How to Overcome ADHD from Someone with ADHD

Summary

In this informative video, the speaker, who has personal experience with ADHD, discusses the condition's nature, its non-medical status as a phenotype, and various treatment options. They delve into traditional treatments, cognitive behavioral therapy, and the use of stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate, highlighting the importance of proper dosage and the potential for permanent cognitive improvement. The speaker also addresses the impact of long-term use on the cardiovascular system and the necessity of a balanced supplement and lifestyle program to mitigate risks.

Takeaways

• 😷 The speaker has been sick but feels well enough to start making videos again.
• 🧠 The speaker self-diagnosed with ADHD in childhood and has since overcome the need for medication to focus and perform effectively.
• 🏥 The speaker believes ADHD is not a disease but a phenotype possibly influenced by multiple genes (polygenic).
• 👶 ADHD can manifest as children not recalling information despite trying their best, indicating a lack of attention.
• 💊 Traditional treatments for ADHD have included tranquilizers, cognitive behavioral therapy, and stimulants.
• 🚀 Stimulants like amphetamines work by increasing dopaminergic and adrenergic activity, affecting motivation and energy levels.
• 💊 Different drugs for ADHD include amphetamines, methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta), and Stratera, each with varying effects.
• ⏳ The speaker advises against extended-release medications due to their disruption of the brain's natural circadian rhythms.
• 🕊️ Breaks from medication are necessary to prevent downregulation of dopamine receptors and to maintain the drug's effectiveness.
• 🧘‍♂️ ADHD can sometimes be a result of anxiety or a hyperactive HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) system, not just a focus issue.
• 💊 The speaker suggests that addressing multiple neurotransmitter systems, not just dopamine and adrenaline, may be necessary for optimal results.
• 🌿 Supplements and training can be used alongside medication to enhance cognitive function and create lasting changes in brain plasticity.
• 🏋️‍♂️ The speaker emphasizes the importance of using stimulants responsibly, with the lowest effective dose, and incorporating them into a comprehensive health and lifestyle program.

Q & A

What is the speaker's current condition regarding their voice?

The speaker mentions that their voice is a bit off today due to being sick recently, but they believe it has improved enough to start making videos again.

What is the speaker's personal experience with ADHD?

The speaker has diagnosed themselves with ADHD in childhood, took medication for it, and eventually overcame it to the point where they no longer require medication to focus and perform effectively.

What does the speaker believe ADHD to be?

The speaker believes ADHD is not a normal disease but rather a phenotype, possibly even a genotype, indicating a pattern of behavior or appearance related to insufficient attention to accomplish daily tasks.

What does the speaker mean by ADHD being 'polygenic'?

The speaker means that ADHD is not caused by a single gene but rather by various changes in different neurotransmitter systems, each having polymorphisms associated with ADHD.

What traditional treatments for ADHD does the speaker mention?

The speaker mentions tranquilizers as a historical treatment and cognitive behavioral therapy as a more recent development. Stimulants are also commonly used to treat ADHD.

What are the two types of amphetamines mentioned in the script?

The two types of amphetamines mentioned are dextroamphetamine, which has more of a dopaminergic effect, and levoamphetamine, which has more of an adrenergic effect.

What is the difference between extended-release and short-release ADHD medications according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests that short-release medications are preferable due to the brain's natural diurnal and nocturnal patterns. Extended-release medications can disrupt sleep and potentially lead to long-term health issues.

Why does the speaker recommend taking breaks from ADHD medication?

The speaker recommends breaks to prevent the development of tolerance (tachyphylaxis), where the body downregulates dopamine receptors, leading to reduced effectiveness of the medication and potential long-term side effects.

What is the role of the cholinergic system in cognitive function, as mentioned by the speaker?

The cholinergic system is important for memory and concentration. The speaker suggests that improving the cholinergic system could potentially improve focus and cognitive performance.

What supplements does the speaker take for the cholinergic system?

The speaker takes berberine, ginkgo biloba, and hyperzine A as supplements for the cholinergic system. They also occasionally use alpha GPC to increase choline levels in the body.

What advice does the speaker give regarding the use of stimulants for cognitive enhancement?

The speaker advises using the lowest effective dose of stimulants, not exceeding 10 milligrams, and to use them in conjunction with a training program to habituate the brain to the desired activities, not just watching TV or other passive activities.

What are the potential long-term effects of stimulant use on the brain mentioned by the speaker?

The speaker mentions that long-term use of stimulants can lead to a permanent improvement in the ability to focus, as the brain adapts and changes. However, they also caution about the potential cardiovascular risks and the importance of a supplement and lifestyle program to mitigate these risks.