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

Apr 12, 2023

Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned author and expert on ADHD and trauma, challenges traditional views on ADHD, suggesting it's not a disorder but a response to one's environment. He highlights the critical role childhood trauma plays in its development and the importance of connection in managing symptoms. The conversation critiques medication reliance and advocates for understanding ADHD in the context of stress and self-care. With insights into parenting styles and the dynamics of relationships, Dr. Maté offers a fresh perspective on nurturing emotional well-being for those affected by ADHD.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Reevaluating ADHD: Beyond Diagnosis

03:30 • 18min

Understanding Self-Esteem: Contingent vs. Genuine

21:31 • 2min

Rethinking Rewards in Parenting

23:17 • 16min

Challenging Oppositional Defiant Disorder: A Relational Perspective

39:33 • 3min

Understanding Implicit Memory and Its Impact on Relationships

42:03 • 3min

Grounding Strategies for ADHD

45:26 • 7min

Understanding ADHD: Parenting, Resources, and Community Support

52:28 • 3min

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: 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.

Timeline:

0:38 A special message from Brooke
2:27 Dr. Gabor Mate’s background in ADHD.
7:14 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.

Resources:
Dr. Gabor Maté's website - drgabormate.com

-When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress by Dr. Gabor Maté
-Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Maté

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