Rethinking ADHD: Beyond the Diagnosis

This chapter delves into the complexities of ADHD, advocating for a broader understanding that incorporates self-regulation and environmental influences rather than labeling it solely as a psychiatric disorder. The speakers highlight the societal impact of distraction and the implications of undiagnosed ADHD in adults, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches in treatment. Through personal anecdotes and discussions on functional medicine, they challenge misconceptions surrounding ADHD and stress the importance of addressing its biological and psychological dimensions.

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Why ADHD Is Not A Psychiatric Disorder Or Brain Disease | This episode is brought to you by Paleovalley and Farmacy

The rates of attention deficit disorder (ADD), today referred to as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), have skyrocketed in recent years. But what is ADHD? ADHD is just a name we give to people who share a collection of symptoms: They can’t focus or pay attention, they’re inattentive, and they are hyperactive. These are symptoms. So, what are the causes?

In this episode, Dr. Hyman sits down with Dr. George Papaicolaou to discuss the common drivers of ADHD, and why it is so important to identify and treat its causes, rather than its symptoms. They also share specific cases in which they have treated patients for ADHD.

George Papanicolaou is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and is Board Certified in Family Medicine from Abington Memorial Hospital. He is also an Institute for Functional Medicine Practitioner. Upon graduation from his residency he joined the Indian Health Service. He worked on the Navajo reservation for 4 years at the Chinle Comprehensive Medical Facility where he served as the Outpatient Department Coordinator. In 2000, he founded Cornerstone Family Practice in Rowley, MA. He practiced with a philosophy centered on personal relationships and treating the whole person, not just not the disease. He called that philosophy “Whole Life Wellness”. Over time as the healthcare system made it harder for patients to receive this kind of personal care Dr. Papanicolaou decided a change was needed. He began training in Functional Medicine through the Institute of Functional Medicine. In 2015, he established Cornerstone Personal Health – a practice dedicated entirely to Functional Medicine. Dr. Papanicolaou to join The UltraWellness Center in 2017.

This episode is sponsored by Paleovalley and Farmacy.

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In this conversation, Dr. Hyman and Dr. Papanicolaou discuss: