When Halloween “Hyper” Meets ADHD: What a New Study Reveals About Overdiagnosis

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Content provided by Dr Justin Coulson. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Dr Justin Coulson or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

21d ago 19:22

MP3•Episode home

Every October 31st, kids go wild - costumes, sugar, excitement - but what if that same energy is quietly shaping ADHD diagnoses? In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Justin and Kylie unpack a fascinating new study showing a 14% spike in ADHD diagnoses on Halloween day. They explore what this says about subjectivity in diagnosis, the risks of overlabelling kids, and how our environments - not just our children - might need rethinking.

KEY POINTS:

A new Harvard study found ADHD diagnoses rise 14% on Halloween compared to surrounding days.
ADHD remains a subjective diagnosis — there’s no blood test or scan to confirm it.
Why environment and maturity often explain behaviours mistaken for “disorder.”
The real risks of misdiagnosis — medication, labelling, and self-perception.
Why it’s time to look at what’s happening around kids, not just within them.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“There isn’t anything wrong with her — she just doesn’t fit the mould of what we consider normal.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Study: Halloween, ADHD, and Subjectivity in Medical Diagnosis (National Bureau of Economic Research)
Searching for Normal by Sami Timimi
The Parenting Revolution by Justin Coulson

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

Before seeking a diagnosis, consider context — sleep, stress, diet, and school environment.
Avoid rushing to label; focus on understanding and supporting your child’s unique needs.
Ask questions — about treatment pathways, environment, and alternative perspectives.
Create calmer spaces where kids can regulate, play, and thrive.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1400 episodes

#Society #Parenting #Relationship #Kids And Family #Dr Justin Coulsons #Topics Discussions