ADHD: A Myth or Reality? Dr. Gabor Maté’s Controversial Claims

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In this episode, I speak with Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned author and speaker about ADHD and its impact on people's lives.
Trigger warning: Controversial opinions on ADHD. Because I'm dedicated to helping as many individuals with ADHD as I can, I push myself to the limit and brought someone to this space who has been a contrarian in the ADHD world specifically, in the origins of ADHD. I'll leave it up to you to decide which viewpoint you agree with. But what is noteworthy is that we can all learn from different viewpoints as we continue to explore our experiences with ADHD, what is, what isn't and how it shows up for each of us.
You don't have to agree with my guest's viewpoints to reach the benefits of what he shares during this episode. Trauma is a very real topic for individuals and up to 70% of adults have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.
Do I agree with everything in this episode?
Does it matter what I think?
Listen to the end to hear my opinion.
What We Discuss:
• How Dr. Maté believes that ADHD is not a disorder, but a result of the environment in which an individual lives.
• The impact of childhood trauma on the development of ADHD.
• The role of parents in the development of ADHD.
• The need for connection and relationships in managing ADHD.
• The impact of stress on attention and the development of autoimmune diseases.
• The importance of taking care of oneself and managing stress in managing ADHD.
• The role of medication in managing ADHD symptoms.
• The importance of understanding oneself and seeking help in managing ADHD.
If you would like to learn more about Dr. Gabor Maté, visit his website, drgabormate.com
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Successful with ADHD. If you enjoyed this conversation, please +FOLLOW the podcast on your favorite platform and leave a review to let me know your thoughts.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction
00:38 - A special message from Brooke
02:27 - Dr. Gabor Mate’s background in ADHD.
07:14 - ADHD doesn’t have to define you.
12:24 - The architecture of the brain
18:28 - The risk of addiction in ADHD.
23:49 - If you want to get a two-year-old to behave, don’t get triggered…
26:31 - How much do you have to motivate your kids?
30:45 - What’s the difference between compounded trauma and trauma?
35:51 - The importance of the attachment relationship in parenting.
42:14 - If someone has a troubled childhood and their implicit memory is encoded in their brain, can we remove that memory over time?
47:49 - Your body and your mind react when you put pressure on yourself.
52:28 - Gabor’s book recommendations for parents.

[@jamie.777]

DR. gabor absolutely 💯 speaks to me and his videos have brought me to tears 😢. Adhd all my life x ritalin 1982z and still fighting

[@septemberdawn1]

I have just tweeted my senior school teacher to thank them for saving me. I can relate to the ‘clever’ comments of teachers but she was so kind and supportive as i wrote to deal with the pain

[@bigantinsd]

Brilliant! Thank you!

[@bayerdiko]

Best doc ❤️üdvözlöm Dr Gábor ❤

[@ekaterinabankevitch8513]

Great material, as usual when listening Dr Mate.
Great host as well.

[@dmarynuk76]

Great talk, thank you both.

[@CoachingWithBrooke]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@evaolsvoldsundar9325]

Thank you!

[@synchromystique]

Very interesting 👌

[@gir1258]

I partially agree with Dr. Mate, primarily with his claim that the way in which ADHD diagnosis and treatment is most commonly done does not capture the full scope of the disorder. It is imperative for individuals to educate themselves on the disorder to fully understand how it manifests in their daily lives.
I disagree with him on most other points, including his assertion that there is no genetic component. There is a large body of quality evidence which says otherwise. Aside from that, there is also ample data showing that there are structural changes within the brains of those with ADHD.
As someone diagnosed over a decade ago, I still struggle with this disorder on a daily basis. While I am not a doctor, I have still spent countless hours researching and pouring over any relevant studies, listening to lectures, seeing various clinical psychologists with specialization with the disorder, etc. Dr. Mate’s views are quite at odds with the established science.

[@jamie.777]

I have adhd since 1982, and Dr. Gabor speaks to me

[@nicolegorden]

Well said. Additionally, toxic and chronic stress can also have dramatic impacts on the developing brain. Understanding the differences between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and ADHD is crucial. Both may have similar symptoms and presentations. You can have both and also have them separately. There is absolutely a genetic component to ADHD and now that we have mapped the human genome and with further advances in neuroscience we understand many of the genes that are associated with it and it’s high heritability . Trauma can also impact genes and there is more research showing how the epigenetic tags are prevalent often in the third generation of offspring. Trauma and ADHD are very different etiologies, but also have a complex interplay. We should question diagnostics because they aren’t yet a perfect science. However to say ADHD is a myth is not only wrong but as a doctor is dangerous and harmful to those who do have it. Here are some references to longitudinal and meta analysis peer reviewed studies and also a short video by Dr. Russell Barkley who is a leading researcher, author and neuropsychologist internationally renowned for his work in this field. wisesquirrels.com/articles/why-dr-gabor-mat-is-worse-than-wrong-about-adhd

[@user-ib2bt4ck7y]

I believe they touched on the genetic component very briefly, when they were saying how RNA is changed by chronic stress.
There is a genetic component to many disorders though, traumatic experiences can change how DNA expresses itself. I think Gabor is right on the money here, when he says it is likely a result of chronic stress to the parent and to the child as well.

[@zenakassab5455]

He’s very knowledgeable. i want to buy his book

[@ksutherland8342]

Have read all his books, and I adore his wisdom

[@joannegray8139]

Thank you for this very insightful interview. Gabor's wisdom is so important!

[@samanthaheadland6005]

This is wonderful and makes so much sense!

[@fatimaarcaro8979]

He is the best

[@Lola-AreaCode212]

I'm so in love with this man.

[@jamie.777]

Me too

[@ekaterinabankevitch8513]

One of the best❤

[@salomekesselring373]

Thank you Gabor for your valuable and so necessary work. ♥️

[@robynhope219]

His work is a guessing game..

[@robynhope219]

His work is based on other people's knowledge.