Dr. Russell Barkley: Is ADHD Real? [Full Interview]

Is ADHD real? Doctor Russell Barkley explain what is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), or ADD, is ADHD an advantage, & what is it like to have adult ADHD with leading researcher Dr. Russell Barkley.

In this episode, Dr. Russell Barkley explains adult ADHD and offers actionable tips including the signs you need to know about ADHD in adulthood. We also reviewed information on Adderal, Vyvanse, anxiety, and how you treat ADHD based off science. Dr. Russell Barkley is an expert on the topic of ADHD.

Unraveling the ADHD Debate: Dr. Russell Barkley Explores the Reality of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has long been a topic of debate and controversy, with skeptics questioning its validity as a genuine medical condition. In this in-depth exploration, renowned psychologist Dr. Russell Barkley sheds light on the reality of ADHD, drawing from decades of research and clinical experience to provide insights into its nature, diagnosis, and treatment.

Understanding ADHD:

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning and social interactions. While the exact causes of ADHD remain unclear, research suggests that a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors contribute to its onset and expression.

Dr. Russell Barkley, a leading expert in the field of ADHD research and treatment, has dedicated his career to unraveling the complexities of this disorder. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Barkley's work has significantly advanced our understanding of ADHD and informed evidence-based approaches to diagnosis and intervention.

Is ADHD Real?

Despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the existence of ADHD, skepticism persists among some individuals who question its validity as a genuine medical condition. Dr. Barkley addresses these concerns head-on, emphasizing the robust body of research that has consistently demonstrated the neurological and cognitive differences associated with ADHD.

Neuroimaging studies have revealed structural and functional differences in the brains of individuals with ADHD, particularly in regions involved in attention, impulse control, and executive functioning. Moreover, genetic studies have identified specific gene variants associated with an increased risk of developing ADHD, further underscoring its biological basis.

Diagnosis and Assessment:

Dr. Barkley emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and assessment in distinguishing ADHD from other conditions with overlapping symptoms. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) provides criteria for diagnosing ADHD based on the presence of specific symptoms and their impact on daily functioning.

Comprehensive evaluation by qualified healthcare professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and pediatricians, is essential for accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment planning. Dr. Barkley highlights the importance of considering multiple sources of information, including clinical interviews, behavioral observations, and standardized rating scales, to ensure thorough assessment and diagnosis.

Treatment Approaches:

Effective management of ADHD often requires a multimodal approach that addresses various aspects of the disorder, including behavioral, educational, and pharmacological interventions. Dr. Barkley advocates for evidence-based treatments that target core symptoms of ADHD and address associated impairments in academic, social, and occupational functioning.

I did my best to get all of the basic facts about ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) that I could in this episode. I hope this helps someone out there!

00:00 - 1:55 - Intro
1:55 - 49:30 - Is ADHD Real with Dr. Russell Barkley

[learnhowtostart]

New FREE Audiobook for ADHD Parents: "I Have No Patience for My ADHD Child"

[strikingdiscussion]

Dr. Barkley is a veritable hero in this field. Despite his unequivocal accolades in science and research, he always explains ADHD in a very accessible, yet comprehensive, manner

[halosoap]

Listening to this podcast as someone with ADHD is heart breaking.

[salparadise]

"The longer ADHD goes untreated the higher the risk for an anxiety disorder". 
And Dr Barkley does it again - with a sentence another part of my life suddenly makes sense.

[periteu]

Essence 21:18
Emotional regulation 22:38 23:45
Depression and Anxiety 20:04
Medicine for TDAH 30:10
Calendar 36:55 37:06
Lumosity 38:05
Good books 39:01 Mary Solanto
Future 44:35

[DonnaMcMasterRiver]

I was just diagnosed a few weeks ago at age 70, and hope to start medication the first of next month. I’m finally beginning to understand why I’ve struggled all these years trying to live up to my potential and expectations. I’ve felt so ashamed at all my failures, and can still hear my dad scolding me for not trying hard enough. Dr Barkley’s informative and compassionate lectures and this interview make me feel like crying but also give me hope and help me to find some peace. Thank you, Dr B. ❤️

[stephenjemyers]

I've been diagnosed at 39. At first I was happy, happy to be heard and to be validated and to feel like it wasn't qll my fault. Then I felt angry and lost, and looked back at a lost life . I hope I can be better .

[passionfruitprincess]

I 'm 60 & could tell as a 5 y o in 1969 that I was different. Finally diagnosed ADHD as an adult. I had a very pompous female psychiatrist in Brisbane Australia 5 yrs ago who, after listening to my symptoms etc for 45 minutes, she then said Ýou know I don't believ in ADHD". She needs to live in my head.

[ravensong]

Dr. Barkley is so right.

I am fed up of these videos featuring success stories of ADHD people, that suggest or directly say that ADHD has inherent advantages. That's a very superficial view. I do think it is true that some people with ADHD can turn around their traits and somehow exploit them. For example, your attention permanently hopping from one thing to the other can turn you into a good non-linear thinker, or someone able of getting the bigger picture of things. But that's not inherent, it's acquired. And not everyone with ADHD acquires it.

[saratogawinner]

I love how he says not to label ADHD as some reason why people are creative, or struggle. There's too much labeling on society.. I couldn't agree more!

[piperjaycie]

I really appreciate the part about it not being a super power or a gift. I hate it when people romanticise mental illness. Saying because you have this illness/disorder you also have this other “trade off” ability. I would still be all the good things that I am without ADHD, OCD, & PTSD. ADHD makes me feel so angry, frustrated, and incompetent to the point of self harm and suicidal thoughts. Nothing about having to live like this is good.

[запаснойвариант-йг]

It is perplexing that doctors of this caliber have to defend their positions against previously 'staked' opinions. He is a real warrior for the patients! Thanks for hosting this intellectual maverick!

[hollyatkinson]

Never understood how people could say its a gift

[gbx]

I liked the no nonsense conversation about this. Science based, backed by decades of data, detailed accounts of the real life experiences of real people who suffer from this. I will take this mans research and evidence over opinions or ideologies of others any day. As someone who has the condition I appreciate this video. Thank you for the dialogue you had on this subject.

[patiakreles]

I was diagnosed 2 months ago. I'm one of those 1 in 20 people, I come up with great ideas, but never finish anything. I get praised for thinking outside of the box and then get insulted for leaving details around everywhere and not being able to double check my work. So my rate of congratulations are about 1 in 100 things that I do when not medicated. Now I'm on concerta and it has shown. Yesterday I did an entire evaluation of a process that we have from START to FINISH and that never happened, never never never. I'm so glad I pursued my diagnosis. Everyone told me I couldn't have ADHD because of my education.

[crowdedcrow]

I was diagnosed with ADHD over twenty years ago. I spent years in stubborn denial, it seemed like everyone I knew doubted the authenticity of ADHD. At one point, I did request a referral for ADHD treatment (my health insurance plan required me to obtain all mental health treatment and referrals through my psychiatrist... even to request a different provider/psychiatrist I had to do so through my current one. Awkward) but my psychiatrist claimed it'd be difficult to differentiate between my addiction/anxiety disorder and ADHD and no matter how many times I inquired about treating my ADHD symptoms, I was continually rebuffed. I was under the care of that psychiatrist for over ten years, and it wasn't until my very last appointment with her that she acknowledged that I did have ADHD and I did need treatment. I'd made some offhand comment about still being unsure as to whether or not I have it and she stunned me with the absolute certainty in her voice when she responded with, "oh, you most definitely have ADHD, I have no doubt of that." I wanted to scream. She was the last provider I've had, an additional ten years have passed and I've avoided getting another. I've avoided doctors, altogether. I understand it's not healthy, and it's quite obvious how badly my life has spiraled out of control, every facet has unraveled and I question my ability to ever have a well-functioning life again. I'm a complete mess. I believe I could easily be a cautionary tale for others, in terms of how important it is to get treatment. ADHD left untreated creates nothing but chaos and unbelievable damage. My descent into hell is easy to track and clear for anyone to see. To be clear, I don't feel sorry for myself. I'm sorry things are so out of control, I want to be a more effective caregiver for my mom, I want to be so many things, starting with being more gentle on myself. However, I'm full of helpless anger. I'm angry with myself.

[adamhaynes]

Dr. Barkley is a saint. His talks on youtube changed my life. Russell if you see this, Thank you from the bottom of my heart! You're the real MVP.

[berryreadable]

I love Dr. Barkley, but I disagree with him about technology use not being an accommodation. Digital accommodations has drastically improved my life. I explain some ways below.

He mentioned the problem of charging and not being able to find your charger. My accommodation? I invest and buy chargers for all the main places I sit in my house: bed, desk, couch, work, etc.

Going paperless has been the best thing for me. I used to have tons of unorganized papers in my desk, etc. I use my iPad as a digital notebook. I can do any word search since apps like Notability and GoodNotes have handwriting recognition.

Google calendar? Absolutely. Paper planners did NOT work for me. I would misplace it, leave it behind. And even worse? Paper planners absolutely do not help remind you.

My Apple Watch is my best accommodation. It helps me find my phone with pinging. I also have my calendar on my Apple Watch and have default alarms that will remind me.

You can even have Google Calendar notify you through email, desktop, Apple Watch.

When I used a paper planner? Forgot ALL the time.

Finally, Apple Watch has minimized my time blindness. I use it for alarms ALL the time. Setting an alarm to switch the laundry in an hour. If I tell my husband I just need 5 more minutes, I tell my Apple Watch to set a timer for 5 minutes. I even use alarms when I am trying to time block.

You can label the alarms, too. You can do this all orally and instantaneously by enabling “Hey Siri.”

I stopped using Windows and use the Max universe. Having everything seamlessly sync through my watch, laptop, iPad, and phone is great.

On my Apple Watch I also have the Bear app where I can immediately dictate notes or ideas a use hashtags to organize it. Again, all orally.

Brain dumping has helped me enormously since the thought isn’t bouncing around in my head.

I use 1Password for my passsword management. I wasted hours of my life calling company's 1-800 numbers, trying to convince them it's me since I got locked out of my account again.

I use the Focus Mode on my iPhone. I have a "Study Mode" that automatically puts my phone on Do Not Disturb. I then use my earbuds to listen to ADHD Focus music to work. (I like GreenRed Productions-YouTube Channel).

Please do not listen to that one specific advice from him. Using Outlook to plan events? Needlessly complicated and out of date. We don't alway need research. Just using common sense can see how technology works.

P.S. For the Apple Watch, I disabled text notifications and phone calls. I only use it for my ADHD. Good luck!

[dhiaag]

Hi adhder here. As an adhder im having difficulty to finish watching video that is this long, but I manage to finish this one because of your way of interview and Dr Barkley great answers. Thank you, both of you.

[roudyelhussein]

You have no idea how Dr. Berkeley’s videos have impacted the lives of my child and me, we both diagnosed and living with the condition and I always refit his videos when one of us is trapped in our own negative thoughts 😕😕 he changed my life and is a great help for me and my child!!!! I love this man