182. OCD + ADHD: Why It Feels So Much Harder Than It Should

Why does it feel like everyone else can manage their OCD… but you just can’t seem to make it stick?

In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Dr. Rachel LaFleur. Together, they unpack the often-missed overlap between ADHD and OCD—and why you might feel stuck in your recovery even when you’re doing “everything right.”

Dr. LaFleur opens up about: • Why so many adults—especially women—are missing an ADHD diagnosis • How intrusive thoughts + attention struggles can feed each other • The hidden signs of ADHD that don’t look like hyperactivity • Why OCD therapy might not “stick” without addressing ADHD

This conversation also dives into: • The subtle ways ADHD shows up in your daily life (even if you seem “high-functioning”) • Why you might feel motivated but still unable to act • Tools like attention training, structure, and accountability that actually work • The bigger message: you’re not failing—your brain may just need a different approach

If you’ve ever thought: “Why can’t I just do what I know helps?” This episode will help you understand what’s really going on—and what to do next.

Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or trying to make sense of your own patterns, this episode offers clarity, validation, and practical strategies to help you move forward.

📲 About Dr. Rachel LaFleur (guest): • Rachel C. LaFleur, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, Stony Run Psychology & Wellness • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lafleur-ph-d-73735056/ • Web Page: https://stonyrunpsych.com/

✂️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:01 Intro & Guest Welcome00:21 Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?01:36 Can you explain the overlap between ADHD and OCD?04:06 What are the “spidey senses” for ADHD?07:10 How do you actually tell if it’s ADHD and not just normal behavior?13:03 What gets in the way of OCD treatment if someone also has ADHD?14:48 What do you do if ADHD is suspected but not diagnosed?19:30 What if someone has ADHD but won’t take medication?22:32 Can you give a concrete example of how you’d practice this?29:48 What do loved ones typically notice?30:50 What do friends or others actually see?37:05 Outro & Where to Find Rachel

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✅ About OCD Whisperer Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note while the host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.

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