Such an interesting article. And I recently completed a CPD with Dr James Kustow who wrote the book how to thrive with adult ADHD.
I have to admit as a psychology student we did not touch the subject of ADHD unfortunately at uni. Which surprises me considering how prevelant it is in our society. I also leant into the conclusions of Mates work and by and large dismissed genetics for a very long time in terms of influence, as well as disregarding ADHD as a disorder (mainly to do with criticisms of the DSM, and not to suggest people didn't have the difficulties that were being captured). I really appreciate the points you laid out and the good nature of critical thinking and criticism applied to the arguments of Mate. We all benefit from discourse and research like this.
I also couldn't have been more wrong about this subject and it feels good to learn something new!
While this article offers a valuable, evidence-based perspective on ADHD and rightly emphasizes the role of genetics, it risks oversimplifying Maté's nuanced view. Maté doesn't entirely dismiss genetics, but argues against genetic determinism, highlighting the crucial role of environmental factors, including societal pressures and childhood experiences, in shaping ADHD. A more balanced approach would acknowledge these complexities rather than framing his argument solely around trauma and a "victim mindset."
Thanks for your comment but I fear you are misrepresenting his position. I have literally had discussions with him where he denies there any genes whatsoever specific to ADHD. The only genes he allows are generalized sensitivity genes.
Seemed to me that Maté's position was misrepresented, creating a straw man by suggesting he denies any genetic role in ADHD. While the genetic component is well-supported, and you presented it effectively, Maté emphasizes the environmental interplay. I believe we both recognize the individual variability, where genetic factors prevail in some, and environmental factors in others. Ultimately, the field benefits from exploring both perspectives, especially without personal biases.
Mate’s moral confusion, sanctimony and binary views on Israel & the Middle East, make it difficult for me, personally, to regard his theories elsewhere. Sadly.
I don’t agree with Gabor Mate that all ADHD is trauma/stress-related (maybe that’s oversimplifying his argument, it’s been a while since I read his books), but I do think it’s a factor in many cases. I have a textbook on Ayurveda which claims “ADHD” is caused by some combination of genetic risk factors, childhood emotional neglect, poor diet (processed foods), poor sleep habits (staying up too late), and excess screen time.
I was diagnosed with “ADHD” in 2019. At the time, I was in therapy for childhood trauma and emotional neglect (which caused me to ruminate on these things), in a toxic relationship with an emotionally abusive boyfriend, in a stressful job, not sleeping enough, spending too much time on my computer (working etc), and my gut microbiome was disrupted from a strong round of antibiotics which had resulted in me developing a mild case of avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder. I was put on a low dose of atomoxetine, which helped my “ADHD” symptoms somewhat.
Then, in late 2019/early 2020, I quit the stressful job, dumped the boyfriend and found a far better one (now my husband), and hero-dosed magic mushrooms multiple times in a row, which cured my GI issues, migraines, sleep issues, and “ARFID” completely. I stopped using the medication. While I still have some traits associated with autism and ADHD, I do not think I meet the diagnostic criteria for either anymore, and my mental health is pretty good.
I still have the same genes. I actually did a DNA test and looked at my genome, and found I have a handful of risk-factor genes (e.g. MTHFR). So it’s important that I stay away from processed foods, refined sugars, and foods high in heavy metals because my ability to detox is slightly impaired.
"[T]hough there may be a virtually infinite number of causes of a complex system’s malfunctioning, there are only so many ways in which that malfunction can manifest itself." -- Iain McGilchrist, The Matter with Things
Thank you for taking the time to challenge ADHD misconceptions in such a well considered manner. Yours in one of the more helpful articles i have read on the topic.
Thank you for this. I see kids with ADHD suffer a lot in society due to a lack of understanding from schools, and also parents. In schools they are expected to fit some kind of norm. Even when there is an understanding from schools it may still be very hard to make the necessary adaptations and meet the needs of the kids. Even when adaptations are made, they are often not enough.
In parents I see often two reactions: sometimes parents denying that “something is wrong” with their kids. More often, parents who can recognize themselves in their kids. Most often this is the parent who also has the diagnosis.
I see the point in my own work that children with ADHD are at risk for experiencing violence from their parents (ACE). I also see that with the right support, understanding and tools, parents can support children with ADHD to tap into their potential.
I think that parents who understand the nature of ADHD can also teach their kids more about how their brain works and ultimately that they are wonderful human beings with immense potential. Professionals can do this too. In Sweden, where I am based, kids who receive the diagnoses most often receive counseling where they learn about the diagnosis and learn to accept themselves as they are. Not always a successful intervention, especially if the ADHD is coupled with another diagnosis. When the intervention fails, it’s almost always because the alliance between client and counselor is lacking.
I think Gabor is a beacon of compassion for many. His entire compassionate inquiry method has the goal of helping the client to treat themselves with self compassion and self-acceptance and learn to honor themselves and more. That said, pointing out to errors and flaws in his narrative is still important.
Isn’t the honest answer to this, “we just don’t understand trauma and ADHD enough to make any definitive statements”?
Funnily enough I wrote a piece on the relationship between ADHD and traum and one being misdiagnosed for the other last week. There’s clearly an overlap between the two and you’re more likely to have one when you have the other but we’re still learning about how and why that happens.
Books lately, the idea that this is completely “nurture” seems improbable. The environment matters. So do the genes. Maybe, with some, it’s mostly genes.
Thank you for writing this article! This is a topic I have been curious about. I don't believe it's a trauma response either, but they do feel salaciously intertwined.
Psychiatrist here, I have always recognised ADHD as mild to moderate brain damage and since my awakening around the fakedemic, I now have no doubt that the 72 vexines we assault our children with play a prominent role in this brain damage. Vexines are described as causing seizures fairly commonly and Autism more rarely but still recognised and no doubt cause SIDS.
Just answer WHY are babies given a HepB vex on the day they are born?
WHY is the covid vex given to a child who has NO risk from ‘covid’ and significant risk of myocarditis?
Such an interesting article. And I recently completed a CPD with Dr James Kustow who wrote the book how to thrive with adult ADHD.
I have to admit as a psychology student we did not touch the subject of ADHD unfortunately at uni. Which surprises me considering how prevelant it is in our society. I also leant into the conclusions of Mates work and by and large dismissed genetics for a very long time in terms of influence, as well as disregarding ADHD as a disorder (mainly to do with criticisms of the DSM, and not to suggest people didn't have the difficulties that were being captured). I really appreciate the points you laid out and the good nature of critical thinking and criticism applied to the arguments of Mate. We all benefit from discourse and research like this.
I also couldn't have been more wrong about this subject and it feels good to learn something new!
While this article offers a valuable, evidence-based perspective on ADHD and rightly emphasizes the role of genetics, it risks oversimplifying Maté's nuanced view. Maté doesn't entirely dismiss genetics, but argues against genetic determinism, highlighting the crucial role of environmental factors, including societal pressures and childhood experiences, in shaping ADHD. A more balanced approach would acknowledge these complexities rather than framing his argument solely around trauma and a "victim mindset."
Thanks for your comment but I fear you are misrepresenting his position. I have literally had discussions with him where he denies there any genes whatsoever specific to ADHD. The only genes he allows are generalized sensitivity genes.
Seemed to me that Maté's position was misrepresented, creating a straw man by suggesting he denies any genetic role in ADHD. While the genetic component is well-supported, and you presented it effectively, Maté emphasizes the environmental interplay. I believe we both recognize the individual variability, where genetic factors prevail in some, and environmental factors in others. Ultimately, the field benefits from exploring both perspectives, especially without personal biases.
Mate’s moral confusion, sanctimony and binary views on Israel & the Middle East, make it difficult for me, personally, to regard his theories elsewhere. Sadly.
I don’t agree with Gabor Mate that all ADHD is trauma/stress-related (maybe that’s oversimplifying his argument, it’s been a while since I read his books), but I do think it’s a factor in many cases. I have a textbook on Ayurveda which claims “ADHD” is caused by some combination of genetic risk factors, childhood emotional neglect, poor diet (processed foods), poor sleep habits (staying up too late), and excess screen time.
I was diagnosed with “ADHD” in 2019. At the time, I was in therapy for childhood trauma and emotional neglect (which caused me to ruminate on these things), in a toxic relationship with an emotionally abusive boyfriend, in a stressful job, not sleeping enough, spending too much time on my computer (working etc), and my gut microbiome was disrupted from a strong round of antibiotics which had resulted in me developing a mild case of avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder. I was put on a low dose of atomoxetine, which helped my “ADHD” symptoms somewhat.
Then, in late 2019/early 2020, I quit the stressful job, dumped the boyfriend and found a far better one (now my husband), and hero-dosed magic mushrooms multiple times in a row, which cured my GI issues, migraines, sleep issues, and “ARFID” completely. I stopped using the medication. While I still have some traits associated with autism and ADHD, I do not think I meet the diagnostic criteria for either anymore, and my mental health is pretty good.
I still have the same genes. I actually did a DNA test and looked at my genome, and found I have a handful of risk-factor genes (e.g. MTHFR). So it’s important that I stay away from processed foods, refined sugars, and foods high in heavy metals because my ability to detox is slightly impaired.
Thanks for your really insightful comment and for sharing your experience with us! There are many different pathways to ADHD, that's for sure.
"[T]hough there may be a virtually infinite number of causes of a complex system’s malfunctioning, there are only so many ways in which that malfunction can manifest itself." -- Iain McGilchrist, The Matter with Things
Thank you for taking the time to challenge ADHD misconceptions in such a well considered manner. Yours in one of the more helpful articles i have read on the topic.
Dear Scott.
I think you just hit a bull's-eye!
I wonder if "Asperger Syndrome" is similar in that way.
Thanks,
Danny
I think it is! https://scottbarrykaufman.com/rethinking-autism-social-awkwardness-social-creativity/
Thank you, just thank you🙏🏼😌
Good job, Scott!
Thanks, Dr.!
Thank you 🙏🏽
Having done lots of time in Steven Pinker book
Foundational book!
Thank you for this. I see kids with ADHD suffer a lot in society due to a lack of understanding from schools, and also parents. In schools they are expected to fit some kind of norm. Even when there is an understanding from schools it may still be very hard to make the necessary adaptations and meet the needs of the kids. Even when adaptations are made, they are often not enough.
In parents I see often two reactions: sometimes parents denying that “something is wrong” with their kids. More often, parents who can recognize themselves in their kids. Most often this is the parent who also has the diagnosis.
I see the point in my own work that children with ADHD are at risk for experiencing violence from their parents (ACE). I also see that with the right support, understanding and tools, parents can support children with ADHD to tap into their potential.
I think that parents who understand the nature of ADHD can also teach their kids more about how their brain works and ultimately that they are wonderful human beings with immense potential. Professionals can do this too. In Sweden, where I am based, kids who receive the diagnoses most often receive counseling where they learn about the diagnosis and learn to accept themselves as they are. Not always a successful intervention, especially if the ADHD is coupled with another diagnosis. When the intervention fails, it’s almost always because the alliance between client and counselor is lacking.
I think Gabor is a beacon of compassion for many. His entire compassionate inquiry method has the goal of helping the client to treat themselves with self compassion and self-acceptance and learn to honor themselves and more. That said, pointing out to errors and flaws in his narrative is still important.
With gratitude to your work,
Gabriel
❤️
Isn’t the honest answer to this, “we just don’t understand trauma and ADHD enough to make any definitive statements”?
Funnily enough I wrote a piece on the relationship between ADHD and traum and one being misdiagnosed for the other last week. There’s clearly an overlap between the two and you’re more likely to have one when you have the other but we’re still learning about how and why that happens.
Books lately, the idea that this is completely “nurture” seems improbable. The environment matters. So do the genes. Maybe, with some, it’s mostly genes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39540077/
Thank you for writing this article! This is a topic I have been curious about. I don't believe it's a trauma response either, but they do feel salaciously intertwined.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-020-0860-4
just sayin'
Psychiatrist here, I have always recognised ADHD as mild to moderate brain damage and since my awakening around the fakedemic, I now have no doubt that the 72 vexines we assault our children with play a prominent role in this brain damage. Vexines are described as causing seizures fairly commonly and Autism more rarely but still recognised and no doubt cause SIDS.
Just answer WHY are babies given a HepB vex on the day they are born?
WHY is the covid vex given to a child who has NO risk from ‘covid’ and significant risk of myocarditis?
Only one answer suffices: evil.