Podcast Summary: Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey – Ep 1193 | Why Psychiatrists Ignore the Brain & How to REALLY Diagnose ADHD | Guest: Dr. Daniel Amen
Introduction
In Episode 1193 of Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey, host Allie Beth Stuckey engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Daniel Amen, a renowned psychiatrist known for his innovative approach to brain health. Released on May 21, 2025, this episode delves into the contrasting views of mainstream psychiatry versus holistic brain care, particularly concerning diagnoses like ADD, ADHD, autism, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Daniel Amen’s Unique Approach to Psychiatry
Dr. Daniel Amen introduces himself as a psychiatrist who diverges from conventional methods by emphasizing the importance of brain imaging before treatment. He oversees 11 clinics and manages the world's largest database of brain scans, encompassing approximately 260,000 scans from 155 countries.
Dr. Daniel Amen [01:33]: “I actually think you should look at the brain before you go about treating it.”
Amen utilizes Brain Spect Imaging (SPECT), a specialized form of nuclear medicine that assesses blood flow and brain activity. This technique allows him to identify areas of the brain with abnormal activity—either excessive or insufficient—and tailor treatments accordingly.
Dr. Daniel Amen [02:26]: “Why are psychiatrists the only medical doctors who never look at the organ they treat?”
Understanding ADD and ADHD Through Brain Function
The discussion highlights how traditional diagnoses of ADD/ADHD are often based solely on behavioral symptoms without considering underlying brain function. Dr. Amen explains that ADD can manifest differently depending on whether certain brain regions are underactive or overactive.
Dr. Daniel Amen [05:57]: “When people who have this disorder try to concentrate, the front part of their brain shuts down, where in a healthy population, it turns on.”
He introduces the concept of the "Ring of Fire" type of ADD, where the entire brain is excessively active. For these individuals, stimulant medications like Ritalin can exacerbate symptoms rather than alleviate them.
Dr. Daniel Amen [07:28]: “Ring of fire is where their whole brain is really much more active than compared to healthy. It's like the freeway is jammed.”
Medication vs. Holistic Treatments
While acknowledging the benefits of pharmaceutical interventions for certain types of ADD, Dr. Amen advocates for a holistic approach that prioritizes natural supplements and lifestyle changes before considering medication. He developed a supplement containing GABA, 5-HTP, and L-tyrosine to help balance brain chemistry naturally.
Dr. Daniel Amen [08:58]: “We don't think about, well, what medicine would we use. It's, well, what lifestyle or natural supplement might we try first.”
He emphasizes that withholding appropriate medication can be detrimental, likening it to not providing glasses to someone who is visually impaired.
Dr. Daniel Amen [10:56]: “Now, I think withholding medicine is not the right thing.”
ADD in Children: Overdiagnosis vs. Developmental Delays
The conversation addresses concerns about the potential overmedicalization of young boys for ADD, considering their naturally higher energy levels and activity. Dr. Amen acknowledges that some children may simply be experiencing maturational delays and suggests environmental and dietary factors play significant roles.
Dr. Daniel Amen [15:45]: “Sometimes it's a maturational delay... almost 20% more brain development.”
He cites studies indicating that eliminating certain foods, such as gluten, dairy, corn, soy, artificial dyes, and sweeteners, can significantly reduce ADD symptoms in children.
Dr. Daniel Amen [17:24]: “After six months, 70% of them didn't have ADD anymore.”
Gender Differences in ADD Diagnosis
Dr. Amen discusses the gender bias in ADD diagnoses, noting that boys are often overdiagnosed while girls are underdiagnosed due to differing behavioral presentations and societal expectations.
Dr. Daniel Amen [23:16]: “It's probably under diagnosed in girls because we still have serious gender bias in this country.”
Environmental and Genetic Factors Influencing ADD
Exploring the multifaceted causes of ADD, Dr. Amen identifies genetics as the primary factor, with ADD often running in families. Additionally, environmental factors such as diet, exposure to toxins, and screen time contribute significantly to the prevalence of ADD.
Dr. Daniel Amen [27:18]: “Genetic. It runs in your family.”
He underscores the impact of modern lifestyle choices, such as increased screen time and consumption of ultra-processed foods, on brain health and the rise in ADD diagnoses.
Public Policy and Brain Health
Dr. Amen advocates for the integration of neuroscience findings into public policy. He highlights recent legislative actions aimed at improving mental health, such as banning certain artificial dyes and regulating school start times to ensure adequate sleep for children.
Dr. Daniel Amen [30:43]: “I'm a huge fan of it... we have to be more thoughtful because this mental health epidemic in children, it's going to impact the future of our country.”
Challenging the “Chemical Imbalance” Theory
The discussion critiques the oversimplified notion of chemical imbalances as the sole cause of mental health issues. Dr. Amen presents a more comprehensive framework, addressing various risk factors that impact brain health.
Dr. Daniel Amen [45:21]: “It's way more complicated than that. One of the big lessons I learned is if you want to keep your brain healthy or rescue it, we have to prevent or treat the 11 major risk factors that steal your mind.”
He introduces the "Bright Minds" mnemonic to outline these risk factors, encompassing aspects like blood flow, retirement and aging, inflammation, genetics, head trauma, toxins, and more.
Impact of Substances on Brain Health
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the detrimental effects of substances like marijuana and vaping on brain health, especially among adolescents. Dr. Amen presents evidence linking marijuana use to decreased brain blood flow, increased anxiety, depression, and even psychosis.
Dr. Daniel Amen [53:16]: “Teenagers who use marijuana have an increased risk of anxiety, depression, suicide, and psychosis in their 20s.”
He warns against the perception of marijuana as innocuous and parallels its potential dangers with those of alcohol.
Practical Steps for Parents and Individuals
Towards the end of the episode, Dr. Amen offers actionable advice for listeners concerned about brain health and ADD. He recommends starting with basic self-assessment questions and consulting his books or clinics for comprehensive evaluations.
Dr. Daniel Amen [58:14]: “Is what I'm doing good for my brain or bad for it? And if I don't know, I look it up.”
He encourages proactive measures, such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, and reducing exposure to environmental toxins, before considering pharmaceutical interventions.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Dr. Amen reiterating the importance of viewing mental health issues through the lens of brain health. He emphasizes the need for personalized treatments based on brain imaging and holistic practices to enhance overall well-being.
Dr. Daniel Amen [44:52]: “Our society currently is not for us, it's against us. And we have to be serious about our brains and the brains of those we love.”
Allie Beth Stuckey thanks Dr. Amen for his invaluable insights, highlighting the transformative potential of his approach to psychiatry and brain health.
Key Takeaways:
- Holistic Diagnosis: Utilizing brain imaging to tailor treatments for ADD/ADHD.
- Personalized Treatment: Differentiating between types of ADD to determine appropriate interventions.
- Lifestyle Over Medication: Prioritizing diet, exercise, and natural supplements before pharmaceuticals.
- Gender Sensitivity: Recognizing and addressing the underdiagnosis of ADD in girls.
- Environmental Impact: Understanding the role of toxins, diet, and screen time in mental health.
- Public Policy Advocacy: Supporting policies that promote brain health and mitigate environmental risks.
- Substance Awareness: Acknowledging the harmful effects of marijuana and vaping on adolescent brain development.
- Proactive Measures: Encouraging individual responsibility in maintaining and improving brain health.
For those seeking to deepen their understanding of brain health and its impact on mental well-being, Dr. Daniel Amen’s insights offer a compelling roadmap toward a healthier mind and society.