ADHD Doctor Daniel Amen interview with Steven Bartlett
This video features Dr. Daniel Amen, a renowned brain expert, discussing his mission to revolutionize mental health care by focusing on brain health.
Dr Amen begins this interview by highlighting the detrimental effects of various lifestyle factors like drugs, alcohol, poor sleep, and excessive sugar consumption on brain health. Dr. Amen emphasizes the importance of brain care, asserting that one can improve their brain regardless of its current state.
Dr. Amen proceeds to analyze the brain of the host, Steven Bartlett, revealing that he has ADHD. This diagnosis is based on a comprehensive examination including scans and behavioral assessments. Dr. Amen stresses the significant influence of the brain on every aspect of human behavior and mental health, suggesting that many mental illnesses are actually brain disorders. He advocates for a holistic approach to mental health, focusing on diet, exercise, and environmental factors, rather than solely relying on medication.
The conversation shifts to the impact of social media on brain health. Dr. Amen warns that excessive use can wear out the brain's pleasure centers, leading to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. He also touches on various topics, including the importance of a healthy diet, the effects of obesity on brain health, and the influence of genetics on ADHD.
As Dr. Amen shares insights from his extensive experience and research, the video underscores his commitment to transforming mental health care by treating the brain as the central organ influencing overall health and wellbeing. He concludes by offering practical advice for improving brain health, such as modifying diet and lifestyle habits, and emphasizes the potential for anyone to enhance their brain functionality and, consequently, their quality of life.
Summary of The ADHD Doctor: “I’ve Scanned 250,000 Brains” You (Steven Bartlett) Have ADHD!!! Dr Daniel Amen
00:00:00 - 01:00:00
In this section of the YouTube video, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses the importance of taking care of your brain and the factors that can impact brain health. He highlights the negative effects of substances like alcohol and drugs, as well as the impact of lifestyle factors like diet and exercise. Dr. Amen also talks about the need for brain scans to provide more information about specific conditions, such as ADHD. He discusses the connection between traumatic brain injury, mold, and emotional trauma to ADHD symptoms and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy brain. Finally, Steven Bartlett shares his own experiences with ADHD and the challenges he faced, as well as the importance of finding a career aligned with personal interests.
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00:00:00 This section of the YouTube video titled "The ADHD Doctor: “I’ve Scanned 250,000 Brains” You (Steven Bartlett) Have ADHD!!! Dr Daniel Amen" begins with Dr. Daniel Amen introducing himself as the world's leading expert on the brain and explaining his mission to end mental illness by creating a revolution in brain health. He talks about the various things that can harm the brain, such as drugs, alcohol, poor sleep, and even caffeine, which he claims shrinks the brain. Dr. Amen also discusses the negative effects of sugar on the brain and how it can lead to obesity and a decrease in brain function, which should be a warning to anyone watching. As the section continues, Dr. Amen talks about the importance of taking care of your brain and how it can impact your life. He discusses the impact that mental illness can have on a person's life and explains that it's not just a mental health issue but a brain health issue. Dr. Amen also talks about the importance of diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors in keeping the brain healthy. Dr. Amen also explains that he will be scanning the host's brain to provide more information on his specific situation. This segment of the video provides insight into the various factors that can impact brain health and the importance of taking care of it. It also sets the stage for the scanning process that will be discussed further in the video.
00:05:00 In this section, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses the Connor's continuous performance test that measures impulse control and inhibition response time. Although YOU (Steven Bartlett) did well on the test, Dr. Amen suggests that there may be other evidence that suggests you might have ADD or ADHD, such as getting bored easily, poor handwriting, and disorganization. He goes on to talk about the importance of a healthy brain scan and discusses toxins that could be affecting YOU's brain. According to Dr. Amen, his own previous MRI scan showed that he had decreased activity in his left prefrontal cortex, which could be causingADD/ADHD symptoms such as irritability and short fuse. He also mentions that he played soccer for most of his childhood and had a few concussions, which could have affected the consistency of your skull.
00:10:00 In this section, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses the connection between traumatic brain injury, mold, and emotional trauma when it comes to ADHD. He believes that if a person has experienced any of these things, it can impact their brain and lead to problems with focus and temper. He suggests that a person with ADHD should focus on activating their cerebellum with healthy activity, as it's responsible for coordination despite their probable coordination. He uses a diamond pattern on the scan as an example of emotional trauma that could be leading to difficulties with focus. He suggests a person with ADHD may benefit from playing Rocket Sports, as studies have shown it can lead to longer life expectancy.
00:15:00 In this section, Steven Bartlett discusses his experience with ADHD and whether it is a part of his family's history. He also talks about the challenges he faced in school, such as being labeled as a "useful student" but "not interested in school work" and spending most of his time in the exclusion unit. Bartlett advises others with ADD to pick something they love when choosing a career, explaining that the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for organizational skills and creativity, is likely less active in people with ADD. Finally, he discusses his own creativity and success as a marketeer.
00:20:00 In this section, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses the importance of hiring people to help with tasks where individuals with ADD may struggle. He emphasizes the need to hire people with "different brains" and the potential for individuals with ADD to change and improve their brains. Amen goes on to discuss the harmful effects of fruit juice, refined sugar, and the importance of reducing inflammation in the brain. He also highlights the connection between obesity, diabetes, and low blood flow in the brain and its associated health risks. Overall, the excerpt received a positive reception and highlighted the importance of self-awareness and taking proactive steps towards understanding and improving one's brain health.
00:25:00 In this section, Dr. Amen discusses the importance of blood flow to the brain and how various supplements and food items can increase blood flow. He mentions Ginkgo Biloba as a supplement that increases blood flow to the brain and can significantly improve brain health. Dr. Amen also emphasizes the link between chronic loneliness and the development of dementia and emphasizes the importance of social connections. He highlights the negative effects of low omega-3 fatty acid levels, gum disease, and head trauma on brain health. Additionally, he talks about the potential negative effects of certain consumer products, such as mouthwash and toothpaste, on brain health.
00:30:00 In this section, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses his experiences and findings related to ADHD and the impact of mental health (MH) on an individual's life. He mentions that a nine on a scale of zero to ten, where zero represents living a long and healthy life and ten represents dying early, corresponds to poor mental health. He considers supplements and medication as natural and medical ways to address psychiatric issues, but emphasizes that the medicine approach should not be the only solution. Dr. Amen highlights the importance of treating the root cause of medical conditions and avoiding unnecessary medications that might have side effects. He also stresses the need to understand the impact of untreated addiction on one's life, business, relationships, and health.
00:35:00 In this section of the video, Dr. Daniel Amen is discussing the concept of informed consent in the field of medicine, specifically relating to the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). He argues that it is important for doctors to provide fully informed consent to patients, including the pros and cons of each treatment option, so that they can make the best decision for their own health and well-being. Dr. Amen uses his own experience with his daughter's ADD, and the countless patients he has seen over the years, to illustrate how this approach can lead to improved focus and productivity. He also touches on the controversy surrounding the name of ADD and ADHD, and how it can create obstacles for those diagnosed with these conditions. Dr. Amen concludes the section by discussing the example of a woman named Sandy who attempted suicide, and how brain scanning and medication helped her to focus better and improve her mental state.
00:40:00 In this section of the transcript, Dr. Daniel Amen explains how he diagnosed a woman named Tana after she came to him seeking help for her ADHD symptoms. He recounts that he had never diagnosed ADD until this woman, who had been struggling with single motherhood and the stress of raising her children. The doctor notes that the woman's brain had deactivated completely when she tried to concentrate, and that he suspected her ADD was causing the deactivation. After examining her brain scans, Amen confirms that she indeed has ADD and prescribes medication to help her focus. He also stresses the importance of managing one's thoughts through a process called "knowing your thoughts" and turning them to the opposite in order to regain control and overcome negative thinking patterns. Overall, Amen emphasizes the importance of education and effort in managing the symptoms of ADHD.
00:45:00 In this section, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses the relationship between negative thoughts, brain activity, and mental health. He explains that repetitive negative or positive thinking can change the shape of the brain, and that scans have shown the negative impact of negativity on the cerebellum, left temporal lobe, and left frontal lobe. Amen also emphasizes the importance of accurate thinking with a positive spin, stating that positive thinking can negatively impact the body and brain. He then talks about the impact of stress and trauma on the brain, and how scans can show the diamond pattern that is associated with trauma. Amen suggests specific treatments for trauma, such as EMDR, which have biological effects and can calm the brain's gear shifter, mood center, and anxiety center. The connections that the brain makes as a result of processing traumatic experiences can lead to a reduction in the negative impact of the trauma. However, it takes longer for lasting change in the case of chronic trauma. Amen suggests that seeking psychological treatment and processing traumatic experiences can be beneficial for mental health. He emphasizes that accurate thinking with a positive spin and the cessation of negative thoughts can also lead to a healthier brain and improved overall well-being.
00:50:00 In this section, the speaker, Dr. Daniel Amen, discusses the concept of trauma and its effects on the brain. He explains that trauma can be caused by a wide range of events, including physical and emotional traumas, and that these traumas can have lasting effects on an individual's brain activity centers, as well as their overall level of "brain reserve" (the term he uses to refer to the level of health and resilience that an individual brings into a traumatic situation). Dr. Amen also talks about his own experiences with trauma and how he has worked with his wife to overcome the effects of her adverse childhood experiences through therapy. The speaker also discusses the role of the "change your brain foundation" and their new course, called "Brain Thrive," which teaches children about the importance of caring for their brains and teaches strategies for dealing with emotions, stress, and negative thoughts. The speaker also highlights the concept of post-traumatic stress vs. post-traumatic growth, and the need for individuals to focus not just on overcoming negative thoughts and emotions, but on finding meaning and purpose in the trauma they have experienced.
00:55:00 In this section of the transcript, Dr. Daniel Amen talks about using LinkedIn jobs to find qualified candidates for his teams. He highly recommends LinkedIn and uses simple tools like screening questions to prioritize candidates with the right skills and experience. Dr. Amen mentions the success of small businesses when using LinkedIn jobs for hiring.
01:00:00 - 01:45:00
In this section of The ADHD Doctor video, Dr prefix>Daniel Amen discusses the significance of Brain Health, Heart Health, and Alcohol as they can impact overall well-being. With Amen's background in both neurology and psychiatry, he provides insight into the brain, specifically on its importance in our personal relationships and interactions. He notes that deep sleep, good linear hygiene, meditation, breath work, exercise, and healthy eating are all important components of maintaining brain health. On the other hand, Amen points out that alcohol consumption disrupts white matter in the brain and can lead to a range of issues such as impulse control, emotional regulation, and financial management. Furthermore, Alcohol consumption can impact one's heart health and increase the risk of developing dementia and other neurological disorders. Amen emphasizes the importance of understanding these connections between brain and heart health in achieving a happier and more fulfilling life. He recommends making deliberate and intentional decisions when it comes to our health and well-being, and being aware of our impact on ourselves and others.
01:00:00 In this section of the YouTube video, Dr Daniel Amen discusses the potential consequences of brain discrimination and prejudice in the workplace. He argues that if brain scans were to become a part of the hiring process, it could lead to a culture of discrimination against people with certain brain types. He also talks about his own experience with brain scans and how he uses them to analyze his patients' behavior and relationships. Amen emphasizes the importance of being clear about what you want in life and how the brain can help shape your actions to achieve those goals. He also emphasizes the role of proper brain care in achieving happiness and success in life.
01:05:00 In this section of the video, Dr Daniel Amen discusses the root causes of mental illness, which he believes are primarily related to poor brain health. He notes that many people become anxious, depressed, or irritable after watching the news or engaging with negative content, and recommends focusing on positive experiences and setting the stage for a positive mindset. He also emphasizes the importance of vitamin D supplementation, especially for people with darker skin who may be at increased risk of mental health issues due to vitamin D deficiencies. Dr Amen mentions his work with famous individuals such as Kendall Jenner, noting that their emotional brain can be damaged by stressors like the pandemic, leading to negative behaviors like anxiety, sadness, impulsivity, and irritability.
01:10:00 In this section of the transcript, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses his approach to treating depression. He advocates for starting with awareness, loving your brain, and investigating your brain. Depression is compared to chest pain, as both can be indicative of underlying issues that need to be addressed. Dr. Amen notes that many people come to him with a diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder or another mental illness, but he prefers to focus on helping them optimize their brain and improve their overall well-being rather than simply treating their symptoms with medication. He also highlights the negative effects of psychiatric drugs on society, with over 25% of the American population currently taking them.
01:15:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of sleep in the brain and the role it plays in maintaining brain health. According to the speaker, Deep Sleep Restorative Sleep (DSRS) is essential for brain health as it is during this stage that the glymphatic system, a fluid system that helps to clean the brain, opens up and flushes out toxins. The speaker mentions beta-amyloid, a cluster of proteins that increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease as one of the toxic substances that accumulate due to inadequate sleep. The speaker also argues against the old notion that people with ADHD can do well on four hours of sleep per night, stating that it is in fact more harmful to brains. For him, sleep is a tool for diagnosing sleep apnea, which triples the risk of Alzheimer's disease. He advises against snoring loudly or not breathing properly at night as it can starve the brain of oxygen, thus compromising brain health. The speaker concludes by discussing Heart Rate Variability (HRV), a metric used to measure the beat-to-beat variability of heart rate, and its significance in maintaining heart health and reducing the risk of anxiety, depression, and heart disease.
01:20:00 In this section, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses the connection between brain health, heart health, and the impact of alcohol on both. He notes that meditation, breath work, exercise, good sleep, and good sleep hygiene can all increase heart rate variability, which is a measure of the body's ability to adapt to stress. On the other hand, alcohol consumption can decrease heart rate variability by disrupting the white matter in the brain, which is the highways that transmit information and impulses. Dr. Amen emphasizes the importance of being aware of the impact of alcohol on overall health and well-being, and encourages people to consider alternatives to alcohol if they feel it is necessary.
01:25:00 In this section, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses his experiences with patients who initially come to his office seeking help with alcohol-related problems, but also problems in their personal relationships and with their children. He notes that alcohol can inhibit brain function and impulse control, and can lead to problems in areas such as marriage, raising children, and managing finances. He also discusses the impact of alcohol on sexual function and the importance of maintaining good blood flow in the brain for sexual health. Dr. Amen emphasizes the role of the brain in various aspects of our lives and the importance of making deliberate, intentional decisions when it comes to our health and wellbeing.
01:30:00 In this section, Dr. Daniel Amen, a known expert in neurology and psychiatry, talks about the condition of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and how it affects individuals, specifically in terms of relationships and communication. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the differences in brain function between men and women, and how these differences can impact behavior and decision-making. Dr. Amen discusses his experience working with ADHD patients and the techniques he uses to help them improve their communication and relationships. He suggests that individuals with ADHD may struggle with impulse control and collaboration, but that they can be successful leaders and caretakers. Overall, Dr. Amen's message is that ADHD is a complex condition that deserves individualized attention and treatment, and that understanding the underlying neural mechanisms of the brain can help individuals overcome their challenges and live fulfilling lives.
01:35:00 This section discusses the pains and problems associated with ADHD. It highlights the differences in suicide rates between men and women, with men using more violent means and lower communication rates. Other exercises, such as SAA and exercise, are emphasized, with walking a key exercise found to boost blood flow, brain function, and increase life expectancy. Cold plunges may increase dopamine levels, but are not recommended for those with heart problems or inflammation/pain. The section also touches upon the detrimental effects of obesity on brain health, and the need for healthy food choices and calorie tracking for weight loss. The speech includes arguments against the demonisation of fat due to government influence and the misplacement of responsibility onto low-fat diets and sugar consumption.
01:40:00 In this section, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses the impact of screen time on the brain, specifically on the pleasure centers in the nucleus accumbens. He explains that excessive screen time can wear out these pleasure centers, leading to an increased risk of anxiety, depression, addiction, obesity, and ADHD. He also discusses the concept of the comparison dragon and how it can damage a person's sense of self-worth. Lastly, he talks about the U-shaped nature of happiness in life and how depression and dementia increase with age. Dr. Amen recommends focusing on small moments of happiness in each day and choosing specific habits to improve one's mental wellbeing.
01:45:00 In this section, Dr Daniel Amen shares how he has gained a greater understanding of the importance of prioritizing self-care and personal growth. He opens up about how his past experiences with wellness and faith had emphasized the importance of "doing what's right" rather than "elevating" oneself. While he appreciates his Catholic education and faith, he looks back on the missing link between personal welfare and the well-being of others. Amen is now proud of the work he is doing to help people live a happier and healthier life, recognizing that it has a ripple effect on future generations.