What Jordan Peterson Thinks About ADHD

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their personal struggles with ADHD, describing how it has impacted their life and ambitions, particularly in pursuing a career in chemistry. They express skepticism about the long-term effectiveness of medication for ADHD and suggest practical solutions. Key advice includes seeking therapy, especially behavioral therapy, to help set goals and stay on track, and building a support system of accountability. The speaker stresses the importance of discipline, breaking down tasks, and practicing strategies for managing ADHD symptoms, encouraging persistence and responsibility in overcoming challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 ADHD can be frustrating, particularly when it leads to failures in life and career goals.
• 😀 The speaker expresses skepticism about ADHD being over-diagnosed and believes extroversion and lack of conscientiousness can sometimes mimic ADHD traits.
• 😀 The speaker doubts the long-term effectiveness of pharmacological treatments for ADHD.
• 😀 For those struggling to concentrate on goals, the speaker recommends finding a therapist or counselor for support.
• 😀 It's advised to see multiple therapists if needed, despite the cost, as it can help avoid stagnation in life.
• 😀 Behavioral therapy is considered the most practical type of therapy to address ADHD-related issues.
• 😀 The key to overcoming ADHD-related challenges is setting clear, structured goals and breaking tasks into manageable steps.
• 😀 Practicing discipline and scheduling your time in smaller segments is crucial for staying on track.
• 😀 Having someone to help keep you accountable—whether a therapist or a supportive friend—can be very useful in managing ADHD.
• 😀 While there is no easy solution to ADHD-related challenges, persistence and structure are essential to success.
• 😀 The importance of consistency is emphasized: constant practice and effort are necessary to improve focus and goal achievement.

Q & A

What is the speaker's opinion on ADHD as a diagnosis?

The speaker views ADHD as a 'catch-all' diagnosis, suggesting that some behaviors attributed to ADHD may also be manifestations of extroversion or low conscientiousness.

How does the speaker feel about psychopharmacological treatment for ADHD?

The speaker expresses skepticism about the long-term utility of psychopharmacological treatments for ADHD, stating that there is no strong evidence to support their effectiveness in the long run.

What advice does the speaker give to someone struggling with concentration due to ADHD?

The speaker advises finding a therapist to work with, specifically recommending behavioral therapy to help set goals and strategize to stay on track. They suggest seeing two or three therapists if necessary.

What role does a therapist play in managing ADHD according to the speaker?

A therapist helps by setting practical goals, offering support to stay on track, and working with the individual to develop strategies for better focus and organization.

What alternative does the speaker suggest if one cannot afford a therapist?

The speaker suggests setting up a system with a friend to help keep the individual accountable, ensuring they have someone to help them stay responsible and organized.

How important is discipline in managing ADHD according to the speaker?

Discipline is crucial. The speaker emphasizes the need to break down days into smaller, manageable tasks and to practice this consistently in order to improve focus and productivity.

What is the speaker's perspective on the role of external accountability in managing ADHD?

The speaker believes that having external accountability, such as through a therapist or a responsible friend, can be very useful for people with ADHD, helping them stay on track and motivated.

What does the speaker think about the cost of therapy for ADHD?

The speaker acknowledges that therapy can be expensive but argues that it is worth the investment, as not addressing the issues could be even more costly in terms of one's life and well-being.

What is the primary practical advice the speaker offers for managing ADHD?

The speaker's primary advice is to develop better time management skills by breaking the day into smaller sections and to practice scheduling regularly to create a sense of discipline.

How does the speaker feel about failure in the context of ADHD?

The speaker acknowledges the frustration of failure but encourages perseverance, suggesting that continuous effort and practice are essential to overcoming challenges, especially with ADHD.