lifestyle supports
• Persistent myths and misconceptions about ADHD

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone with ADHD, or simply looking for a clearer understanding, this episode offers grounded, reassuring education without overwhelm.

Thriving With ADHD is brought to you by Animo Sano Psychiatry, a behavioral health practice with a specialist ADHD clinic based in North Carolina.

Thank you for listening to Thriving with ADHD. This show is produced by Animo Sano Psychiatry. For more information about our clinic, please visit animosanopsychiatry.com.

Animo Sano Psychiatry has introduced new services for enhancement of our patients' mental health - ASP Concierge and Health & Wellness Program. Please visit our website to learn more.

Animo Sano Psychiatry is constantly looking for the talent in behavioral health. If you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health therapist, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers pages to learn more about the available positions. https://animosanopsychiatry.com/careers/

Send us Fan Mail

Medication, Therapy, or Both? Understanding ADHD Treatment Options for Kids

Breaking down misconceptions and supporting confident, informed decisions

When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, one of the first, and often most overwhelming, questions parents face is: What is the right treatment? Medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both?

In this episode of Thriving with ADHD, host Nada Pupovac is joined by Dr. Karen Melendez, Clinical Advisor and Supervising Physician at Animo Sano Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic, to gently and clearly unpack the realities of ADHD treatment for children.

Together, they explore:

• How stimulant medication actually works in the ADHD brain
• Common fears around medication, including addiction, growth, and side effects
• When psychotherapy alone may not be enough
• What a balanced, multimodal treatment approach looks like in real life
• How structure, school support, sleep, nutrition, and family dynamics all play a role
• Why untreated ADHD can carry greater long-term risks than many parents realize

Dr. Melendez shares practical examples, clinical insights, and compassionate guidance to help parents move from fear and confusion to clarity and confidence.

Whether you’re just beginning your ADHD journey with your child or looking to reassess your current approach, this episode offers reassurance, evidence-based information, and a reminder that you don’t have to navigate this alone.

Thank you for listening to Thriving with ADHD. This show is produced by Animo Sano Psychiatry. For more information about our clinic, please visit animosanopsychiatry.com.

Animo Sano Psychiatry has introduced new services for enhancement of our patients' mental health - ASP Concierge and Health & Wellness Program. Please visit our website to learn more.

Animo Sano Psychiatry is constantly looking for the talent in behavioral health. If you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health therapist, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers pages to learn more about the available positions. https://animosanopsychiatry.com/careers/