ADHD as Motivation Deficit Disorder

In response to a subscribers request, I have created a short video that can be used to educate friends and family on the nature of the motivation deficits that plague people with ADHD. I start by pandering to the propensity of Internet viewers to love dogs and cats by giving a brief cameo to our dog, Moose, a Coton de Tulear. That said, this video discusses how ADHD as a disorder of self regulation and executive functioning leads to problems with the sense of time and anticipation of the future. That creates a high time preference, which is a greater desire for immediate over delayed rewards. That can then lead to serious problems in self motivation when work or other unrewarding tasks have to be done. While this motivational deficit is clearly neurobiological in origin, people with ADHD must find ways to compensate for it in order to succeed in the demands of work, school, home etc. I give several suggestions for refueling the motivational tank at the end of this clip. Note that ADHD medications, especially stimulants, can also help compensate for this motivational issue by enhancing the reward value of environmental events related to the task to be done.

[@tayzonday]

This helps explain why my processing speed is 30th percentile on IQ tests and the other three categories are 99th percentile.

[@jugger017]

The actual one and only Mr Zonday, one of the KZbin OGs. Finding a comment from you on this side of KZbin is quite unexpected!

[@ajlifts3648]

Chocolate Rain! Some Stay dry while others feel the Pain! Chocolate Rain!

[@M3Lucky]

What? Which IQ test is that that provides 4 sub-categories? The current up to date theoretical model provides like 17 sub- cognitive abilities beyond general IQ

[@M3Lucky]

@@williamhamilton5868 I looked it up, the WAIS III and IV does. No need to be rude also

[@Drnonstop]

does not explain why I have your song stuck in my head for the last 14 years or so but can't figure out division (which one goes where ?? up or under????)

[@ok_roman]

Only the last one works - making yourself accountable to others. And it’s so incredibly hard when you want to start your own business.

[@user1.8.2.]

Every time i talk to drs about lack if motivation i get anti depressant recommendations.

[@jon123xyz]

That can be their go to. Depression should be carefully diagnosed, not a default position.

[@Osvath97]

But for me, I certainly have long term motivational goals, and I intellectually understand what microsteps I would take to achieve them, but: there is almost always a black hole between thinking and doing. I can barely explain how this black hole fels like, but I remember telling people when younger about my lofty plans, and they asking: "Well, what are you doing to try to achieve them?" and I would answer: "Uh... Nothing." and they would say: "Why?" and I would say: "I... I honestly don't know." and they would respond: "I guess you are just not motivated enough then, huh?" But that was usually not the actual case: it was not a lack of motivation, it was just a black hole between thinking and doing, that I never saw other people my age struggle with to nearly the same degree. But now when older, it is even worse, as doing a relatively simple task can be a hugely organisationally demanding event for me, so now by age 25 it really feels like my brain has learnt to send me the signal: "Trying is not even worth it." (well, it feels like my brain learnt that fairly early, but it gets more entrenched in to my psyche with age). So actually doing the first step, for example figuring out what I am even supposed to study for this module, is such a demanding task to do in a time efficient manner that it almost feels like I am about to run a marathon, both in mental energy spent and in anticipatory anxiety. Basically, it feels like I have taught myself that there is no point in actioning on my motivation, since I will just fail before I even start, rather than lacking motivation in the first place. As I have gotten older I have made myself extremely anxious about it. Just THINKING about a relatively simple task like figuring out how to clean my room fills me with anxiety and dread, since I know how horrible I am at it, and the anxiety in turn makes me want to avoid activities which makes me anxious, which I am already failing to do due to the ADD, going in to a really bad feedback loop, and that is not exactly conducive to acting on motivation. Sorry if this is ranting and kind of incoherent, but I guess being unstructured is par for the course for us haha!

[@toteZitrone]

I can't believe how exactly and with such fitting words (black hole) you describe "my" situation. Also the dread even jsut thinking about or trying to motivate myself doing a minor task is exactly what I experience on a daily basis, more or less all day long, most of the time not being able to accomplish anything. I'm wasting away while feeling totally high on motivation, ideas and drive, but I can't put it into action. I hate my life so much and I find there seems to be nothing I can do about it, since ofcourse I tried everything I can think of, from punishment to "self-blackmailing" to rewards, samller tasks, ... you name it. There is just almost always this black hole as you say. I often say it's as if my motor is running on the highest rpm close to the rev limiter but I just can't find any traction or as if there is no clutch. This video really made me think. I do not know if I have ADHD, there are/might be other mental health issues I struggle with and so many things of ADHD do not seem to fit, since I am in general more of a non impulsive controlled person. I just don't know what's going wrong and I'm not sure if I even understand this video. Just as you said, it seems so odd people should only be able to be motivated by goals some months in advance. I mean: How would someone ever be able to save for a house, loose weight, or similar, if their motivation would only reach that far? Also I'm pretty sure even as a child I had longterm goals far beyond those few days or hours stated. I always was good at waiting or postponing a reward for a bigger / another one. So now I am thinking about whether there is something else to the term motivation and if it might be that people really do not have to use that much willpower to accomplish their things in the given timeframe. This idea is so confusing. I can't think of anything I wouldn't use mor or less sheer willpower to di it, or at least start it. I think I might have gotten the whole concept of motivation wrong. FOr me motivation is an idea and kind of an urge to do something, not really the train/flow of movement to do it. As you said it is so hard to describe. I'm really confused now but glad, that there is at least one person who seems to experience the same, although ofcourse I wouldn't whish this to anybody.

[@finalcountdown3210]

This is the main thing about ADHD, too. If you've watched his other videos, he has one on this exact subject. Performance vs. Knowledge. We know what we need to do, but we can't...just do it.

[@Osvath97]

@@ignoreme1141 Not exactly, it gets better with maturity but not perfect (but as I mentioned it can also get worse due to secondary effect entrenchment). Sleep well, train hard, try to establish routines of stability: try to outsource executive function to your routines as much as possible. Try as best you can find to find and cultivate mindsets which work against the ADHD which are not dependant on high levels of stress; WAY easier said than done though. But I do find that trying to be relaxed internally, almost meditative, can work, but it is HARD to consistently do it. Pumping myself up with stress works in the short run, and is easier to access, but it ruins you in the long run, and becomes positively counter-productive. It isn't easy because there is a huge catch 22 ADHD, but what can one do? Hopefully medication will help me in the future.

[@understandingyourself]

This is so relatable… horrible

[@rexaustin2885]

Damn that sounds familiar. It seems like everything will go to shit, so why even bother in the first place. I need to find a way to save these posts.

[@kristmcclur1]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:27 🎯 *ADHD can be considered a motivation deficit disorder due to its impact on executive functions, including inhibitory control and working memory.* 03:25 🧠 *ADHD leads to a 30% or more delay in transitioning across dimensions of behavioral control, particularly related to the window on time and immediate vs. delayed gratification.* 06:36 🕰️ *People with ADHD have a high preference for immediate rewards over delayed ones, making it challenging to work on tasks requiring long-term effort.* 09:07 🕰️ *ADHD truncates the window on time, making individuals less likely to activate to future events and goals, leading to motivation deficits.* 12:08 🧩 *ADHD is a neurobiological issue affecting the brain's executive self-motivation system, but individuals should find ways to compensate for these difficulties.* 16:14 🏃 *Frequent physical exercise, breaks, and mindfulness practices can help restore the motivation "fuel tank" in individuals with ADHD.* 16:53 🤝 *Making oneself accountable to others for goals and tasks can socially motivate people with ADHD by risking their reputation and respect.* Made with HARPA AI

[@leothepuppp]

hello! i know this isn't related to this video in particular but i wanted to say how grateful i am for all of the work you have done! i found out about you just a few hours ago and i want to cry my eyes out out of happiness, i was diagnosed adhd almost two years ago after it almost completely destroyed my life, now i'm on the journey of owning my adhd and acepting what i can do with it... either way, thank your for sharing all of the information and for making it accesible for people who are across the seas 💗 lots of love from Argentina! you got yourself a new fan over here ❤️ thank you so much for everything you have done

[@russellbarkleyphd2023]

Thank you!

[@ahappyimago]

Focus now

[@Julia.Mandelbrot]

Leo U have lots of homies in the world. I'm in USA. My story is a lot like yours and through Dr. Barkley's work I'm finding ways to live a better life. Remember that we have compensating qualities - like our creativity, and we are really fun people that put the sparkle in parties. 😊 Join the club. ❤

[@andymellor9056]

Hi Moose... Good boy! The deficit in motivation / activation is, for me, more of a problem than distractibility. I completely subscribe to the "it's an explanation and not an excuse" line.

[@russellbarkleyphd2023]

Moose says "hello" in his own way back at you. LOL

[@john2120]

I’m 60 and just find out I have adhd. I knew something was not right but was always going after the depression problems. I Took a on line test and checked all the boxes. I can’t tell you the mixed feelings I had. I did get tested and was diagnosed. I’m on stimulates and this is like opening the shades of the world. I Would like to know how I can get into a group to help me move forward. My therapist is real busy and hard to get appointments with her. A direction would help. Thanks for showing us who we are as we seem to have blinders on.

[@j.haulum2444]

I am 71 and got diagnosed this year. This gives me hope for my grandchildren so we don't put them through what we went through.

[@AMac-jf8rr]

my partner got diagnosed with adhd at 60, same as you. we have kind of the same problem as in how to move forward. i suggested starting with joining facebook/instagram groups like ADDitude or for us here ADHD IRELAND. connecting with people who have same often seems helpful,because at least one doesn t feel so alone. the other thing to do is keep watching adhd related youtubes, asking your general doctor for CBT certified therapists maybe ,instead of relying o just the one you know. the waiting period between diagnose and actual help can be a nightmare,and it feels as if no one is there to help,but remember...baby steps. EVERY little step brings you a little further towards the light at the end of the tunnel❤ also, we find it helpful to bridge the "horrible long-term wait with no gratification" with a huge sense of humour,joking together about being stuck momentarily , sometimes we even play a game..." if you were stuck in a hole 12 feet deep with mud around you, how would you get out?"...the funniest ideas are coming up and we end up laughing so hard,it literally takes away the "doom" mood. i wish you the best and can only say do not give up! ps...we are still waiting for professional help,on a "waiting list"..🙈 bless you🙏

[@katherineozbirn6622]

The Coton de Tulear is the best dog ever! I have a whole family of them. Congratulations on your taste in this dog breed.

[@winterhtech]

Dude, you had me until "if you're a worthy person you'll figure out how to deal with it" - that crushes the souls of adhd people who are already dealing with more mental overhead to get through the day.

[@winterhtech]

Don't get me wrong, I kept listening to see what you'd follow it up with, which is good stuff but damn that's harsh

[@PerKristian93]

I love how Moose tried to find whoever you started talking to at the start of the video

[@jade_08]

definitel says something.. when I was trying to multitask while listening to this and paused it and rewinded 3x before the 2 min mark... 😅

[@grandlaphi]

Thank you . I’m 79 yr old . I knew it before but now I understand!

[@katattack907]

Thank you so much, Dr. Barkley! It's humbling to see the lack of future orientation written out like that and encouraging to know that 1. it's not a personal failing that my brain works this way, and 2. there are interventions that are proven to help get my brain back on track.

[@Plasmafox]

I don't understand how to bootstrap this stuff. Like on an intellectual level I figured all these things out at some point but that doesn't make them happen for the same reason every other plan, need or goal in my life never happened. And like you said, people just see it as a personality defect, a lack of integrity or something. The weight of shame and rejection rivals the weight of everything left undone.

[@jon123xyz]

If you get properly diagnosed with ADHD (not as easy to find a.skilled.doc.as.it.should be) meds could result in a big improvement.

[@BlackIceDragonSalome]

I find the point with telling others of your plans to motivate you quite interesting. I tried that like a million times and it always failed. I do adhere to my plans if I don't talk about them more often. I feel like my brain thinks talking about something is the same as doing and achieving that thing. So stupid tbh.

[@erwvhkasdkvhsdjajsdhcadsh9055]

Same! If i just imagine that i did something i am absolutely satisfied and chances are i will never do that in real life

[@muriellaki]

Thank you Dr. Barkley for setting up a KZbin channel with all your priceless knowledge. I've been consuming your lectures, interviews, book and you have been the source of eye-opening information and explanations for me. I also want to take the opportunity to say that watching your older lectures were not only extremely valuable but very funny too. You could do stand-up comedy and fill up theaters of ADHDers !! I'm a 52 (female) officially diagnosed 3 years ago but investigating on my own for the last 10. I've been doing group BT and this helped a lot with identifying that I was not a lazy, My major issues are inconsistency, time blindness -where I hyperfocus on watching KZbin for hours to acquire MORE knowledge on ....well...everything, on what now seems my way on trying to crack my brain. It's like I'm searching for the next video that will be better explained or understood because I forget the 95% of what I just watched, read, listened to. - Then my brain is overwhelmed with do-lists that I can never put into the right order, I cannot focus, I'm easily distracted by all the post-it sticky notes that I have on my desk and cannot even prioritise them, and at the end of the day I end up having done 1-2 things that could have been done in 10 minutes. My doctor didn't want to give me stimulants due to my mothers bipolar disorder (for the fear of some kind of worst disregulation?) and my premenopausal /hormonal situation that might be causing my memory/brain fog lack of motivation and energy to feel worse. Do you think I should ask for a new visit ? I'd love to try some meds. Thank you again

[@russellbarkleyphd2023]

Thanks! I am glad you are finding this so informative. I would speak to your doctor again as I know of know evidence where use of prescription stimulants is likely to provoke bipolar manic episodes. It would be quite rare. Even if you had bipolar, expert psychopharmacologists I know would still treat the ADHD with meds assuming that the bipolar disorder was stabilized. Be well,

[@maryannnichols1043]

Thank you so much for this, sir! It helps to understand WHY it’s so difficult to get/stay motivated, particularly with regards to personal goals, rather than job related ones.

[@verson8235]

Thank you so much for this.

[@lagomorphia9]

Wow, the info about time and gratification was spot on! I was diagnosed a few years ago at fifty and have virtually no external control over this. My life has always been a mess and out of control. While it frustrated me to some extent, the eternal living in the moment component always made me think everything is fine, all the while not noticing the future ship was sinking. Living in the moment isnt really bad but I get depressed when I think of all the failures it has caused. Meds worked wonderfully for the first two on your list but here in canada we have doctor shortage and they wont prescribe it over the phone, so going without again and back to trying to learn more about it. Appreciate your channel because its not all about pull up your socks, stop being lazy etc. Or an overachiever with mild ADHD giving advice, not that some of their material isnt good but some of us are at baby steps while they are taking giant leaps. Thank you.

[@citygirlcitydoglove]

Thank you so much. For ALL your work. 💞

[@pencilart1980]

I feel like my biggest over-arching issue with ADHD is the fact that I can't visualise 😮‍💨 I am a trained Illustrator but I can never envision an artwork before I create it. I honestly have no idea how I make anything. It feels like a massive struggle every time, and I don't have any say over whether a piece works out or not 😮‍💨 Yet I have an almost obsessive compulsion to create, not just artworks but jewellery, objects, anything that attracts my attention. And I do create them and people always love them and want me to make more but I can't sustain any consistency because nothing about the process feels linear! I'm just along for the ride and I have no idea if I'll be able to stay connected long enough to finish the thing 😬 I can't really see any pictures in my mind that I can pull up to encourage motivation to stay on task in work or in life in general. No visions of how the piece will end up looking, no visions of the desired outcome in terns of fulfilling a brief, and no visions of a career path! 🤦‍♀️ Is it possible to learn to visualise?? I currently rely on Pinterest etc and will be making some vision boards later this week but it really sucks to not be able to imagine something independently. I have no idea why I would have both the technical ability to create plus the compulsion to do so, but without the corresponding visualisation?

[@kristenkiste6372]

Thank you for putting this into words!!!!

[@pencilart1980]

@@kristenkiste6372 I would never wish it on anyone, but there's some comfort in knowing I'm not alone! 🥴💜

[@jayocaine2946]

Are you on medication? I found adhd meds really hindered my ability to do this. Lots of lawyers will do some work on meds and more creative work off of meds. Hope this helps!

[@pencilart1980]

@@jayocaine2946 thanks for the response! No I'm not on meds, I'm always fearful of medication 😗 I have felt desperate enough to consider them especially recently, but I've also heard from others who say the meds further dampen creativity 🤔 Did you continue with the meds on the days when you didn't need to think creatively?

[@jayocaine2946]

@leanneart as of recently I've began to experiment with taking creative days off. I'm a musician and I have been my whole life, but I completely quit all music when I started taking meds, it just no longer did anything for me.but luckily because of its short half life it's totally okay to just stop taking the meds and rest assured your normal self comes right back, for better or for worse . Medication helps a lot with paying attention, but I highly suggest going back and forth for maximum productivity.

[@jrr2045]

Thank you for all you do for people with ADHD and those who love us. You have been such an important source of research-based information for me and I'm sure for hundreds of thousands of others. I can't put into words how grateful I am for your immense contribution in the world of ADHD research and the dissemination of all the knowledge you have acquired on the topic. You have had a huge positive influence on so many people's lives. Thank you. 🙏

[@79SPAS]

Hey Sir, thanks for putting all this content over here on KZbin. This will help me immensely in my journey through my recently diagnosed ADHD (in my mid-40s). Thanks, I have no words to express how immensely generous and welcome this is. Thank you. I'll be watching your videos for a while, I guess.

[@themobbit9061]

Your videos are fantastic and giving me more techniques to offer in my practice. Thank you!!

[@lunadog71]

Thank you. This video is like balm to my soul. I have beat myself up for more years than I care to count for my lack of self-discipline (and lived with depression since my teens). I only realised I might have ADHD relatively recently - I haven't sought out assessment yet because if I'm told I don't have it I feel that it would crush me. I do have most of the symptoms. And thinking of it as a neurobioligical disorder is helping me accept myself and find strategies to work around me executive function deficits. Thank you again.

[@rusticitas]

THANK YOU! This is a fantastic summary.

[@russellbarkleyphd2023]

And thank you for watching.

[@brendaemerald8485]

Excellent! Thanks for making your videos, they’re so helpful for me personally and in my work as a professional helping others with ADHD.

[@JacobProbasco]

Would love a talk that points out how these EF issues might specifically manifest in romantic relationships. Thanks for your video.

[@RyanFuruness]

I’ve heard to watch out for periods of hyper focus on partner and then disinterest. And then that disinterest leads to resentment if you view them as interrupting you when you are hyper focusing on something else (isolating to dopamine chase).

[@bansheewolfps4864]

@@RyanFurunessI think you unintentionally just helped me figure out why I’m so bad with relationships, that just made so much sense and everything just clicked, thank u! I will definitely be looking out for this in the future now that I know what to look for exactly! Much appreciated

[@RyanFuruness]

@@bansheewolfps4864 Definitely! I saw this on reddit one time and saw how important it was and have tried to remember and spread it since. People with ADHD need to know how it affects this area of their life

[@EraidFreefire]

​@RyanFuruness this is me during reading! If I'm reading (or even listening to an audio book) and I get interrupted: I'm am so close to exploding on you and tearing you a new one.

[@TylinaVespart]

I remember seeing this in a larger lecture and it made so much more sense of my choices throughout my life. Really helpful having it in a shorter form to share! Just knowing about it is helpful, it also means you can put in your supports and accommodations to account for it because you’re then addressing the right problem.

[@russellbarkleyphd2023]

So true. Thanks!

[@Rash2oush]

Dr Russell, thank you so much for all the work you share, i have a question about adhd overlapped with traits of bpd and taking medication for both as in ssri in the evening and concerta in the morning. Of course prescribed by a psychiatrist. I would like to hear your opinion about the overlaping and medications.

[@nicholassmith7473]

I have a daily routine to try to compensate, a little over time on a schedule

[@Herfinnur]

You have a dog and he's not a Russell Terrier called 'Barkley'???? For shame! For real though, Moose is ridiculously cute ❤ Edit: This is the perfect video to show my family and friends!

[@Chizuru94]

7:42 Funny it is like that for people. For me, some past experiences or even the next class I am or would be heading to felt like smth new every time that I couldn't see coming or smth like that. And people were - understandably so, I guess - confused why I still didn't know what to do and to bring etc. every time/every class, sometimes. Oh, what I'd give to live like someone without ADHD for a week or smth :') I can just hope medication might give me even a glimpse of that. I already had 29 years of pain and suffering due to this disorder :(

[@acalavidyaraja]

thank you very much for this video. it summarises some important aspects of how adhd works.

[@kittyhahn41661]

Excellent information! Especially time orientation.

[@anniegoomes8585]

I’ve recently been diagnosed with ADHD but I’m not 100% convinced of the diagnosis. I definitely have motivation issues but I don’t know if it’s related to short term rewards. I feel like the tasks are overwhelming and sometimes there are too many steps (like, I’m hungry but I need to get dressed before I cook and I don’t have clean clothes, for example) so I feel like it might be anxiety rather than ADHD (I’ve been diagnosed with both, and also ASD)

[@lambs5258]

Don't be afraid to talk to your provider about your results if you feel it's not right for you. ADHD and anxiety are super comorbid with ASD. Sounds pretty ADHD or at least executive dysfunction-y. Problems sequencing and being overwhelmed by multiple steps is the name of the game with ADHD. Makes "simple" tasks feel monumental. And that's not even mentioning the trouble activating to actually DO those (often boring) tasks..

[@anniegoomes8585]

Thank you 😊

[@svetlananana9609]

I showed it to my boyfriend 💜thank you so much. He finally understood some things and I hope will stop calling himself and me lazy. Hate that word. I don't make alarms because I'm lazy, but bcs of executive dysfunction and this is one of many coping skills that help. I need an accountability person near me while I clean, bcs without buddy doubling it's too hard. But I get it done, jzst my way

[@EraidFreefire]

I'm sorry I'm so late, but wow holy crap this is right! I thought that having an accountability buddy helping you get chores(or almost anything else) done meant you were becoming dependent on them to help you function, and I was worried about that! But then I remeber I'm Adhd and this is a huge coping thing. Like I don't even *want* to make a meal without my partner being there, even if I'm feeling like a bottomless pit. My partner doesn't seem to understand that I literally need him to help me out with things so I can be motivated. Then again....maybe I need to explain that to him🤨🧐

[@iman443]

thanks a lot doctor I have been fan of your speeches ever since I was diagnosed

[@JinroHz]

I live in Japan, and a normal greeting would be to ask someone if they're "genki" or energetic. I always have deep thoughts whenever someone ask me this since I couldn't fathom why anyone would be energetic to go do their job. I'm only there to get paid, and the only day I'm a bit energetic is when it's payday. Videogames and hobbies however are the only times where I can truly feel motivated. If I play a game for hours without going out to pee or eat, I'll consider that a good day as a human. It's only when you deliberate that you need to work tomorrow that depression rises it's head. Without work I feel like I'm finally becoming a normal person.

[@starius1154]

Thank you, Dr Barkley for all of your work in this. I and those around me are better for your work.

[@stargazer9827]

Thanks ❤

[@EikeSchwass]

I always said to my gf now wife that I always prefer the local maximum, instead of the global maximum. If something is worse than the current situation, even if it leads to better overall outcome I really really prefer to not do that thing. And I 100% know and am aware of that on a rational level, but still feel like running into a brick wall when I try to do the *something* anyway

[@bryannguyen7974]

Thanks, Doctor Barkley.

[@killzoltar]

i'm glad i'm not the only person who was unreasonably excited to see your dog lol

[@TheKillaCake]

I find one thing that really helps with learning for the future is setting a very appealing (and likely unrealistic end goal) one that sounds so juicy I can't help but make small adjustments to get there overtime.

[@PolyMathWannaBe62]

Yet another excellent, easy to follow advice video for adhd. Some of these things really make sense to me.

[@chinogambino9375]

I have no time to leave my desk and its killing me. I struggle with time horizons too, I want dearly to quit my job; I will have no shame being poor as long as I don't have to sit in that chair chasing customers and expecting to know 8 different schedules going on. Then I get yelled at for hyper focussing on a task and not talking because I'm meant to be juggling other plates... I won't quit but its so draining having to rationalize to myself each time why it'd be a bad idea to quick now and torch my work history. I often think getting fired would be a blessing for my sanity.

[@Audrey-qg3sx]

Thank you Dr. Barkley, this is so helpful.

[@enolauke]

Thank you for this video.i was searching for the ways to motivate myself to get my study done which is due in 90 days approx. I would incooperate this tips for next 3 months until im done with my competitive exams. Thank you for all that youre doing. I appreciate every bit of your efforts. Im myself a med student. And i cannot rap around the thoughtoff blindedness for adhd in psychiatrist in india. I have visited 2 doctors and both refised to medicate me. Thank you for the lifestyle tips. I would come back and tell you my results which will be due in mid november. 😊 You are like guiding light in the darkness for me. Thanks for everything!

[@pamelitabreguel]

I love science based information. This help a lot of us who have been struggling our whole life to get things done

[@seanu6840]

It’s funny because ADHD also looks like it could be that somebody’s in a state of trauma or PTSD where they in their survival mode can only think more immediately than somebody who is in a non-stressed situation

[@Fiveandime]

WOW!! This is so helpful to understanding some of my behaviors. But surely explains my sons behavior. Thanks so much!!

[@ranicohen7]

Thank you, Dr Barkley, for these lectures and videos. As an adult with ADHD, I find this enlightening and so helpful. I wish all adults with ADHD and parents to ADHD children see this. I have a question. Do you maybe have books or videos translated to Hebrew? If it is possible to add Hebrew subtitles to your videos, I'd be happy to contribute.

[@ericageissman]

Thank you for this. I’m going to share it with my parents and partner, and reflect on it myself.

[@russellbarkleyphd2023]

Very kind of you to do so.

[@EraidFreefire]

So how did it go? I'm an adult but I'm so tempted to share this because my Dad doesn't understand why it's so hard to keep things clean. He thinks it's a phone addiction or computer addiction. Did your parents understand? Did they have a light bulb moment?

[@impossible9599]

Thank you so much doctor! I desperately needed this. Currently medical student and preparing for entrance exam for postgraduate course and i find it difficult to accomplish long term preparation goals.😢 Thought i lack motivation and am ungrateful for my parents sacrifice for my studies.

[@hanskraut2018]

Moose/miniMoose is very cute.💛And I LOVE the focus of this video!!!!!thanksdoc Thank you very important!

[@GamerLogicalArt]

this explains alot about me it also explains why i need videos to play 2x - 3x speed just so i can retain what is said in the videos

[@joshuaworman4022]

would love more info on this topic. i feel this is way bigger of an obstacle then focus ever was.

[@nicolesnyder6818]

I cannot disagree (although I am inclined to) that time blindness can cause difficulties, however I, equally, find that my ability to live in the moment has greatly benefited my life particularly with my children and as an artist. It has been my experience that typical people live in a constant state of stress over time obsession. The worst that happens when I am late is that a time obsessed person cares where I do not. They are stressed and I am not. I think it could be an advanced human quality to have your brain not obsessed over that which could happen as opposed to that which IS happening. I think the person who wants to talk for 5 minutes about my being 5 minutes late is wasting MY time and making everything even later, I call that “Time Obsession Disorder” or TMO. Their inability to see that the creativity, flexibility and general enthusiasm I bring is worth my not being on time, their inability to see how that balances out is definitely diagnosable, unfortunately the people with TMO tend to be doing the diagnosing.

[@bitsofgeek]

Dr. Barkley, I'm so glad you created a channel and are offering up these videos. I want to ask about the last part of the video where you discuss making ourselves accountable to others. With ADHD's high comorbidity with other disorders (eg anxiety/depression) how would you suggest we walk the fine line of holding ourselves accountable to others versus while not becoming "people pleasers"? Is the defining factor being a goal for ourselves rather than a goal for others? I know that can also be difficult to sort out in the immediate moment, but I personally feel like I blurred that line myself as I was growing up and that carried over into adulthood, eventually exacerbating my anxiety and depression to the point of burnout. I am working with a therapist to work on these issues, but I would love to hear your thoughts on how we can hold ourselves accountable while ensuring that we are working to be motivated towards *our* goals. Thank you!

[@russellbarkleyphd2023]

Yes, it’s for your own personal or occupational goals or tasks primarily. And it should be arranged to be supportive an d motivating not judge mental. Be well.

[@Chizuru94]

I'm 29 now (female), unmedicated and have struggled with this stuff all my life. Was diagnosed with 10 due to always having emotional issues, being bullied since kindergarten and later on in my teens barely being able to function in a school setting without getting into trouble or people bringing trouble to me (teachers included). It's so wild to me how other people without ADHD don't have much or any of this, let alone to a debilitating impairing extent. I really hope the German health system will allow me to get medicated soon. Found my ADHD diagnosis again 3-5 years ago or smth and I'm glad I can receive help (when/if I ever get meds or even a psychiatrist since everything's full since, well, years, ugh). Like others have already said here and below other videos; thank you so much for educating people here on YT as well and uploading new stuff. It's really much appreciated! :)

[@kirill2525]

ya germany isnt fun, nor is adhd, but we do have abilities that ppl without adhd dont have like being a thuinktank nad comming up with lots of solutions fast and then also troubleshooting them in our heads. it would take at least like 3-5 people a whole week to brainstorm what we can in half an hour so if i had a choise to be "normal" or keep my adhd brain, i would keep what i have

[@salahsouici7268]

Hey there! @chizuru94 i'm salah, i'm 27 a phisician, with adhd seit 2 years ago. I live in algeria and i'm planning to move to germany in about 6 months. for instance i take atomoxetine ( the only medication available here) and it isn't really helping me, can i get a proper medication once there (in germany) since you said you hope the German health system will allow you to get medicated. is it not recognized there? is the amphetamines available in germany? thank you for tanking the time to read my comment. ❤

[@ThatADHDKid]

How do I make it sound not like an excuse? I just ask people to be mindful of my behavior and in certain situations I'll give permission for people to correct me or stop me if I get off the subject/task Or if I'm talking too fast and not making sense. I know not everybody's going to understand it that way, but I don't know how else to explain it without sounding like I'm looking for a pass or sympathy. This is something I struggle quite a bit with

[@ashleyeatsmuffins]

@12:20 commenting just as I want a personal time stamp/reminder of this key part. Thanks Russell!

[@laurahegge7298]

Thank you for sharing Moose as well as this clear content.

[@psychitsjames5302]

I really enjoyed this video Dr Barkley. Some great & practical tips for replenishing the EF tank. Regarding the 'take frequent break' strategy; what would you reply to clients that say something like 'if I take a break I won't want to go back to it.'

[@russellbarkleyphd2023]

Thanks. That is certainly a possibility with frequent breaks but can also happen even without them. Re engaging tasks after a break can be a challenge but we found that when adults had longer tasks to do, breaking them down into smaller chunks seemed less overwhelming to do. Be well

[@nicktefft6225]

The longer lecture with this slide is super helpful. Would you still consider glucose/blood sugar levels to be a major contributor to EF/motivation ability? I’m also curious if protein plays a role, since my understanding is that the amino acids from protein are what our brain uses to make dopamine and other neurotransmitters. Great video as always!

[@russellbarkleyphd2023]

The work on blood glucose was done on typical people. Consuming small amounts over time did help them to sustain their EF on tasks. So when I suggested it I was extrapolating from that work in the book, Handbook of Self-Regulation by Kathleen Vows and Roy Baumeister. But since the work wasn't done with people with ADHD I needed to be careful about recommending it until such a study was done with ADHD specifically.

[@walterskent]

Simply the fact that you took the time to fulfill a request fills me with joy! You have a great way of explaining things that we might not be able to organize and reproduce easily in our own.

[@patriknsvensson4042]

This is the problem that have caused most problem in my life

[@GdpJapan]

The ADHD is not an excuse but an explanation is very enlightening. I’ve been following Dr. Barkley for more than 10 years and it really has helped me to know much more about the whys of how In am. I was diagnosed with ADHD in Japan, when I was 32. I’m 43 now and been living in Japan since I was 19. Japan is a society that won’t accept any excuses, even if they are real. Yes, there might have been a train accident and you were late but that is not excuse. Let alone saying you have ADHD, they won’t waste their time trying to understand something they don’t see and have no reason to. By itself it is a very hostile society when it comes to LDs. Emphasizing that you are a failure and that’s it just blows away all your self-esteem to a point that is so devastating that you eventually believe it and you end up feeling pity for yourself, play the “ADHD excuse” as self-preservation and convince yourself it is indeed true. Eventually you go down the rabbit hole of depression, substance abuse, isolation. So shall be this a reminder that there’s no excuse and I must fix this somehow. About substance abuse, drugs are just a no-no here, just testing positive would ban me from being in Japan forever and lose everything I have, my wife, daughter. But alcohol was an issue. I was drinking specially when I was bored and I was doing it while watching Netflix. Then I quit cold torquey a year ago. Didn’t struggle at all, I don’t know why. Please don’t do it like I did, it’s like playing with fire. I just realized about that now. Wow… So yes, it’s time to use ADHD as an excuse. The other one that really is an excuse and very devastating having severe protanopia. So being color blind and having ADHD together is a whole different story.

[@nichtsicher422]

Regarding 15:00 : Are there any tips on how one should do that, if medidation and "mindfulness" itself feels like something you need to force yourself to? I personally found that the act of letting my brain wander around or simply getting up and walking around helps myself way more than any other practice.

[@russellbarkleyphd2023]

I think that the accommodations and coping strategies can be highly individualistic, as you noted and what works for some, such as mindfulness, won’t work for others. Be well.

[@angelito747]

I usually talk to myself when alone has if I where speaking to a different part of me, really helps to put into conciousness the tasks and causes of events to then write down solutions and time frames. Hope this helps someone.

[@nikita2560]

Hi Dr Barkley. Great video. Something that comes up in your videos is problem solving difficulties for ADHD patients. And I want to understand that more because I have always thought my greatest skill was problem solving. But maybe it is actually problem identification. How are great minds who most likely had ADHD like Steve Jobs able to problem solve and work on long term projects? Maybe he was just good at identifying the problem? But how do these CEOs with ADHD work on long term projects? Like the CEO of JetBlue? Would love to know more about link between ADHD and problem solving. Thank you!

[@Patrick-ml7pq]

Hi Dr. Barkley! Thank you for this great video. I have a specific video request: can you do a video on Alcohol an ADHD? Obviously alcohol must impair Executive function, but to what extent? Should ADHD individuals avoid alcohol moreso than regular people? Can ADHD people drink occasionally and suffer no further problems than regular people? I ask this partially because I feel that even small amounts of alcohol destroys the EF tank far more in ADHD people than in regular people. Yet, some people seem to get more work done with a small drink than they would otherwise.

[@catwalkster]

Your dog is supercute ❤

[@stoneneils]

My theory is Adhd is a problem with our inner-voice's volume/signal to noise ratio. I have sat in a dark room as the adderal kicks in. The only essential change is my inner voice is suddenly louder...as in literally louder..a volume of sorts. If I take too much its like my inner thoughts are almost yelling at me so it turns into anxiety/paranoia.

[@delasantos]

Interesting theory - I agree. I can hear and act on my self positive active voice better. Really great model you propose.

[@vasilisapremudraiya]

Thank you Doctor Barkley for writing for adults. Your reader is from Russia.

[@russellbarkleyphd2023]

Thanks for viewing my work. I have visited your country several times, even back when it was the Soviet Union, and again after that and loved the people and country. It's a shame our governments demonize each other when our people and what they value are so similar. I wish you well in finding help there.

[@albusdumbledore8862]

Yes, and the time preference truncation is linked to the short term memory issue. We won't be able to "contain" by way of preparation for that time now so we will address it in our Now moment later when we can "contain" it.... it's a coping function of the short term memory challenges.

[@shiny_x3]

I am amazingly motivated to pursue my OWN goals and my OWN creativity. I just don't want to pursue what society wants me to pursue. If you stop trying to force kids to obey and conform you'll learn what ADHD really is. It's not a disorder. It's just an inability to fit into this messed up, backwards, harmful civilization. I am not "distracted", I just follow different routes and do what I want along the way. If you stop trying to force us into a box, we're much happier AND we do amazing things. Please study the social model of disability.

[@j.b.4340]

12:50, at my job, I compensate by turning in perfect work. I take much longer than my peers, to complete a job, but my product is superior. (My autism, and my ADHD, work well together, most of the time)

[@patriciajump9511]

Hi, I think if the task is simple or "rote" ... that little breaks are beneficial. But when I was working as an RN geriatric psychiatric clinician with frequent admisions, or an RN weekend evening supervisor in charge of a 60-bed convalescent center, both of which generated various types of emergencies .... uhh, no ... mental breaks were disruptive to keeping everything going in my head, re-prioritizing, shifting focus from patient care to family communications and education to staff needs and problems and back again. No, I stayed completely focused constantly. Maybe some others who don't have adhd can stop and start in such environments, but not me. I needed to maintain 100% focus for hours, just to perform as well as those without adhd. But often, I out-performed others due to more conscientious attention to all details. (Another thing .... in nursing school I "over-studied" in order to deeply embed the information in long term memory, to recall it very quickly, and that saved a lot of time and helped compensate for my adhd 👍)

[@Thegalaxies21]

I understand that instant reward issue with something so simple as my writing. I am more constant with fanfic writing because I post it chapter by chapter, but with the novel/book I'm writing the motivation is not as good because my reward will be meet in the longtime and not after finishing one chapter.

[@stoneneils]

Luck you, I've been working on the same god damned techno track for 4 years lol.

[@AmandaJuneHagarty]

Watching this a second time to really wrap my brain around it. I paused it on the slide of the 4 developmental transitions in control of behavior to think about this. The problem I have is with Time. I am famous for saying "in a minute" when what I really mean is in 30 minutes or more. At the same time I may be relating a story to someone as something that happened "the other day" but if I really stop and try to pin down when it happened (which is hard) it may have been a year or several years ago. For delayed gratification I am perfectly able to delay gratification. The problem arises in coming back to harvest the fruits of my delayed gratification. And gardening is a perfect example. I can grow peas from seed. I can nurture them in the early days. But at a certain point they don't need constant attention. Once I don't have to go out and care for them on a daily basis I may never come back to eat the peas I invested so much in at the start. Before I know it it's August and the peas are over grown and inedible. I try to be philosophical about it and think of how much my garden has contributed to the ecosystem if not to my larder. But part of me knows that if I delay self gratification I may never reap the rewards. So maybe the next time I think about growing peas I just shrug and tell myself I won't succeed and so therefore I should just buy a bag of peas for immediate gratification. So does a preference for immediate gratification maybe just come down to a learned behavior caused by a memory deficit?

[@russellbarkleyphd2023]

That is a very interesting point because it's not clear about the chicken and egg here. Some people do describe the fact that by not being able to hold ideas in mind as well or as long as others, they opt to do things now or they will forget about them. So they seem impulsive and opt for the immediate reward because of a working memory problem. But then we also know that poor inhibition contributes to some extent to that kind of working memory problem, especially through being so distractible. So I think it's an interaction of the two more than just a simple one way explanation. Also, people vary markedly in their time preference, like on a bell shaped curve, and it seems to be related more to genetic and biological factors than social ones. Yet cultural and situational factors can affect time preference or choice behavior. So, it's complicated, but you raise an interesting possibility for some people. Thanks!

[@trentmcmanus9423]

My solution: work in a dental office. I get frequent minute or two breaks between short bouts of intense focus and a constant almost guaranteed supply of dopamine throughout the day. It's actually more fun than playing video games.

[@stoneneils]

I would get thrown out of a dental office in the first two days for acting like a fool to make things more lively. My recommendation is real estate cuz you're always out running here and there chasing big sales being sociable and kind of charming really so its very motivating and because we have adhd we are the BEST agents in town. I was so good I had to quit cuz I turned to $300/night crack habit lol. One of you make the money instead, I cannot handle it.

[@trentmcmanus9423]

@@stoneneils The main dentist where I work is also ADHD. We all act like fools all day long. However, I'm pretty sure this is the exception because every other dentist office I've ever been to has been boring as hell. We have all of the walls painted, constant pranks, no one is super serious or overly formal. It's the best.

[@aosidh]

Pets help with zoom fidgeting so much 😻

[@kalonicamcquesten692]

7:14 Nope. My sense of time never advanced normally. This illustration of how other people develop is so crazy. I can’t believe how different I am! I never knew!

[@kalonicamcquesten692]

It took me till I was 55 to believe in the concept of compounding interest.

[@kalonicamcquesten692]

I have learned that I respond better if I thank higher power for helping me after I’ve completed something. It freaks me out to pat myself on my back.

[@kalonicamcquesten692]

Could ADHD be a long-successful strategy for dissociation from traumatic environments?

[@wrench5692]

Hello Dr Barkley, I’ve been struggling with this for a long time and I feel like I’ve never tried to get around this. Do you have any tips for people struggling with doing for people with not only ADHD but with a form of autism as well. Thank you for your time

[@29saksheedhumal65]

9:56 can this be linked to procrastination? Like not taking something seriously untill the deadline approaches And nearer the deadline, more the efforts put into completing the work

[@PBSK1DS]

More Moose please

[@turtleanton6539]

Yes😊😊😊😊

[@piotrgraniszewski8544]

Binge watching your videos with hyperfocus can be really depressing. Even though I am fully aware of how statistically awful ADHD is, I still cannot come to terms with the implications.

[@TheRobotAttack]

I really hoped your dog’s name was Dr. Barkley Russ, but Moose is great!

[@lilacDaisy111]

Huh, I remember in High School, in grade 9, I thought deeply about life after school, and it seemed so impossible, so fanciful, that I came to the conclusion that the rest of my life would be spent in high school. So I dropped out.

[@Drnonstop]

Hello Russell, I am wondering about glucose intake is still on the table (slowly sipping). I searched for this video to comment: I SLOWLY SIPPED ON JUICE AND IT DIDN’T FIX 27 YEARS OF CONDITIONING. I ended up watching the whole thing instead of finishing the references on my paper. Great work as always.

[@stoneneils]

Black coffee..i don't know what's so hard to understand. It always worked for us and always will.

[@Drnonstop]

​@@stoneneilsHello Stone, I think you replied to the wrong comment. Coffee makes me naseus for hours after while on vyvanse. Before I took the medication I drunk like 3-4 cups o day even before bed.

[@stoneneils]

@@Drnonstop They won't give me adhd meds anymore, I've got too many co-existing conditions..mainly drug addiction lol..mdma, coke, crack, speed, etc. So I drink a cup of cofffee at 2am and now i just woke up and am having my next one at 8am lol. Somebody help me lol..Tim Hortons has me by the balls!! Lucky there is one just outside my building, literally 45 seconds walk.

[@KF75411]

I appreciate learning this stuff but some of the solutions for replenishing your SR fuel tank require discipline themselves and some others are not very practical in a normal work environment. I really feel like I am doing all I can, but if I just do these extra things, then I will be able to do more... Kind of a catch 22 isn't it?

[@coffee_and_cacti2798]

The phrase “you must be able to resist responding to goal irrelevant events” has me rolling that’s amazing 😂🤣😂🤣 im a 34 year old lady with adhd who works from home and I’m definitely putting that phrase on a poster and hanging it in my office 😂😂😂😂

[@coffee_and_cacti2798]

Even funnier to me is that my current viewing of this video is a failure of resisting goal irrelevant events 😂 I guess I’ll stop now and come back to this later haha thanks for the helpful information!

[@kelliemuffatti2902]

As the only neuorotypical in my family (I'm the mother), I've found that my window of time has shortened over 30 or so years. Now that I have my adhd daughter and her 'probably' adhd kiddies living with me, along with my adhd husband, I now find it difficult to work on anything more than a month out. I feel like having carried the mental load for 4 adhd people (my other 2 kids also have been diagnosed with adhd) all these years has shortened my 'foresight' for want of a better word, and events that I once would have anticipated now sneak up on me. Is this normal? Or am I just losing it?

[@vassilisiliopoulos6274]

Hi Dr Barkley, thank you for your work. Have you ever done a specific video about EEG neurofeedback ? Thank you !

[@russellbarkleyphd2023]

Not yet but I may need to as others have asked about it. The best studies as well as meta-analyses simply don't find much if any therapeutic benefit relative to shame EEG used as a placebo, for instance. But studies that are less rigorous sometimes find benefits but then this can be easily attributed to their flaws in their methods.

[@robreinebeck1621]

@Osvath97 Thanks for putting words to my thoughts and actions. Also appreciate all the replies. I’m new to learning about ADHD but it’s been part of life since forever (I’m now 60) It’s comforting to know that it’s not “just me”.

[@federicasgorbissa5092]

Hi, thanks. Could you make a video about ADHD and gender? Thanks?

[@russellbarkleyphd2023]

I have one already. See the lecture on Sex Differences in ADHD. Thanks for watching.