Dr Kieran Kennedy: Why You’re Wrong About ADHD
Episode Description
Dr. Kieran Kennedy, also known as “the Hot Doc”, is a New Zealand–trained psychiatrist now based in Sydney.
When it comes to his work in adult ADHD assessment and treatment, he is widely regarded as the go to guy in Australian media.
Outside of his medical work, he also dabbles in modelling and bodybuilding. He’s even been on the cover of Men’s Health magazine. Not bad for a farm boy from Waiuku!
In this episode, we cut through the noise and misinformation surrounding ADHD and Dr Kenndy answers YOUR questions:
- what ADHD actually is - why diagnosis has “exploded” in recent years - how it presents differently in men and women - why assessment can be expensive and slow - how ADHD can affect self-esteem, relationships, work, and identity. And much more.
This is a practical, no BS, myth-busting conversation which I hope will be beneficial for anyone who is ADHD curious.
*** Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Ciaran Kennedy and ADHD 10:09 Understanding ADHD: Myths and Realities 20:57 The Brain and ADHD: A Neurodevelopmental Perspective 30:05 Diagnosis and Treatment: Navigating the Process 36:34 Emotional Impact of ADHD Diagnosis 37:30 Understanding ADHD Across Ages 39:50 The Myths of ADHD Diagnosis 43:00 Medication and Its Impact on ADHD 44:51 Non-Medication Approaches to ADHD 47:38 Stigma and Misconceptions Surrounding ADHD 49:54 Distinguishing ADHD from Other Conditions 52:41 Common Misdiagnoses of ADHD 54:32 Shifting Perspectives on ADHD 56:24 Supporting Individuals with ADHD 58:35 The Growing Conversation Around ADHD 01:01:43 Hidden Strengths of ADHD 01:03:28 Improving ADHD Assessment and Treatment 01:09:01 The Impact of ADHD on Life 01:11:27 Resources for ADHD Awareness
Brief Summary
Dr. Kieran Kennedy discusses ADHD, its misconceptions, and the importance of understanding neurodiversity in this insightful episode.
Key points
- Understanding ADHD. Dr. Kieran Kennedy explains the complexities and misconceptions surrounding ADHD.
- The Rise of ADHD Awareness. The podcast explores the recent surge in ADHD awareness and diagnosis.
- Understanding ADHD Symptoms. ADHD presents differently in individuals, making diagnosis complex. Key symptoms include inattentiveness and hyperactivity.
- The Cost of Diagnosis. Accessing ADHD diagnosis can be expensive and time-consuming, often requiring multiple appointments.
- ADHD Across the Lifespan. ADHD symptoms can change with age and life circumstances, often improving over time.
- Gender Differences in ADHD. ADHD symptoms can present differently in men and women due to socialization and biology.
Ask about Dom Harvey
Episode highlights
- Understanding ADHDDr. Kieran Kennedy explains the complexities and misconceptions surrounding ADHD.“ADHD is often a complex mixture of different symptoms for people.”12:47Feb 3, 2026
- The Rise of ADHD AwarenessThe podcast explores the recent surge in ADHD awareness and diagnosis.“There’s been a lot more awareness for kids but also adults around what ADHD can look like.”13:43Feb 3, 2026
- Understanding ADHD SymptomsADHD presents differently in individuals, making diagnosis complex. Key symptoms include inattentiveness and hyperactivity.“Struggling to focus for me might not look like struggling to focus for you.”18:48Feb 3, 2026
- The Cost of DiagnosisAccessing ADHD diagnosis can be expensive and time-consuming, often requiring multiple appointments.“It’s sort of a bottleneck type situation at the moment.”25:40Feb 3, 2026
- ADHD Across the LifespanADHD symptoms can change with age and life circumstances, often improving over time.“For a lot of adults, it can change and get better.”33:01Feb 3, 2026
- Gender Differences in ADHDADHD symptoms can present differently in men and women due to socialization and biology.“Women are more likely to struggle with focus, memory, and time management.”34:34Feb 3, 2026
- The Myth of ADHD MedicationMany believe that trying medication can confirm ADHD, but that's a misconception.“Bit of a myth.”40:03Feb 3, 2026
- Managing ADHD Without MedicationEffective treatments for ADHD exist beyond medication, including lifestyle changes.“Absolutely.”44:29Feb 3, 2026
