Worth pointing out that ADHD is not the name of a disease. It's simply the name we've given to the people whose behavior meets the diagnostic criteria. We still know very little about the cause of the behavior, but we know it's both genetic and environmental.
I'm a clinical psychologist, and the information you're providing is just not true. There are a ton of peer-reviewed studies that show there is a higher chance of being diagnosed with ADHD when there is child abuse, marital conflict or smoking during the pregnancy (example). These factors are environmental.
It is impossible to know "the cause" of ADHD, because ADHD is not a disease. It's just the name we give to all the people whose behavior meets the diagnostic criteria. Those percentages are just his personal speculation.
The scientific community THINKS there is a link with neurotransmitters and the prefrontal cortex, but we just don't know enough about how the brain works to actually prove this.
Yes, the gene by environment interaction. Your environment can "activate" certain genes that wouldn't necessarily be activated without that environment. An example I like is, let's say John has a family history of severe substance use disorders. John is at higher risk of developing a substance use disorder because of his family history but he decides he's never going to drink or use drugs. John doesn't develop a substance use disorder because he's never in that environment. He likely has the genetic influences but not the environment. With psychological disorders, it usually takes both the genetic heritability and the environment.
Not necessarily. It's perfectly possible to have no intrusive memories or trauma-related thoughts (no PTSD), and still have reduced concentration and increased hyperactivity and impulsivity.
I do Remember when I used to see a psychiatrist. She wasn't sure at first if I had ADHD or PTSD.
We concluded I had both mostly ADHD. And majority of my anxiety stems from my dad. And my social anxiety stems from my step dad.
I guess the only way to say for sure we studies done to compare brain physiology of ADHD and PTSD.
You should watch the full lecture. And let me know which parts you don't agree with. That way I can see both sides. I don't like to blindly accept things as facts even if I agree with it.
I know that's asking a lot. But I don't like spreading misinformation and the video seemed very factual. But brain is hard to understand and the lecture is 3 years old.
Honestly, I think most of the information in the video has a basis of truth. He just says it in a very conclusive way, whereas the larger scientific community is still "wondering if" and "hoping that".
I can't blame him for it though. He's played a big part in disseminating information about ADHD. I think it's justified to leave out some doubts and details when talking to the general public.
I think I was a little nitpicky because it's a subject I care about :). Best of luck on your personal journey!
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u/[deleted] May 30 '17
Worth pointing out that ADHD is not the name of a disease. It's simply the name we've given to the people whose behavior meets the diagnostic criteria. We still know very little about the cause of the behavior, but we know it's both genetic and environmental.