In this episode, I explore a question that keeps coming up in education: Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder over diagnosed or are we missing something deeper?

To make sense of that, I take a step back into the history of mental health and how diagnosis became so focused on criteria and checklists. While systems like the DSM brought structure, they also shaped how we interpret behaviour, sometimes reducing complex experiences into a set of symptoms.

I also touch on the Rosenhan study, which challenged how reliable those diagnoses can be and how much of a role perception plays.

From there, the focus shifts to what this looks like in real life. When a child presents with inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity, it’s easy to label it. But it’s more useful to ask what’s sitting underneath. Research into adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) shows how much a child’s environment and experiences can shape how they behave and engage.

There’s a biological side too, particularly around dopamine and regulation, but even that connects back to the environment. The level of stimulation children are exposed to today plays a big role in how they focus and respond.

So where does that leave us?

For me, it comes back to relationships. Whether there’s a diagnosis or not, children need to feel safe, understood, and connected. Small, consistent actions in the classroom can make a bigger difference than we often realise.

In This Episode, I Explore

• How the ADHD diagnosis has evolved.
• Why behaviour might reflect experience, not just symptoms.
• The impact of trauma and environment on attention.
• How dopamine and stimulation affect learning.
• Why relationships are key, with or without a diagnosis.

Why This Episode Matters

This isn’t about dismissing ADHD. It’s about widening the lens.

When we look beyond the label, we’re more likely to respond with curiosity rather than judgment and that’s where meaningful support begins.

Connect with Me

Instagram: @‌dradammcartney
Website: dradammccartney.com
YouTube: @‌Dr.AdamMcCartney