ADHD and Cognitive Distortions

🎙 Episode 103: ADHD and Cognitive Distortions – What They Are and What to Do Instead

Do you ever spiral over something small—like a dead bug on the floor—and suddenly you’re convinced your whole life is unraveling?

That’s not just anxiety. That’s a cognitive distortion—and ADHD brains are especially prone to them.

In this episode, Jen Barnes, ADHD Success Coach and host of The Self-Loved ADHD Woman’s Way, shares the 7 most common cognitive distortions that ADHD women struggle with, why they happen, and what you can do to catch them before they take over your day.

You’ll learn:

• What cognitive distortions are and why ADHD women are more susceptible
• The real-life story of a tick (that wasn’t a tick) and how it sparked a spiral
• The 7 most common distortions including catastrophizing, mind reading, and disqualifying the positive
• Why CBT alone often isn’t enough for lasting change—and what works better
• A simple framework to help you notice, validate, and regulate when you get caught in distorted thinking

Whether you’re an ADHD woman entrepreneur or professional, this episode will help you understand your thought patterns more clearly, stop the spiral, and get back to what truly matters.

🔑 Mentioned Cognitive Distortions:

1. Catastrophizing
2. All-or-Nothing Thinking
3. Overgeneralization
4. Personalization
5. Mind Reading
6. Should Statements
7. Disqualifying the Positive

✨ If you found this episode helpful… Please follow, subscribe, and share it with another ADHD woman who needs support! 💛

💻 Ready to go deeper?

Check out ASCEND: The ADHD Women’s Mastery Program — Jen’s high-touch coaching experience designed specifically for ADHD women professionals. With weekly calls, body doubling, and 1:1 coaching with Jen, ASCEND helps you shift your patterns, support your nervous system, and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Check it out here: https://jenbarnes.org/the-adhd-women-entrepreneurs-mastery-program/

Join my ADHD Professional Women’s email club here: https://jenbarnes.kit.com/email-club

Learn more about how we can work together: www.jenbarnes.org

Connect with me on social media!

Youtube: @Jenbarnes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenbarneslicsw/

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal health or medical advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice or psychotherapy.

If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency please contact emergency services in your area. If you are in the USA, dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis line or 911 for a medical emergency.