Why we've got ADHD wrong!

[@AntoniasUniverse]

So the "Distractible" t-shirts are FINALLY available here: antoniatheuniverse.com/shop ! It only took forever.. 🥳

[@LifeOnHoth]

After all the binging I need bigger size... :D hahaha.

[@TheNerdyRock]

Sure, people with eyesight problems exist but the overprescription of glasses just doesnt seem right to me. I've also heard that those people can still read without glasses if they squint their eyes hard enough. They just need to try harder. I have a feeling this is all just a plan conjured up by big optometry to sell more glasses.

[@AntoniasUniverse]

PERFECT analogy 💯

[@f4pVLAD]

Trying to condemn "big Pharma" and at the same time advertising your own book as a solution is the 21st-century version of a snake oil doctor. I also like his sources: "I just *feel* that this is too high.." Thank you for sharing your opinion with us.

[@AntoniasUniverse]

His sources are *trust me bro*

[@djtuskan]

@@AntoniasUniverse 'bro scientists' are the worst!

[@natdenchfield8061]

Oh "Just try harder !". What a cznt that guy is.. And breath ...

[@rgfs71]

I found it really aggravating to hear him discount ADHD as a serious condition yet recognize OCD as something not to joke about. WTF is this guy for real? You can’t insist that everyone’s mind works the same and recognize differences at the same time. Being easily distracted is NOT ADHD, just as obsessing over certain things isn’t OCD. That said, I DO agree that meds aren’t entirely necessary but the problem is not in changing the person with ADHD but for EVERYONE to recognize neurodiversity and that it IS NOT reasonable to expect everyone to work the same, learn the same, behave the same, love the same, etc. Oh, and there are multiple reasons for a higher incidence of ADHD in North America. For one thing, it’s better recognized and more likely to be diagnosed. Moreover, ADHD is genetic and people with ADHD take bigger risks. Most of the people living in North America descend from those willing to risk moving to a new continent, let alone a new country, so just being there means you are more likely to have ADHD.

[@mi4744]

I was able to learn the skills after I got medication and maintain the skills after I go off the meds. Trying was not enough to make the skills stick. Neuroplasticity is a real thing and with the meds I've been able to change so many things in my life and behaviour. That's why I believe meds are really important when treating adhd.

[@AntoniasUniverse]

Exactly, same! It's sooo different when you have a proper foundation to build upon.

[@boop3260]

I am desperately seeking a second opinion on a negative ADHD diagnosis (based on poor self-reporting) because of this - I'm 31 and completely unable to learn, absorb and develop new skills without extreme amounts of external structure and guidance. Now that I've finished studying, it's all coming to a head and is affecting my employability... Praying for help and that I will be believed, but not holding out hope :(

[@daveinci6158]

His logic is: my brain works this way so everyone else’s brain must work this way too. He’s a “know it all”

[@AntoniasUniverse]

I guess it takes a while for each person to notice how we all work differently but apparently some people never do!

[@sarahjaye4117]

My dad seems very adhd, maybe autism too but assumes his way of thinking is the only right way, kinda selective empathy and always has to be right.

[@dummlp]

I'm sick and tired of smart guys

[@AntoniasUniverse]

They've just solved everything it seems!

[@The_Vanished]

This is truly the best comment ever 😂

[@zakmendoza8817]

You spelled “grifters” wrong lol

[@DEE-qu5mc]

You mean guys who think they're smart, particularly in a field that they're not even qualified for. This guy is a clown, he's just trying to promote his books and seminars about his methods.

[@whitebloodism]

These people and the fanboys seem very look at me ish

[@Cannabian]

Just read a book haha That's one of the biggest reasons I went for an adhd diagnosis at 38. I literally cannot get through books in reasonable time and it makes me physically tired to try. Every sentence is like a trigger for a thought stream so lots of times I drift off mid page and have to re-read the entire page again.

[@AntoniasUniverse]

I know that feeling so well! That's why I can only read books that I really enjoy and topics that interest me. But finding those is a problem...

[@angry.charlie]

Your channel made me feel really confident about taking Vyvanse for the first time, and I can't thank you enough. You explained everything so well when you described what it was like to take it for the first time, I went into day one feeling confident and prepared. That was 2 months ago, and my life has changed dramatically - including my career being saved. Thank you for all you do to bring attention to the ADHD community.

[@AntoniasUniverse]

Wow! Thank you for sharing! It's comments like these that keep me going. I am so happy I could give you the courage to go through with your treatment and I really hope things continue looking up for you!

[@GTaichou]

MONEY ISN'T KNOWLEDGE. CEOs are not experts on pretty much ANYTHING at the end of the day! Why do we platform these folks so highly?!

[@jesselatner3894]

I just got put on adderall at 34 after knowing I had adhd since I was 12 and the past month has been game-changing. These confidence men are dangerous.

[@HaHaLooLoo]

Can I ask why it took so many years to get some medication? Sorry just curious and wish you the best 🙏🏼

[@jesselatner3894]

@@HaHaLooLoo i had parents that thought i was ok as a child. i was moderately succesfull, and thought that i was handling it well. it was an after thought. now that there is more awareness on the subject i started asking inward and found i was "sick". i decided to get help. it was work and my hyperfocus and i thought i was happy and healthy.

[@jesselatner3894]

@@HaHaLooLoo the first week of my medication was filled with side effects like lack of appetite, jitters, heart racing, and difficulty sleeping. i however had this calm, like my mind was finally silent for the first time in my life.

[@AntoniasUniverse]

Sooo happy for you ❤️ it's really a shame you had to wait that long, the stigma and misinformation is so harmful exactly for this reason 😕

[@nolaray1062]

@@jesselatner3894how did you bring up the topic with your doctor? I’m nervous about bringing it up with mine because so many doctors (at least here) act like ppl are just looking for pills. Makes me nervous about broaching the subject.

[@RobertGottlieb]

I so wish I could just think away my ADHD! The thing that gets me is that he acts so confident and dispenses advice like he has a degree! He does not! I am so glad you are exposing him and am glad to be a subscriber to this channel. There are other ADHD channels I also watch on here and they would all agree with you as they also are Science based. It's amazing what happens when people actually do real research instead of going on their "gut" about other peoples challenges! Thank you so much for this channel! And for those of you that aren't diagnosed yet, don't give up! Please get a diagnosis! Whether or not meds work for you, it can be so validating as to why so many things have gone wrong or just didn't feel right! I've been diagnosed several times throughout my life, but the first diagnosis was so relieving! Also, you are a good a human being in spite of what others might say about ADHD. He clearly was being ableist I agree, and knowing that you can feel free to ignore him. I'm 55 yrs old. I've been dealing with my "Learning Disability", as I was originally diagnosed, since I was 16. I later at 24 got correctly diagnosed with ADD (before we had subtypes). It is still a daily struggle, but at least I know what I'm struggling with and why. And most importantly my fellow ADHDers: You matter! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

[@AntoniasUniverse]

Thank you so much, Robert! I'm so happy to have amazing humans like you in our community! I love what you've written here and I hope many people will stop by to read it!

[@ADHDcuts]

Nuerotypicals will never understand what we go through everyday until and unless they experience it themselves 😠😡

[@AntoniasUniverse]

Yes! It's so hard to! The only thing that comes close is probably watching these ADHD simulation videos or if we made these videos as VR experiences somehow... Also probably if they don't sleep for several days and go on a tiktok and soda diet then try to take a math exam? Maybe 🤔

[@SY-tn2io]

He is damaging for our community. If he doesn’t have it or experienced it, then he shouldn’t be speaking against it. Just because there’s freedom of speech, doesn’t mean he should say things, because he thinks they are true.

[@AntoniasUniverse]

True, free speech is good but it comes with a certain responsibility and this is not it.

[@BenjaminPullicino]

I've been diagnosed a few months ago at age 41. It was a real concidence, I happened to go to a therrapist who also has ADHD and she spotted it in me in the second session. So I took the screen test, went to the pshyciatrist and was put on meds. I have used hard drugs for most of my life and got seriously addicted which almost lead to my demise, now I am totally clean and working a recovery. I myself never realised how serious this condition is, the meds are not doing any miracles but they are really helping. I really want to thank you for your videos, I am watching all of them, they are really helping me makes sense of everything. I especially want to thank you for spreading awareness, explaining it so well and also with a video like this where unfortuntely there is so much misinformation about it. From another ADHD patient, I can related to almost everything you say, you validate me and just by watching these videos I am feeling so much less guilty of how I lived my life. Thank you Antonia, you have no idea how well explained and helpful your videos are.

[@djtuskan]

Thank you Antonia! It really annoyed me hearing this podcast - why they let 1 person with out any qualifications in the field speak like it's the truth with out any balanced debate from a real authority, is so wrong. Keep up the good work.

[@AntoniasUniverse]

Thank you for your support! I hate how carelessly these opinions get thrown around without actually looking for discourse from the other side :(

[@marynag2147]

Wow! This guy is so blinded by his own believes, that he didn’t realize how much harm to how many people he provides by proclaiming these his statements as truth. Granted that people with ADHD extremely sensitive to criticism and not being accepted, taken seriously or believed to already. For all ADHDers who also got triggered by this guy’s words I am sending huge hug! I want to say that we are finally being widely acknowledged we have so many opportunities to connect with likeminded people and provide or receive support …it’s going to get only better! We got this!

[@michalasiliga]

Please make a “distractable” shirt lol I’d buy it!!!!

[@christina_cl]

If only it was that simple: read a book and be cured! 🙄 Firstly, there is no way to cure ADHD currently as our brain is physically different. No learning or training can change that. Secondly, does he really think we haven't tried learning all the coping skills already? I read so many self-help books and tried everything I could find, but I was still getting overwhelmed all the time and crashing with burnout. Medication is not the first step, it is for when you're at the end of your rope and there is no other choice.

[@violingirl2]

As and ADHD-er (medicated) - I DO think there is a problem with people getting diagnosed haphazardly. Not everyone goes through the thorough, proper diagnosis...EKG, Blood, hours of assessment, (in my case, I even had a cat scan) - not to mention thorough talk therapy before "resorting" to this. (for lack of a better term) My doctor said there IS a rise in attention problems today - but that is NOT ADHD. ADHD is a very serious and far more complex condition. In my opinion the problem is that oversimplification of what this condition does to us (as this man is destructively doing in this podcast). In a way, I'd welcome what this gentleman was saying if he adjusted the language to "attention problems" and not lump it in with the labyrinth that is the ADHD condition. I'd almost say that it screws us having 'attention' in the title. Attention is the tip of the iceberg. Personally, for me, all of the sensory things started to add up over time - and that certainly compounded itself with my experience with others. Being medicated has given me a MUCH higher quality of life. I sleep better, eat better, implement ADHD-friendly strategies with more consistency...(among many other things) The trauma of living with ADHD is probably one of the biggest things to get over. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend "Focusing Forward" by James Ochoa. He specifically mentions "EDS" as one of the single most challenging components for those of us with ADHD. (Emotional Distress Syndrome). Years of living like this - every time we make a mistake, forget an appointment, miss a deadline, lose something, let someone down - all adds up. It's like a mini trauma each time - we start living a life of waiting for the other shoe to drop. My ADHD came to light as a result of years of therapy. Depression, anxiety, panic attacks etc; I have none of these issues now. After stripping it away, I was able to see that they were all coping mechanisms that exponentially got worse because I was (as all of us with ADHD know) "trying so hard". For example: as my anxiety reduced, my forgetfulness and clumsiness increased. That's just one example. Actually I love it when Antonia talks about that part of ADHD - hurting yourself more easily lol. Not that it is funny, just that idea that we stub our toes, spill things, etc; more than others :D I love connecting with other ADHDers. You are not alone, you are not crazy. But with that said - I do feel frustrated (and even validated by my doctor) that individuals who perhaps engage in bad habits and have lowered attention spans may do one set of paperwork and be quickly diagnosed with ADHD. I think this is why we see negative (and frankly, dangerous rhetoric) about the medication solution. Not all of us are doing that! Many of us consider this for a long time - and all the while continuing to live with the alternative of being someone in distress - trying our asses off to no avail. Medication is a godsend. Attention problems are real - but ADHD is SERIOUS and multi-layered. Thank you Antonia and honestly everyone who engages in ADHD communities. Online mediums like this are such bright spots in a dark world. We can support and validate each other - all while educating others... Much love to my fellow ADHDers that are trying hard - hang in there!

[@AntoniasUniverse]

Wow, what a thoroughly incredible comment! Thank you SO much for taking the time to think and share your thoughts on this! I am speechless! Pinning this for all our fellow ADHDers to read. :)

[@YourCapyFrenBigly_3DPipes1999]

Yeah fr! Thank you for such a substantial comment.

[@hannahrebeccamusic]

👌🏼🙌🏼👏🏼 thank you for your input! Very helpful xxx

[@jonathanberry9502]

I don't think that the bar to getting a proper diagnosis and meds should be so high! People with ADHD have a hard time jumping though such hoops and will tend to have less $ to pay for all that. You don't need to go that far, and anyway let's just consider how bad is if for someone who might not have ADHD but seek the meds, seems to me that if they are so inclined it is better they get that than get harder drugs in unlimited quantities. If they want to screw themselves over then so be it, why should it be made so hard fo those of us with ADHD to get what we need just to try to protect self-destructive people that can't be protected anyway?

[@ladylaurenia]

@@jonathanberry9502 I'm unmedicated, undiagnosed and jumping through the hoops, so to speak, right now. While I understand that the proverbial bar can be detrimental to ADHD folks getting a proper diagnosis (I was almost late to my first appointment, couldn't find my debit card to pay the co-pay), I think going through those standard procedures is important, we don't want people who actually have other issues to be misdiagnosed, nor do we want individuals who are drug-seeking to get medication so easily. It creates a problem for everyone.

[@danoftheredhand9973]

As someone who went through a succesful 20 year career prior to my ADHD diagnosis as an adult in 2019, I think I can speak on this with a bit of experience based authority. So, first, can someone with ADHD be productive and successful without any form of medication and only routine reenforced habits to cut down distractions? Yes...AND NO. The first thing is you HAVE to TRULY enjoy your job/career! This helps with the dopamine hit. Luckily my profession had a strong sense of routine at it's core, but also was a new challenge every day. The routine made it easy to just go through the steps of my morning without the need to tap into executive function, and during that routine, I would start working on the new challenges, giving dopamine. This allowed me to be an absolute star performer at my actual duties. This said, the annual review also took into account outside factors such as ongoing higher education, community service, and fitness levels. (Yes it was a military career, so these factors were part of the process.) This is where I fell short compared to my peers. Due to the fact I used nearly all of my executive function during my work day, I found it extremely difficult to do 'more work' afterwards. This also included many typical daily chores such as cleaning, or remembering to go to the grocery. Even mustering up the desire to go out with loved ones felt like a chore. So can it be done...yes, but there is a cost. This said, after my diagnosis and treatment regime, which does include medication to cover both my work day as well a few hours afterwards as I am getting a degree as well, my life has improved dramatically. I went from being a star performer to the absolute 'GO TO' person for nearly everything at work. Additionally, I have been a straight A student in my degree program, something I was never able to do before. There was a portion of time after being diagnosed when I relocated to the UK and was without medication for about two months, while my work performance only dipped a little, my school work became a constant battle. Luckily, I was able to get the medication during the last month of the term and was able to do catch-up work and some extra credit to get back to where I wanted to be grade wise. The TLDR here is this: Even if an ADHDer can be succesful without treatments (not necessarily medication), they likely will be more productive, both at work and at home, with some kind of treatment plan in place.

[@marcelguldemond2523]

Thanks for your videos. I have just been diagnosed at 53. I didn’t realize how much it’s affected my life in a negative way, and how hard it’s been on my family, until I started watching KZbin videos by How To ADHD and you and others. So many symptoms I didn’t realize were ADHD symptoms.

[@ben9441]

He is such a grifter, "buy my book and try my techniques for a day and then if it doesnt work go get your pills. Just make sure to buy my book first."

[@rhey9614]

I watched that podcast episode as I’m a big fan of Steven’s podcast, but my goodness when he compares breaking a leg to ADHD… and how it should be undiagnosed… that’s when I realised he is an idiot. It should be comparable to other invisible disabilities like dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia not a broken leg that’s a temporary psychical condition

[@AntoniasUniverse]

Absolutely 💯

[@eric-seastrand]

I mean - he’s just a typical BS-artist trying to promote his book. The real tragedy is that people believe this stuff. Thank you for speaking out and sharing real facts/data to debunk these idiotic claims.

[@AntoniasUniverse]

100%! The real tragedy is that people believe this 😔 internalized ableism is just as debilitating as the issues we already have to deal with.

[@okuno54]

I was somehow afraid of meds when I was first offered them, so I tried skills first. Yeah... I wish I had just taken the meds

[@danielmathers4595]

My Life would have been so different if I'd been diagnosed as a child.

[@SpokojnySzaleniec]

How do you even manage to find patience to listen to such kind of stuff. This just kills me. From flat earthers to adhd-deniers. Aaaaa, let me live in a swamp! xD And yeah, thanks for sharing that, we should be aware whats going on... And also thanks for great channnneellllll! : D

[@AntoniasUniverse]

LOL! It killed me too to be honest :D It just made me upset enough to want to talk about it on here too. I can't watch such things go without comment and continue spreading the stigma and misinformation.. I'm really glad you're finding the channel helpful, and I appreciate your support SO MUCH! Thank you😊

[@DJ-Daz]

People who think that the spectrum is false, fake, a modern illness are grifters. The problem is they have an audience, and that audience has an audience. We are typically quiet and nervous (not all of us) so our message isn't as loud, and doesn't spread as easily. I am 53 years old, and it's taken me nearly 15 years to be accepted for an assessment. It will finally happen this year. IT HAS BEEN UTTERLY CRUSHING.

[@georgH]

OMG never heard of that a...ole before! We now know that many kids treated with simulants at the correct developmental stages (exact details not known yet) have a much more "normal" brain when they teach adulthood. By denying kids in need of the meds, they are allowing more of them to have problems as adults. There's another topic, on adults with ADHD, it's overwhelmingly underdiagnosed! I do think it's strange that the US have so high percentage of diagnosed kids compared to EU, but still, not all are necessarily medicated.

[@fuzonzord9301]

Basing on my experiences in schools starting with primary school, I think that 10% is still a massive under-diagnosis. I wonder how much of this guys hacks are "just delegate these tasks". One thing worth considering is that humans are specialist critters engaging in symbiotic relationships. Like yeah, cool so for example why would critter which specialises in abstract thinking would magically have capability to do housework after school/work? Makes no sense, there are already specialised critters evolved for such tasks. Like you wouldn't expect a housecleaner to be an expert in let's say science but somehow people expect the other way around. Also the society feeling entitled to certain characteristic as a supposed baseline requirement. Also makes no sense. I find the Neuroscience of Personality by Dario Nardi quite fascinating - I think there's a pretty strong overlap between various kinds of ADHD and Thinking Perceiver types. For example it says that Ti types have a tendency to detach from listening and they have to maintain focus on listening by brute forcing it which of course costs effort. Which pretty much my main experience with inattentiveness. Usually I struggle to maintain attention when reading or listening is because I start thinking about something else, ofter related to what was said/written. It also explains why there's a question of giftedness in ADHD - being both overrepresented among gifted and not a norm in ADHD. High IQ is pretty much abstract thinking ability so it would make sense for intellectually gifted ADHD people to be mainly intuitive thinker perceivers and action-oriented types to be sensing thinking perceivers.

[@AJ-tr5ml]

HOW DARE YOU NOT HAVE TO BUY MY BOOK TO BE FOCUSED REEEEEEEE

[@AmazingKevlar]

Addiction and alcoholism cannot be cured. We can develop practices and follow some simple rules, but our next hit or drink is right there at the end of our arm. It is a lifetime of of vigilance with dire consequences for failure. I have not suffered from the consequences of alcoholism and drug addiction for over 14 years now. But I still have to do it every day. It has made me happier now than at any other time in my life and it is so worth it. And I am not happy because I have recovered from addiction, I am happy because I like being happy, so I do. I finally got my diagnosis for ADHD and other conditions at 66 yo and my whole life fell into place. ADHD, though, is not a disease, so it does not need to be cured, and I would not cure it for anything. There's already plenty of people to look at things 'normally'. I prefer the new and wondrous in my own world. Being able to do and think things that most people would never consider is kinda cool too

[@1coleman8]

For me in the UK, it took 2 years to get a diagnosis then a further 6 months of CBT before being prescribed any medication. Diagnosis included numerous test, forms, conversions between the psychiatrist and my parents (even in my 30's), my earliest school reports, letters from my employer to confirm any performance reviews that show areas i was falling down in etc. Even though in the very first meeting i had with a psychiatrist, i was told it was quite obvious that i had ADHD, there was still this 2.5 year process before i was prescribed medication. It was in no way "pills before skills". I watched this episode on Diary of a CEO (i watch Stephens channel religiously and havebbought his first book and pre-ordered his new one) but this episode angered me so much at the sheer obliviousness to ADHD and deliberate mis-information (no evidence of having low Dopamine, spoiler there is overwhelming evidence) being spread by this guy, that I stopped watching for a few months and still havent even went back to watch each episode on release. Stephen should have researched this guy much, much better (he usually does) before allowing him anywhere near his channel. For anyone wanting to watch a detailed scientific dive into ADHD and Dopamine (with sources discussed) showing just how wrong this guy is, watch Dr Andrew Huberman's podcast/channel. Also a good watch on JREClips with Amishi Jha, where she has a good flashlight/floodlight analogy for attention, and how executive function plays into this. For me, I can relate to the flashlight/floodlight of attention, but also how my executive function part seems to be what i struggle with. I seems to be mostly stuck in floodlight, randomly move to flashlight and not being able to control when i switch between the two. Putting both of these two views together. Executive function is primarily controlled in the prefrontal cortex. ADHD'ers have a lack of dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex, where dopamine is neurotransmitter, responsible for communication between neurons. Huberman has described the prefrontal cortex as being like the conductor of an orchestra. Without the conductor, all the instruments can still play, but they'll all be out of time and doing their own thing at random. (This sounds very much like my brain and its million thoughts a second that i cant switch off). Where other stimulants, like nicotine and caffeine, can increase dopamine in multiple parts of the brain (which can potentially make ADHD symptoms worse, or at least the jittery energy and anxiety that can occur with motivation without the control/direction of the prefrontal cortex. ADHD medication (Amphetamines) target dopamine production in ONLY the prefrontal cortex. Giving function back only to the part of the brain responsible for executive function, not in the other parts of the brain also, like caffeine and nicotine do. Thereby waking up only the conductor of our orchestra, allowing us to correctly direct the other parts of our attention systems to where we want them to be focusing. Or using Amishi Jha's analogy, allowing us to control the selection between flashlight and floodlight, as well as where to point them. Id recommend everyone to screenshot this comment, go find Amishi's vid on JREClips (12 min watch), then go down the rabbit hole of the Huberman Labs Podcast, by Dr Andrew Huberman. Then this comment will all make sense and give anyone looking to understand thier brain and how/why it does things the way it does, a little bit of understanding of themself. You might even be able to go a little easier on yourself by the end of it. Its not an attention deficit. Its too much attention, with a deficit in attention regulation. It should be called "Hyperactive Attention Regulation Deficit", as its not an attention deficit, its too much attention and not enough regulation of attention.

[@concept226]

So is he saying that 100 percent of people that get treated for addiction are "cured"? I would love to see the research on that. That must be why America doesn't have an opioid crisis then..... oh wait a minute!

[@AntoniasUniverse]

Right?! And addiction is just a completely different world that requires a completely different approach...

[@joannedavies4958]

Good point. From my basic understanding of addiction it’s never cured and only managed through abstinence. As soon as someone partakes in whatever their addiction was then they fall straight back into the addiction. Lol. Bloody ridiculous that to suggest you can cure something that’s basically an neurological difference that you’re generally born with as well. 😂 You may find ways to manage or offset the issues surrounding the neuro disorder, you cannot cure it. Either way this guy is clearly talking out his arse.

[@mab757]

Why is Gabor Maté in the index image and then not in the video about "ADHD lies?"

[@realyzze]

he also lies about what ADHD is, he says it is trauma from childhood

[@pewpewtubez]

I would also like to know this 🤔 I'm reading his book Scattered Minds, he has credentials to be speaking about the topic. He's a physician with several decades of experience and he has ADHD himself

[@HaHaLooLoo]

Omg thank you for reacting to these vids!!! I share your exact same thoughts!!!!

[@AntoniasUniverse]

Thank you so much for the support!!! ❤️ It's so important to talk about these things from both sides!

[@nokrome]

Nir Eyal makes at least two logical errors. The chemical imbalance theory has been 'disproven' (originally a marketing pitch by pharmaceutical companies), but only for depression, not ADHD. Bunching these together is not helpful. Based on scientific studies people with ADHD have a different brain structure and difficulties engaging the prefrontal cortex and their pathways. Ways of increasing dopamine help address this physiological irregularity. However, even with antidepressants, the latest understanding is that they can increase the plasticity of the brain, which helps address depression. The second error is the statement that ADHD should be reversible, or treatment only applied for a certain period. This comes back to the question: if the brain is differently structured, how is this supposed to fix itself over time? The analogy to addiction is again comparing apples to oranges and not helpful, nor a sign of great insight. I do understand why some people see ADHD as an over diagnosed fashion item or 'easy way out'. But knowing the hardship it brings first-hand for decades, it hurts when people think it is all just a weakness of willpower or character. I believe that treatment should be comprehensive and include drugs, therapy, and other support. Pitting these against each other is not helpful. It is important to teach skills and structures to support people with ADHD.

[@AntoniasUniverse]

Thank you for the incredible comment - so well put with such thoughtful arguments! I wish I could go back and include such comments in the videos 😅

[@askill241]

Also his take "you can be cured from addiction" is wrong, no you can't. An addict is always an addict even if they don't use anymore. The struggle might become less but it is not gone. Also putting addicts and people with ADHD in the same corner and equating them, when talking about medication is dirty rethoric.

[@AntoniasUniverse]

I never thought about that but I think I know what you mean. Like in a dark moment I would still think about drinking or smoking for a second even if I don't do it. I've heard it from others often too. Completely different to having a neurodevelopmental condition!

[@aliormiston]

OMG! If I buy his book it will only take a "day or two" to be cured??!!! It's a miracle.

[@SimoneEppler]

Thank you for this video. Love your vast knowledge and well laid out arguments. I cannot watch the original video, I would jump at a wall! His „just try harder“ makes me so mad, I can’t even.

[@JanSteele]

He's just talking contradictory rubbish to sell his book. He makes me very mad. You do a great job at explaining how he has got it wrong. Thank you.

[@marko5734]

It seems he just cares to sell books as much as possible

[@AntoniasUniverse]

It does seem so! Simple solutions to complex issues sell so well, it's just so sad that people's hopes are destroyed in the process...

[@mimakate]

This guy makes my blood boils. It makes me absolutely furious 😡

[@AntoniasUniverse]

SAME! I have a collection of such things I've encountered by just reading and being on the internet and they would probably send you into a frenzy 😂 People feel so entitled to talk about ADHD without any education or understanding, it is INFURIATING... I'm gathering materials for another video on this with all the examples.

[@Sarcasmarkus]

I think this guy might be some kind of psychopath

[@AntoniasUniverse]

Let's not overdiagnose psychopaths though 😅

[@The_Vanished]

Everyone has their more and less accurate ideas

[@The_Vanished]

Audhd is very uninformed

[@MindSlapp]

"How to deal with the number of people with cancer: just stop diagnosing them and the numbers will go down" 😂

[@itfc88]

The issue is with the dsm I score 9/9 inattentive And 8/9 impulsive hyperactivity But am classed as the same as someone as an adult scored 5/9 on both massive differences

[@normanreichwald6158]

One doesn't get cured from addiction. One becomes a recovered addict. Accepting, this is crucial to long-term sustained recovery. Even if that were not the case, ADHD is lifelong neurological difference from the general population from birth. You can acquire addiction, but you can't acquire ADHD, except through head injury. I am left-handed and no matter how many skills I learned to do things with my right hand or how many gadgets I buy that accommodate my left-handedness the way the rest of the world is not set up to do, I will still always be left-handed no matter how functionally left-handed I become.

[@Metqa]

A person can find coping skills to make it seem like they don't have ADHD, but they are doing that with a deficit. A person without ADHD can use that skill and excel in life and have people praise how put together they are, whereas a person with ADHD will use the same skill to just break the surface and keep from drowning, and have people still say "why can't you do as good as suchnsuch?"

[@nataliestitak4915]

I am trying to find out the right meds for me, but I am so glad I am trying to get my ADHD, amxiety, and depression treated. I have gone so long of "sucking it up" or "trying harder". I believe trying to find the right medical treatment and finding good healthy coping skills (from counselors and therapists, not guys like this) and taking care of myself is the best for me. We cam "overcome" our ADHD by getting help and trying your best and being kind to yourself or finding support, even when it is hard. You will have days when your ADHD is insufferable and days when it is manageable, but you are already an overcomer. It is not about your performance, you are enough. ❤❤ And he says that OCD is a true disorder is real, but ADHD is not. Ummmm, what?!? Both can debilitating and we need to show compassion to those who deal with them.

[@dylikestories]

It’s wild that he thought it’s foolable. I had to spend months tracking down medical history, report cards, questionnaires from family and friends. On top of that the psychiatrist can usually tell if you’re faking it based on your behaviour during the assessment.

[@AntoniasUniverse]

What are your thoughts on this guy? 🤔

[@Light-ib7fg]

do u have hard time listning to people?

[@AntoniasUniverse]

Yeah, definitely, they do have to get my attention and if it's interesting I'm better at listening. If it's not however..

[@philurbaniak1811]

Transparent af. The guy is lashing out at the demographic he's trying to "hook". My intuition says he's intentionally lying and he knows it. Scum.

[@The_Vanished]

He’s an idiot. A lot of audhd people are susceptible to gaslighting

[@johncasper8193]

This guy doesn’t understand. ADHD brain is not wired correctly. Medication helps Brain waves fire more normally. Take away medication brain waves malfunction again.

[@sarahfara1539]

The reason it's 10% in the US versus 1% in Europe is that in Europe ADHD and autism are mostly completely ignored, there are few mental health professionals, psychiatrists, therapists actually knowledgeable on the topic and you have to run after your own diagnosis

[@DarthJarJar10]

The psychology and psychiatric industries arguably benefit from UNDIAGNOSED ADHD... Since the turmoil it causes often leaves one mentally ill.

[@Lasidar]

I just noticed this same podcast had Gabor Mate on as well and labeled him a "world leading physician". It seems he has a history of having ADHD misinformation charlatans on his podcast.

[@AntoniasUniverse]

YES! What even is a "world leading physician" anyway? Cringe. People love to share these controversial takes for clicks and of course the people who suffer who are always on the other end of the joke.

[@Lifetimelearningisbrave]

My experience mirrors Dr Gabor Mate theory. I think people hate looking at their family issues and stay in denial about our brains finding great ways to cope because of their own shame and issues. Unfortunately those people who never do the inner work can’t really be trusted by a person like me as denial is a fantastic coping mechanism but also breeds cognitive dissonance. I trust people with open minds that aren’t afraid of the messiness of life. What is so controversial about his theory? He takes meds. He knows more about addiction than most snd if you ever go to a 12 step group with sober people who do their work you will hear their experiences are more like mate’s theory than mainstream medical. This black and white thinking and calling people charlatans just because these people found a way to live their own lives that worked. If it is true people are different that you have now become GASLIGHTERS especially yo the people who like mate simply share his experiences and the literature he finds that support hit. You all are demonstrating the same rigid mindset this man that is on your video has because he also believes all people are like him and does not have an open mind that all people are different and perhaps have different theories on THEIR life and THEIR brain.

[@AntoniasUniverse]

@@LifetimelearningisbraveYou are right, I intend to have a look at him specifically in the future to make any points if I make a video about that. I agree that we need to hear everyone out before making any definitive statements. What I meant to point out in my reply was more so the trend of sensationalizing simple solutions or answers to incredibly complex topics, and I stand by that. It may or may not be the fault of the presenters, podcasters, editors, etc. who format the opinions for the media though. Maybe it isn't so much on the guests like Gabor Mate making controversial statements on podcasts as it is on them. One thing is for sure though - people love a simple answer, it sells well.

[@Addictbasterd]

I've been on drugs since 17. I stopped taking adhd meds after only like a year and a half and quit school. I thought I was the fucking hippie messiah and that everything should be all natural. meanwhile I was using every drug in the book. That went on until 31. I'm finally back on adhd meds and a Maintenace drug for heroin. Thanks to Medicaid in NC and my parents for taking me in. I'm also in a drug and alcohol program and plan on continuing therapy after. I have no life savings; my skills are mostly all over the place and I have a fuck ton of trauma. All thanks to me for not taking my diagnosis seriously enough and making the poor decision to stop taking the medication that I desperately needed. I think most of my mental health stuff comes from not treating my adhd.

[@Lasidar]

The amount of unscientific ADHD information out there is truly saddening. "Whats the undiagnosis plan for ADHD" ... fair question, can I also ask "What's the undiagnosis plan for a diabetic"? There isn't one because it's a lifelong issue. "Just take 2 days to read some strategies and focus"... thanks! My inattention, memory issues, time blindness, emotional regulation, poor attention to detail, impulse control problems and depression are cured!

[@AntoniasUniverse]

Yeah, like what even is an undiagnosis? Does he mean healing? Cause surely he knows it sounds ridiculous to say you can heal ADHD. Like healing type 1 diabetes as you say 🙄 I've read all these similar books for longer than 2 days and by his logic if it didn't work I'm surely broken or something! Thankfully it's just normal for the way my brain works. I'm glad I don't have to deal with the shame and embarrassment of assuming the alternative... I feel so much for the people who do 😕

[@desi4309]

Ppl don't recover from addiction. They will never have the same behaviour around the substance, than a person which has never been addicted.

[@SAMEntalhealth]

As somebody with a severe case of adhd, I find researching more on ADHD to be extremely fun LOL

[@Mina56]

Glad I didn’t even watch his video after reading the comments. Seems just plain harmful to me, and for the sake of my health, I’m not going down that path where I internalise things and start comparing the way my brain works to others.

[@BBFCCO733]

My husband was diagnosed with ADHD as a child. He did go on to be a successful businessman, but at the expense of family life and relationships because of the hyper focus needed to keep on track. I decided to support him, but there were many disappointing moments and almost divorce. He chose that, but wouldn't it be much easier for everyone if someone chose to get help, say from medication? It just seem like things would have been much easier for everyone, but I understand its not for everyone. It's really a choice and every choice has consequences. I don't especially like people who ARE NOT DOCTORS and think they have figured everything out about life and everything. He seems to come from a place that his life is "working out" and therefore everyone should follow suit and have the same success, which is just plain narcissistic. We need to take an individualized approach, rather than one size fits all, because its just more realistic. Personally, I have been suffering from undiagnosed ADHD, I was punished by my parents consistently, shunned by peers, almost failed high school, developed co-morbidities and substance abuse, just to feel normal, got treatment for mental illness, have 20 years of therapy, and this guy is saying with that amount of boldness that anyone can figure it out. Seriously? How many years of struggling and failing and doing every therapy out there that's has worked minimally does it take to develop the drive? I think that sometime social media gives platforms to people who really don't know what they are talking about.

[@mattng4707]

That dood is just wants to sell books or speaking gigs ...plp with adhd in adults or kids know how debilitating it is.

[@AntoniasUniverse]

Not everyone knows how bad it is sadly 😔 imposter syndrome is rampant.. but this dude is ready to use it to sell some empty promises 👌

[@mattng4707]

Keep going Antonia ..your channel is excellent

[@JimmieHammel]

I recognized the book cover and was sad to discover I actually already own an Audible copy of this book. I'm assuming i picked it up thinking it was an ADHD self-coaching style book... And now I'm going to have to listen to it (since I've already technically paid him) to see exactly what kind of charlatan he is, so I can leave a review on the book.

[@ClaudeInsecte]

Most people I meet tend to minimise ADHD and its effects. "Oh doesn't everyone have that to some degree" or "Your symptoms could be something else ie trauma, depression, learned behaviours etc" (subtext you're imagining it). It seems to me that Nir Eyal is an apologist for these people. He would be happy if everyone agreed that ADHD was really a made up condition that you could be taught not to have. My experience is not that at all. Understanding helps, of course it does, but the underlying conditions don't disappear when understood. My response to them may change and that can be helpful but that doesn't mean I don't have ADHD any more.

[@nofuture2890]

Their video is actually infuriating. How is he even permitted to have such strict and arrogant claims when he isn’t even a psychologist ? Why is he the one being interview for it lmao ? No nuance, no scientific literacy or ethic, no basic understanding of how clinical diagnosis is practiced for ADHD…. It’s so dangerous and ableist

[@BigIndianBindi-jy1cz]

I think ADHD brains come from Nomads, ad Neurotypical brains are Farmers. Trying to make a Normad be a farmer. We get conditioned to behave like a farmer (knowing to plan ahead, prioritize, same thing over and over). Our Nomad brains want new/movement/only in the moment/worrying about now, not when. --- dunno if i explained that well.

[@74afra]

Omg thank you for your post. its al about money with this man. I read his book and i try-out his tips it did not work at all. I have adhd and i wish there was a way to "cure" it. I have try-out everything and the only thing that works for me is medication and therapy. And i still suffer form Adhd symtomes everyday. 😢

[@AntoniasUniverse]

Damn, that's exactly what I feared. His book targets us for no good reason and provides unfit advice that can only serve to make us feel even worse about ourselves 😔 I still suffer every day too and I'm just fitting my life to my capabilities as much as possible to be able to take care of myself and contribute just like everyone else. It's not a walk in the park, even with medication. ,

[@danieldeblois1751]

You really are a hero. Thank you

[@AntoniasUniverse]

Thank you so much for your support too! ❤️

[@TheQueenOfSwords]

I live in Canada. Here, you don’t simply go to a GP and fill out a few questions. I had to see a neuro psychologist and had to do three sessions of 4 hour testing each. Spread over several months. Additionally, I had to fill out so many questionnaires, as did my partner and my parents. It was not easy to get a diagnosis. Moreover I had to wait months to see the neuropsych and pay over $3000. I am a 40 year old PhD student. I made it this far in my life without knowing anything about adhd, using my own learnt skills over pills. People like this guy need to stfu. The relief that adhd treatment can provide is not even measurable. Not matter how many skills you have. Yes pills are bad if you don’t have adhd. But if you’re properly diagnosed all they do is bring you to “normal”.

[@thornnorton5953]

The problem with him is he tries to mix in facts, validation, good advice, "common sense" and anecdotes with factual misinformation, fear-mongering, rare cases, populism, and bad advice. There are side effects to medication, but the side effects are minor, temporary, and can be mitigated with proper testing of medication. Many medications aren't stimulants. Maybe your family member was misdiagnosed, but a lot of people struggle with it and a significant amount of people just don"t get diagnosed from stigma from sources Like them. Who's to say that their family member really stopped having ADHD and just masks in front of him or was convinced they don't have it? Sure many don't have access to full treatment, but half of treatment is much better than no treatment. Habits vs medication sounds intuitive, but people have probably been trying habits their entire lives before it. They get diagnosed because they hit a certain threshold. No, psychiatrists would support chemical imbalance theory. For something to be a theory in Science, it needs to explain and also predict evidence. For now, all of the evidence fits and supports it. Of course the pharma industry that has products has something to gain from selling a product that helps people. There's nothing evil for a company to do so. The increase in diagnosis is supported by the experts. The real conflict of interest is selling a book that "solves" attention for anyone and advising people to try [his] advice before medical treatment knowing full well that people with adhd (10% according to him though lower in other studies) are struggling the most and are the most apt to having a breakthrough in attention. There's a lot of disorders without physical signs, but real manifestations and signs that are categorized as well for treatment. People can fake their way to getting mistreated for something people are truly struggling with, but let it not take away from people who are truly struggling. Thank you for all you do. I hope one day that Dr. Barkley could make a video against all of his prevalent and horrible misinformation. Even better, be in the room when people say this factually wrong evidence to stop the spread at the source.

[@alexisthomas3076]

hello, I really like your videos, thank you for everything you do. do you know the video? “Daniel Amen, the most important lesson from 83,000 brain scans”

[@LSGIEddi]

wait he said what? "no psychiatrist will tell you chemical imbalance is true". Its only a few days ago i talked with my psychotherapist about brain chemistry :D wth

[@spirituallyconscious7774]

I have adhd and I’m also against taking pills. I try to find different ways to deal with my condition.

[@SimoneEppler]

He’s just mad that all the ADHDers don’t belong to his target group. 😂😂

[@ClementineShmementine]

From the 90s my parents were like this dude and now I have lived the wrong life. They don’t even look into it and just yell and don’t get the pain? I am one of the people who are a stat

[@pankakiss9499]

I believe these men have no clue what adhd exactly is and how medication works. Its saddening that so many people will agree with them just cause they present their opinion so convincingly without any evidence or science to back up their statements.

[@healthylife4eva]

I love your videos but recommend using your hands less as a fellow adhd it’s distracting from focusing on your words. Don’t know how i can focus i just started meds two weeks maybe need more time otherwise great videos and informative

[@justv3289]

It’s just judgmental opinion mixed with truths taken out of context and half-truths misconstrued to mean what he wants them to mean.

[@DestorN]

Just because we cant see adhd in scans doesnt mean it doesnt exist, we can se patterns though and changes in the brain. Its like saying atoms dont exist because we are unable to see them. We are able to se difference in brain activity with people with adhd and people without, and even so differences in size regarding brain regions.

[@bonniekerr4964]

Who is this guy? And why is he so obsessed with ADD? He keeps contradicting himself

[@Return2Self]

Thanks for this. Neurodivergent brains aren't broken btw.

[@jksjksjks85]

What about a shirt with the slogan „Distractable, yet indestructable“ to really counter bis point.

[@saintessa]

Wellllllllllll we could all agree that dexamphetamines are way less risk for harm & addiction than meth.... right?

[@upbeatoffbeat5293]

i love you, thank you! Every comment he makes irks me.

[@comfcomf]

Thank you so much for making this video and all of your ADHD content. It's important and appreciated!

[@ashishkumarrao581]

Strong sense of justice adhd things

[@robertyboberty]

I think we need to talk more about the dangers of helping people who are struggling

[@ashishkumarrao581]

There are skills to modulate adhd

[@carinalage]

Our brains aren't broken, it just functions in a particular fashion which is not the way that nowadays society expect us to behave and exist. I take the educational system here as an example: it does not support creativity, exploration, questioning.. they force people to be seated for several hours just memorizing stuff that were effectively studied by anybody than the actual students. Almost everyone would benefit from a system that would work like that, but the majority just conform to what is offered and play by the rules. The problem here is that ADHDers just cannot adapt to it in a major way, because our brains need waaaay more than that, and it knows that whats being offered is just bulls***. Sorry about that last word. 😅 Society must review urgently many things set in stone. And remember: your brain is NOT broken.

[@carinalage]

Ps: since we live in a society like that, Yes, we can feel and may be treated as a failure. So, medication can be very needed and important. But, i wonder: would it be really necessary if things were different? I dont think that we would be feeling as a failure - at least that much of - if we grew in a exploratory/creative enviroment, for example.

[@donnaw4725]

Distractable- yes!!!

[@hannahrebeccamusic]

Thank you so much for this, I watched that interview and completely went in on my self 🙈 it’s so hard to be kind to ourselves when reputable people like this make statements like that 🤯 I don’t know how I let this bother me when you are SO RIGHT! It has taken years and been a very long painful process to get diagnosed with adhd. It wasn’t something that I just got “labelled” urgh! Thank you for your breaking this down! Xxx

[@AntoniasUniverse]

This breaks my heart to her! I'm so glad you found me and I hope you won't be so hard on yourself! Nobody can understand this experience as well as we can on the outside and that's a good reason for them to be more careful choosing their words.. But! From the inside I can tell you that your struggles are valid, and real, and HUGE, and you deserve to live life in your own way, by your own standards, with whatever works for you! Hugs!

[@ClementineShmementine]

Meeeee I said the same!

[@svenjar5994]

Thank you for wrapping up the video, so I don't have to watch it myself.

[@AntoniasUniverse]

My pleasure! Don't want anyone else to lose brain cells to this 😂

[@angiecorbin5405]

Ridiculous

[@bw5187]

This guy just wishes so bad he had adhd. ADHD Envy.

[@AntoniasUniverse]

Lmao ADHD envy! He doesn't know what he would be getting into 😄

[@theelectronicboy]

Ok but I still have this question. Do you think on long terme use that the vyvanse is good for your health? Not to forget that it's a drug and we can all try natural products or vitamins yo help our adhd problem.

[@MaryBeltz]

Kudos! Your work is amazing,exceptional and most importantly RELATABLE! Approximately one month ago, I came to the realization that I had adult ADHD As a result of losing two very structured jobs because of the pandemic , I became self-employed Why did it take me till the age of 58 to realize that I have almost every symptom of ADHD? Simply because I let a very regimented and structured life. once the requirement of punching a clock and following his schedule was eliminated, my whole world came crashing down. Severe depression entered the picture because I didn’t understand what was happening to me . The only reason I am on the road to recovery is because someone else took the time to educate me about ADHD and having a neurodivergent brain . Videos are phenomenal because they are common sense, witty, and most of all they reflect your true life experiences , Not some hack that wants to sell books and knows nothing about the subject.! I hope your channel grows bigger and you reach more people 💯🙏

[@matheuspereira8634]

I was diagnosed as a kid. Took ritaline to go to school but then when I moved country when I was 17, I stopped taking medication. Now, at 44, I had to go through another assessment to get diagnosed again because my doctor in the UK wouldn't accept my diagnosis as a kid. Having ADHD has been a blessing and a curse. Lately, more a curse than anything. I' m starting medication again this week and can't wait to lift this fog away from my brain for good. ADHD is real and I'm the living proof of it. 😊

[@jethrobradley7850]

It's hard to take Nir Eyal seriously when he seems confused about his own views on ADHD treatment. In this interview he suggests that pills are dangerous and also categorically states that, "the chemical imbalance theory is scientifically false" but later on he says, "For many people medication is the appropriate course of action".