It may not be diagnosable, but imposter syndrome is very real. Valerie Young, EdD, author of The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women, describes it as "a secret belief that deep down we’re not as bright, capable, competent or talented as other people seem to think we are, and therefore have this fear of being found out." Dr. Young says it's true that imposter syndrome is more common in women, because there are so many misconceptions out there about women not being as competent as men.