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Dopamine + Doubt: Untangling ADHD and OCD

Dopamine + Doubt: Untangling ADHD and OCD

Rachel 3 Episodes Aug 18, 2026

Helping you understand where ADHD and OCD overlap—and where they don't. This podcast explores the nuances of both conditions, offering insights for those navigating the complexities of ADHD and OCD.

Episodes

Did I miss something? ADHD, OCD, and the trap of checking
Did I miss something? ADHD, OCD, and the trap of checking Aug 18, 2026 662 Checking can save you when you have ADHD, and it can also steal your life when OCD gets behind the wheel. Today I am breaking down a pattern I see constantly: the same outward behavior that supports executive function can also become a compulsion fueled by anxiety and the need for certainty.• ADHD checking as information-seeking that has an endpoint• OCD checking as anxiety-driven certainty-seekin
ADHD Time Blindness: Why My Schedule Was....Optimistic
ADHD Time Blindness: Why My Schedule Was....Optimistic Aug 11, 2026 650 Your calendar says you have plenty of time. Your body says you’re already behind. If you’ve ever planned a full “before lunch” lineup and then looked up to realize you scrolled your phone, got gas, and somehow lost the whole morning, we’re talking about the real culprit: time blindness.I’m Rachel, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in ADHD and OCD, and I’m sharing both clinical insi
OCD Rumination: Why Can't I Stop Thinking About It?
OCD Rumination: Why Can't I Stop Thinking About It? Aug 4, 2026 706 Your mind can turn into a courtroom in seconds. One tiny moment from a conversation becomes “evidence,” and suddenly you’re replaying every word for days, hunting for certainty that you didn’t offend someone, miss something important, or reveal something “bad” about yourself. That pattern has a name: mental rumination, one of OCD’s most invisible compulsions and one of the easiest to mistake for b
ADHD and OCD Avoidance: When it Isn't Just Procrastination
ADHD and OCD Avoidance: When it Isn't Just Procrastination Jul 28, 2026 575 Avoidance can look identical on the outside while serving totally different needs on the inside, especially when ADHD and OCD overlap. I share a client tax story that shows how quickly the driver can switch and how the right intervention changes with it. Understanding the "why" behind avoidance can help you choose strategies that actually fit what is happening, instead of feeling stuck i
ADHD vs. OCD: Why Everyone Relates to ADHD and OCD Sometimes
ADHD vs. OCD: Why Everyone Relates to ADHD and OCD Sometimes Jul 21, 2026 414 Have you ever heard someone say, "Everyone's a little ADHD," or "I'm so OCD," and wondered why those statements don't feel quite right?In this episode, we explore why so many ADHD and OCD experiences sound familiar-and why that doesn't mean everyone has these conditions. We'll talk about:Why everyone experiences distraction, worry, habits, and forgetful
Stop trying harder- Understanding ADHD and executive function
Stop trying harder- Understanding ADHD and executive function Jul 21, 2026 671 Have you ever been told you just need to "try harder," "get organized," or "be more disciplined"-only to wonder why those strategies never seem to stick?In this episode, we unpack what executive function actually is and why ADHD is not a problem with motivation, intelligence, or laziness. Executive function is the brains management system, and when it works differentl
ERP: Learning to Live With Uncertainty
ERP: Learning to Live With Uncertainty Jul 15, 2026 799 If you have ever felt trapped in a cycle of intrusive thoughts, anxiety, checking, reassurance seeking, or avoiding situations that feel uncomfortable, you may have heard of ERP. ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) is considered one of the most effective treatments for OCD, but it is also commonly misunderstood. In this episode of Dopamine + Doubt, we break down what ERP actually is, why it wor
ADHD and OCD: When They Look the Same but Aren't
ADHD and OCD: When They Look the Same but Aren't Jul 15, 2026 752 ADHD and OCD can sometimes look surprisingly similar from the outside. Both can involve feeling stuck, needing systems, struggling with routines, overthinking, or repeating behaviors-but the reason behind those behaviors may be very different. In this episdoe of Dopamine + Doubt, we explore the overlap between ADHD and OCD and why understanding the function behind a behavior matters. I share part
Why I Started Dopamine and Doubt
Why I Started Dopamine and Doubt Jul 15, 2026 792 Why did I start Dopamine and Doubt?Welcome to the very first episode of Dopamine + Doubt! In this episode, I share the personal story behind the podcast, how discovering my own ADHD and OCD changed the way I understood myself, and why these two conditions are so often confused. Whether you are navigating your own mental health, supporting someone you love, or you are simply curious about the overl

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