Dhar Mann
Dhar Mann

ADHD Psychiatrist: 3 Signs You Might Have ADHD, Why It’s More Than Focus & the Emotional Symptom Most People Miss

August 31, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

ADHD Is a Dysregulation Disorder, Not Just a Focus Problem

Dr. Sasha Mundani, a board-certified psychiatrist who treats women with ADHD and has the condition herself, argues that the way we talk about ADHD is "kind of stupid." The public conversation centers almost entirely on focus and attention, but she sees ADHD as fundamentally a dysregulation issue. "It can be hard to regulate focus and attention. It's also hard to regulate motivation, energy, emotions, sleep, appetite. All of that is included." This broader framing matters because it changes what people look for, how they get diagnosed, and what treatments actually help.

Three Signs That Point Toward ADHD

Mundani offers three patterns she sees in her practice that should prompt someone to ask about ADHD—though she warns that diagnosis is highly personalized and no single sign is definitive.

First: a history of failed antidepressants. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD present with anxiety or depression, get prescribed medication after medication, and never improve. "If you fail so many medications, it stands to reason that maybe your diagnosis isn't totally correct," Mundani says. Patients can get caught in a loop where doctors refuse to evaluate for ADHD until the mood disorder is "treated," but the mood disorder may be secondary to the ADHD itself.

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What you'll learn

  • 1 (01:30) **ADHD as a Dysregulation Disorder, Not Just a Focus Problem** - Dr. Sasha Mundani reframes ADHD from a simple attention deficit to a broad dysregulation issue.
  • 2 (04:08) **The Three Signs You Might Have Undiagnosed ADHD** - Dr. Mundani outlines three key indicators she looks for in her practice.
  • 3 (07:24) **Why There’s No Simple “ADHD Test”** - Dr. Mundani explains the diagnostic process and the limits of self-diagnosis.
  • 4 (13:41) **ADHD Is Neither a Superpower Nor a Curse—It’s Neutral** - Dr. Mundani argues for a balanced, realistic view of the condition.
  • 5 (14:48) **The Positive Aspects of an ADHD Brain** - Dr. Mundani highlights the strengths that often come with ADHD.
  • 6 (18:02) **Riding the Wave of Hyperfocus: A Practical Strategy** - Dhar Mann shares a personal example of using hyperfocus to his advantage in business.
  • 7 (24:22) **Dr. Mundani’s Personal Story: The Fourth-Grade Coup** - Dr. Mundani shares her childhood experience of being diagnosed with ADHD.

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Guests on this episode

Dhar Mann

Show Notes

Do you constantly struggle with focus, feel overwhelmed by intense emotions, or wonder why traditional productivity hacks never seem to work for you? You might not just be distracted—you could be experiencing ADHD.
Dhar Mann sits down with board-certified psychiatrist and author of Too Sensitive, Dr. Sasha Hamdani, to break down the science of neurodiversity. Together, they unpack why ADHD is actually a full-system dysregulation issue (affecting energy, sleep, motivation, and emotions), how to spot the signs in adulthood, and why high achievers often mask their symptoms through hyperfocus. Dr. Hamdani also shares her personal journey from medical school to diagnosis, practical communication frameworks for neurodivergent relationships, and three science-backed tools to stop an emotional spiral before it starts
Whether you suspect you have ADHD or want to better support someone you love, this episode provides the clarity, validation, and actionable tools you need to work with your brain instead of against it.

What Happens Next... The Dhar Mann Podcast is the latest venture produced by Dhar Mann Studios. Hosted by Dhar Mann, the NY Times proclaimed "Moral Philosopher" himself, this podcast will invite the audience in on exclusive conversations between Dhar and his high-profile guests so that they can listen to never before told stories of their shocking journeys on their paths to success. Through their challenges Dhar will reveal unknown twists, setbacks, and turning points that almost derailed them - and how instead these moments led to their success. Each episode will highlight never before heard moments that shaped who they are today - and the lessons we all can learn from them.

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