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

About this episode

Kristina Orlova discusses the overlap between OCD and ADHD with Dr. Rachel LaFleur, exploring why recovery can feel challenging.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Kristina Orlova

Guest: Dr. Rachel LaFleur

Topics covered

• OCD
• ADHD
• mental health
• recovery
• therapy
• women's health

Keywords

• OCD
• ADHD
• mental health
• therapy
• recovery
• intrusive thoughts
• attention struggles
• women
• diagnosis

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Stony Run Psychology & Wellness, LinkedIn

More episodes of The OCD Whisperer Podcast with Kristina Orlova

• 188. Guided Mindfulness Meditation for Anxiety and Overthinking · June 10, 2026 · 10 min
• 187. You Don't Have A Thought Problem. You Have A Doubt Problem. (OCD Explained) · June 5, 2026 · 25 min
• 186. The Wildest OCD Recovery Story I’ve Heard · May 29, 2026 · 36 min
• 185. You’re stuck because you’re doing ERP halfway · May 22, 2026 · 33 min
• 184. A 50-Year OCD Expert Explains Why Recovery Feels So Hard · May 15, 2026 · 20 min
• 183. If Your Child Gets Stuck in Routines, Please Listen to This... · May 8, 2026 · 26 min