How can childhood experiences cause ADHD? Can ADHD be managed without medication? How can parents help children who suffer from ADHD?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Scattered Minds<\/em>, Gabor Mat\u00e9 argues that ADHD isn’t just a biological disorder. ADHD also is a psychological disorder that can’t just be solved with medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read below for a brief Scattered Minds<\/em> book overview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n In his 1999 book Scattered Minds<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>Gabor Mat\u00e9 argues that if you have ADHD, it\u2019s because early childhood stress prevented you from developing the emotional-cognitive capacities you need to thrive in our world. Further, since ADHD isn\u2019t just <\/em>a biological disorder but one with social and psychological roots, he argues that medication isn\u2019t the best or only way to treat your ADHD. Based on this perspective, he prescribes non-pharmaceutical treatments for both adults and children with ADHD and explains how society can prevent ADHD in future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mat\u00e9 is an internationally renowned family doctor with expertise in childhood development and the impacts of trauma<\/a> on health. He has professional and <\/em>personal experience with ADHD: As a doctor, he treats patients with ADHD, and he and his children have ADHD diagnoses themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mat\u00e9 says that ADHD, which stands for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition\u2014if you have ADHD, it\u2019s because your brain didn\u2019t develop typically and now works differently than other brains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this section, we\u2019ll help you understand your ADHD brain<\/a> more fully. First, we\u2019ll explore what it feels like to have ADHD. Then, we\u2019ll explain why <\/em>Mat\u00e9 says you have an ADHD brain and discuss the brain differences that contribute to ADHD symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mat\u00e9 explains that if you have ADHD, you experience at least two of three primary symptoms: difficulty with attention, difficulty with impulse control<\/a>, and difficulty with stillness.<\/strong> You may also struggle with secondary symptoms, including difficulty with self-esteem and difficulty with relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recall that according to Mat\u00e9, you experience ADHD symptoms because your brain developed atypically. Now, we\u2019ll explain why <\/em>your brain developed atypically. First, we\u2019ll discuss Mat\u00e9\u2019s biopsychosocial approach to the origins of ADHD. Then, we\u2019ll discuss how biological and social factors lead to the psychological symptoms associated with ADHD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mat\u00e9 says that when he wrote this book, most experts believed that ADHD had exclusively biological origins\u2014you\u2019d only develop ADHD if you inherited the genes responsible for it. He argues that ADHD actually has biological, psychological, and <\/em>social causes, <\/strong>and provides two justifications for a biopsychosocial approach to ADHD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mat\u00e9\u2019s first argument for why ADHD can\u2019t be purely genetic is that genes are merely blueprints that tell your body how to organize itself. How your body expresses a given genetic trait as you grow up depends on environmental factors\u2014the circumstances you live in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mat\u00e9 also argues that when interpreted correctly, research supports the view that ADHD isn\u2019t exclusively <\/em>biological in origin. Studies show that if you\u2019re related to someone with ADHD, you\u2019re more likely to have ADHD yourself\u2014this is often taken to suggest that ADHD has a significant biological basis, but Mat\u00e9 says relatives often also <\/em>share the same environments, and your environment can have an equally significant impact on your psychological development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mat\u00e9 says that the genetic basis of ADHD is a sensitive temperament, which predisposes you to ADHD by making you more susceptible to environmental stress. <\/strong>If you inherited a sensitive temperament, you\u2019re biologically primed to readily pick up on and <\/em>have more intense reactions to physical and emotional stimuli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Mat\u00e9, sensitivity can be advantageous\u2014since you\u2019re more attuned to the world around you, you take notice of the world\u2019s most subtle complexities, and you\u2019re given to feelings like awe, wonder, and appreciation. With those strengths under your belt, you could fill an important creative or spiritual role in society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But sensitivity can also be disadvantageous because it makes you more likely to be negatively <\/em>affected by your environment. For example, Mat\u00e9 cites studies that say people with ADHD are more likely to have allergies, lower pain tolerance, and higher emotional reactivity\u2014their responses to both positive and negative emotions are just more extreme. If you\u2019re more susceptible to environmental stress, you\u2019re more likely to suffer the negative effects of stress\u2014including the harmful impacts it can have on your developing brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Based on anecdotal evidence from his life and the lives of his patients, Mat\u00e9 believes that the psychosocial basis of ADHD is early childhood stress.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mat\u00e9 says that early childhood stress includes obvious stressors like neglect, abuse, or separation from your parents\u2014but if you\u2019re genetically predisposed to be highly sensitive, you were probably stressed by even the most subtly negative social interactions<\/strong>. <\/strong>Your parents may have been very loving and attentive toward you, but if they were stressed themselves, your home may have had an imperceptibly tense emotional atmosphere. Your sensitive temperament gave you greater, unconscious awareness of that tension\u2014for example, on some level you may have noticed that your parents didn\u2019t smile at you often enough. As a result, you became stressed too, even if you weren\u2019t consciously aware that you felt <\/em>stressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Mat\u00e9, early childhood stress is harmful because it ruptures the parent-child bond<\/a><\/strong>\u2014the set of consistently positive interactions (and resulting positive feelings) that occur between a parent and child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mat\u00e9 explains that the parent-child bond influences your cognitive-emotional development in two ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, consistently positive parent-child interactions produce positive feelings, which set off neurochemical processes that promote the physical <\/em>growth of your brain by building new neural pathways<\/a> and strengthening existing connections. On the other hand, if you don\u2019t <\/em>have consistently positive interactions with your parents, you become physiologically stressed. Stress sets off a neurochemical reaction that inhibits <\/em>neural growth. If you endured a lot of early childhood stress, your brain simply didn\u2019t have the opportunity to develop as it typically would.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mat\u00e9 argues that the neurological effects of early childhood stress can be seen most clearly in the prefrontal cortex<\/a> (PFC)<\/strong>, which studies suggest is underdeveloped in people with ADHD. The PFC is the part of your brain responsible for managing attention, impulse control, and stillness\u2014if your PFC is underdeveloped, you lack the physiological structure needed to support typical functioning in those areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Second, consistently healthy parent-child interactions teach you important psychological skills<\/em>\u2014like how to manage your attention, control your impulses, and regulate stillness. For example, Mat\u00e9 explains that you typically learn how to pay attention<\/a> by having positive interactions with your parents\u2014you want more of the feel-good endorphins these interactions give you, so you learn to focus on your parents when they\u2019re focused on you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, if interacting with your parents was stressful, you never got the opportunity to learn these skills. <\/strong>For example, Mat\u00e9 believes that your difficulty with attention stems from when your brain automatically dissociated <\/em>your attention from the discomfort you were experiencing when your parents stressed you out. Dissociation is an automatic survival mechanism: Distress takes a physical toll on your body, so your brain protects you by dissociating from your stress. If you had enough negative interactions with your parents, inattention gradually became your baseline state. As a result, you\u2019re only able to pay attention when it\u2019s emotionally rewarding enough\u2014otherwise, it requires an immense conscious effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since ADHD results from the underdevelopment of your brain and psyche, Mat\u00e9 theorizes that you can heal your ADHD by leveraging brain plasticity<\/a>\u2014your brain\u2019s ongoing reactivity to environmental stimuli\u2014to your advantage. In this section, we\u2019ll discuss the theory behind Mat\u00e9\u2019s approach to healing ADHD<\/a>. Then, we\u2019ll present some concrete steps you can take to promote healing in yourself and <\/em>in your children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mat\u00e9 says that doctors tend to treat ADHD<\/a> like it\u2019s a purely medical problem by prescribing medication\u2014and nothing else\u2014for it. He believes that this approach is fundamentally unsuitable and calls for a more holistic plan for healing ADHD. Let\u2019s dig more deeply into his theory of healing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mat\u00e9 argues that while ADHD medication<\/a> <\/strong>can <\/em><\/strong>reduce or help you cope with your symptoms, it won\u2019t <\/strong>heal<\/em><\/strong> your ADHD. <\/strong>That\u2019s because the source of your ADHD symptoms isn\u2019t simply <\/em>a chemical imbalance. ADHD does have a chemical component\u2014your brain doesn\u2019t transmit dopamine (a neurotransmitter associated with the regulation of attention, impulse, and stillness) in the typical way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But according to Mat\u00e9, the chemical component of ADHD has deeper roots\u2014you can\u2019t transmit dopamine appropriately because you lack the appropriate neurostructure and positive life experiences that are required for typical dopamine transmission. Since ADHD medication can\u2019t address those root causes, he says, it\u2019s not possible to heal your ADHD with medication alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He also notes that ADHD medication isn\u2019t appropriate for everyone\u2014sometimes it doesn\u2019t have the desired effect, or the side effects are insurmountably harmful. It\u2019s important that your autonomy be respected when it comes to medication\u2014if you feel it isn\u2019t helping, you shouldn\u2019t let anyone push you or your child to take it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mat\u00e9 theorizes that it\u2019s best to treat ADHD by using brain plasticity to your advantage.<\/strong> He explains that while your brain is most plastic during childhood, it continues to be affected by environmental stimuli throughout the rest of your life. This means that it\u2019s never too late to learn the psychological skills you missed out on developing as a child\u2014and when you do, it\u2019ll have a positive impact on your physical brain, too. Over time, you can gradually overcome the negative effects of early childhood stress on your brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since Mat\u00e9 believes that the fundamental cause of ADHD<\/a> is the rupture of the parent-child bond, that\u2019s where he thinks you should focus most of your healing efforts. <\/strong>You can\u2019t go back in time and provide yourself with a consistently positive childhood, but you can <\/em>re-parent yourself as an adult by taking responsibility<\/a> for your emotional wellness, learning to fulfill your own needs, and accessing the resources you need to improve. Likewise, if you\u2019re the parent of a child with ADHD, you can help them flourish by making changes that strengthen the bond you share.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, what kinds of positive changes can you make to your life to help your adult brain heal? According to Mat\u00e9, there are two essential components to re-parenting yourself: pursuing psychological growth and physical self-nurturing. Let\u2019s explore some of his suggestions for healing in both of these areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accept yourself, including your difficult emotions<\/a> and any behaviors you engage in but don\u2019t necessarily approve of.<\/strong> Many people with ADHD struggle with self-esteem because they feel their condition holds them back from achieving their goals and getting others\u2019 approval. You may even feel like there\u2019s something innately wrong with you, which Mat\u00e9 attributes to the shame you felt every time the bond between you and your parents was ruptured. To gain self-acceptance, remind yourself that you\u2019re doing your best and that healing is a journey\u2014it\u2019s okay if you\u2019re not where you\u2019d like to be yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Attend therapy.<\/strong> Mat\u00e9 explains that people have a deep-seated psychological need <\/em>for validation from others<\/a>, especially when they\u2019re in pain. He says that a family therapist can provide you with that validation, help you understand your emotional pain<\/a>, and support you in learning new psychological skills that can help you thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Practice mindfulness.<\/strong> According to Mat\u00e9, mindfulness improves your neurological capacity to focus; in addition, it may have other psychological benefits, like spiritual fulfillment, that help you heal the emotional pain that underlies your ADHD. He specifically recommends mindfulness meditation<\/a> but notes that mindfulness can be incorporated into a vast array of activities, like spending time in nature<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Prioritize restorative recreation.<\/strong> Many people with ADHD overwork themselves as an outlet for their hyperactivity, but Mat\u00e9 says that in the long run, this only increases your stress. Instead, you should give yourself time to play, explore, and rest. For example, you might take up a creative hobby like crochet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you struggle with addiction to any substance or behavior (as many people with ADHD do), seek treatment.<\/strong> According to Mat\u00e9, to effectively treat addiction, you have to understand and deal with the root of the problem\u2014the emotional pain you\u2019re trying to cover up by engaging in your addictive behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep a neat home.<\/strong> An untidy environment can add to your emotional stress. If you struggle with this, Mat\u00e9 recommends setting a timer for a short period of time and cleaning until it goes off. Over time, you\u2019ll make steady progress toward maintaining your environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Practice good sleep hygiene<\/a>.<\/strong> Because of your difficulty with stillness, you may have trouble relaxing enough to fall asleep at night, but Mat\u00e9 notes that a lack of good sleep can worsen your stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get adequate nutrition and exercise.<\/strong> Your sensitive temperament means that you feel the effects of undernourishment and under-exercising more strongly, which Mat\u00e9 says can increase stress and inhibit your progress. But your sensitivity also means that if you do <\/em>get enough nutrition and exercise, you\u2019ll feel their positive effects\u2014like stress relief, increased focus, and improved mood\u2014more strongly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mat\u00e9\u2019s advice for helping a child with ADHD heal is largely the same as his advice for adults: Don\u2019t force them to take medicine if it does more harm than good, and do your best to provide the psychological and physical nourishment they need. However, children with ADHD\u2014and their parents\u2014face some unique challenges as well. Let\u2019s explore some of those challenges and Mat\u00e9\u2019s proposed solutions for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recall that Mat\u00e9 believes the fundamental cause of ADHD is the rupture of the parent-child bond. Since your child is still developing, you have the opportunity to repair that rupture and strengthen the bond between you. According to Mat\u00e9, the best way to do this is by cultivating and communicating an attitude of perfect acceptance of your child. <\/em><\/strong>If you\u2019re perfectly accepting of your child, you feel that you love, respect, and appreciate your child no matter what\u2014and more importantly, you make sure that your child feels secure in that fact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To show your child that you accept them perfectly, Mat\u00e9 recommends the following steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a loving interest in your child\u2019s inner world.<\/strong> Try to understand what it\u2019s like to be them without <\/em>trying to \u201cfix\u201d them. If your child senses that you\u2019re judgmental, anxious, or angry about what\u2019s going on with them, it can make them feel ashamed and want to pull away from you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Initiate quality time with your child. <\/strong>This demonstrates that you value their presence in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid reactionary parenting. <\/strong>Mat\u00e9 says that your greatest priority as a parent is fulfilling your child\u2019s needs\u2014not<\/em> acting on your own emotional impulses. For example, this could mean taking time to gather yourself before you launch into a difficult discussion with your child about their school performance. If you can\u2019t regulate your emotions while you\u2019re parenting, your child may feel anxious and alienated from you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many children with ADHD exhibit defiance\u2014an automatic reflex where the child rejects the parent\u2019s demands, expectations, or instructions<\/strong>\u2014and parents struggle to deal with that defiance without escalating the conflict. <\/strong>Mat\u00e9 explains that defiance is healthy to some extent\u2014by defying you, your child sets herself apart as an individual, which is an important part of her development. Defiance is especially common in teenagers because it\u2019s developmentally important for them to begin feeling more independent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mat\u00e9 suggests taking the following steps whenever your child is defiant: First, encourage your child to express their feelings, and validate those feelings even if your child isn\u2019t going to get their way. Second, decide whether it\u2019s worth enforcing your rules in this case\u2014is it something trivial or a matter of their safety or well-being? Third, refuse to engage in a power struggle\u2014it\u2019s not about overpowering or imposing your will on them but getting your child to cooperate with you. Finally\u2014and most importantly\u2014after a disagreement, take the initiative to reconnect with your child as soon as possible<\/strong>. This reaffirms your perfect acceptance of your child: They know that no matter what they do, your relationship can\u2019t be damaged beyond repair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mat\u00e9 emphasizes that promoting achievement shouldn\u2019t be your first <\/em>priority<\/strong>\u2014it\u2019s not as important as the parent-child bond, and if you put achievement first, your child will internalize your anxiety\/anger about their performance as shame. However, Mat\u00e9 also says that children with ADHD need to feel empowered to achieve whatever they want to achieve<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He makes a couple of concrete suggestions to promote your child\u2019s empowerment:<\/p>\n\n\n\nScattered Minds <\/em>by <\/strong>Gabor Mat\u00e9<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Part 1: Understanding Your ADHD Brain<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What It Feels Like to Have ADHD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Why You Have an ADHD Brain<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Biopsychosocial Approach to ADHD<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
The Role of Genetics in ADHD<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
The Role of Childhood Stress in ADHD<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
How the Parent-Child Bond Affects Your Development<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Part 2: You Can Heal Your ADHD<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Mat\u00e9\u2019s Theory of Healing<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Medication Can Help, But It Won\u2019t Heal<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Your Brain Is Plastic, So Change Can Heal It<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Concrete Steps for Adult Healing<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Pursuing Psychological Growth<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Physical Self-Nurturing<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Concrete Steps for Childhood Healing<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Repairing the Parent-Child Bond<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Dealing With Defiance<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Promoting Achievement<\/h5>\n\n\n\n