Addiction, Craving Control & ADHD: Dr. Daniel Amen’s Perspective
May 17, 2023
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Dr. Daniel Amen, renowned psychiatrist and brain health expert, discusses the seven types of ADHD, the role of diet and nutrition in brain health, the impact of trauma on brain function, and thoughts on hallucinogenic therapies. Topics include the brain's role in drug addiction, the side effects of untreated ADHD, digital addictions and ADHD risk, omega-3 fatty acids and ADHD, and how trauma changes the brain.
Informed consent and providing patients with options for ADHD treatment is crucial, as patients may prefer trying supplements before medication.
Tailoring ADHD treatment based on brain Spect scans can lead to more effective outcomes and reduce the risk of negative side effects.
Deep dives
The Importance of Informed Consent and Options for ADHD Treatment
In this podcast episode, the speaker highlights the significance of informed consent and providing patients with options for ADHD treatment. They emphasize that their role as a doctor is not to dictate what patients should do, but rather to present them with choices. Many patients prefer to try supplements before medication and see how far they get. If supplements prove ineffective, medication remains a viable option.
The Benefits of Brain Spect Scans in ADHD Diagnosis
The podcast discusses the use of brain Spect scans in ADHD diagnosis, comparing it to the common practice of diagnosing based solely on symptom clusters. Spect scans provide biological data, allowing for a more informed approach to treatment. By analyzing blood flow and brain activity, the scans can identify different types of ADHD and their specific causes. Tailoring treatment based on scan results leads to more effective outcomes and reduces the risk of negative side effects.
The Importance of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment Approach
The podcast emphasizes the need for a thorough and accurate diagnosis for ADHD, rather than considering it as a single condition. With the identification of seven different types of ADHD, it is vital to determine the specific type to provide appropriate treatment. Stimulant medications like Ritalin or Adderall work well for some types, but may exacerbate symptoms or have negative effects for others. Understanding individual types enables the selection of suitable treatment options, including natural supplements.
Addressing ADHD in Children and the Role of Nutrition
The podcast highlights the impact of nutrition on ADHD, discussing the importance of eliminating toxic foods and incorporating nutrient-rich options. The elimination of ultra-processed foods, gluten, dairy, and artificial dyes can significantly improve symptoms in children. The speaker emphasizes the need for parents to help children find foods they love that love them back. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in managing ADHD symptoms and promoting overall well-being.
In this episode, I had an enlightening conversation with Dr. Daniel Amen, a renowned psychiatrist and brain health expert, about the seven different types of ADHD, the role of diet and nutrition in brain health, the impact of trauma on brain function, and his thoughts on hallucinogenic therapies.
03:40 - The brain’s role in drug addiction. 10:29 - The side effects of not treating ADHD. 14:54 - Treating ADHD. 21:56 - Digital addictions double the risk of ADHD. 26:34 - Omega-3 fatty acids and ADHD 33:19 - What does technology do for ADHD? 38:32 - Food you love that loves you back. 46:54 - How does trauma change the brain?
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 us know your thoughts.
Want to be ‘SuccessFULL with ADHD’ by Activating Your ADHD Potential? Order our 3x best-selling book/workbook for adults with ADHD ▶️ http://bit.ly/activateadhd
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