What role does mentorship play in managing ADHD-related imposter syndrome?
Mentorship is not a formal ADHD treatment in NICE NG87 guidance, but research on ADHD coaching, peer support and supportive supervisory relationships suggests that having a structured, validating mentor can make a meaningful difference. According to NG87, adults often benefit when support includes psychoeducation, skills development and balanced feedback, all core ingredients of effective mentoring (NICE NG87).
Why imposter-style thinking shows up in ADHD
Adults with ADHD often experience emotional dysregulation, rejection sensitivity and inconsistent performance, which can lead to persistent self-doubt even when achievements are real. As one recent review explained, repeated criticism and fluctuating functioning may strengthen beliefs such as “I don’t deserve this role” or “I just got lucky” (PMC review). Early research in neurodivergent students also found higher rates of impostor-type feelings among those with ADHD traits (Taylor & Francis study).
How mentors support confidence and self-efficacy
Mentors; whether professional coaches, supervisors, senior colleagues or trained peer mentors can provide structure, validation and a realistic perspective on progress. NICE and the Royal College of Psychiatrists highlight that psychoeducation and supportive relationships help adults understand their symptoms and reduce self-blame (RCPsych guidance).
Research on ADHD coaching shows similar patterns. Emerging evidence suggests that coaching can improve executive functioning and self-efficacy, with some adults reporting gains that last months or even years (Oxford Brookes ACE-MI summary). Qualitative work also indicates that coaching helps adults make sense of their diagnosis, practise new skills and feel more confident about their future.
In academic and workplace settings, supportive supervisory or mentoring relationships appear to help adults with ADHD navigate expectations, receive clearer feedback and understand their strengths. Studies in occupational settings describe mentoring-style support regular check-ins, collaborative planning and structured feedback as key to helping people “showcase their true capabilities” (ADHD workplace guidance).
Mentors help challenge distorted self-judgement
Adults with ADHD often underestimate their performance because metacognitive skills (planning, self-monitoring and evaluating performance) may be weaker. Research shows that metacognitive difficulties are linked to poorer functioning (PubMed study). Programmes such as Work-MAP use collaborative reflection and evidence-based feedback to help people build a more accurate internal narrative; a process that mirrors good mentoring and can counter “I’m a fraud” thinking.
Validation and identity shift
Self-compassion studies show adults with ADHD are more self-critical than peers, and that increasing self-compassion improves mental health (Wiley study). Mentors who respond non-judgementally, highlight effort and name context (“this was hard because of X, not because you’re incapable”) can model this healthier internal voice.
Strengths-focused mentoring can also help. Recent research found adults with ADHD endorsed several strengths more strongly than non-ADHD adults, and that greater strengths use was linked with better wellbeing (PubMed strengths study). Mentors who help identify and develop these strengths may shift identity away from “I’m not good enough” toward a more balanced self-understanding.
Takeaway
While mentorship is not a standalone ADHD treatment, evidence from coaching, psychoeducation, metacognition and peer-support research suggests that supportive mentors can help adults challenge distorted self-beliefs, recognise their strengths and develop confidence grounded in real progress. For many people with ADHD, the right mentor becomes a steadying force, someone who sees their ability clearly, even on days when self-doubt is loud.
