In this powerful excerpt from the popular Healing Trauma & Addiction series, Dr. Gabor Maté delves into the rising diagnosis of ADHD in children and offers a new look at this often misunderstood condition. Rather than viewing ADHD as a genetic or medical disorder, Dr. Maté explores it as a developmental issue, influenced by the environment in which children grow. Using relatable metaphors and practical examples, he explains how impulse regulation, or the lack thereof, develops over time, and why addressing the conditions surrounding a child’s growth may be more effective than focusing solely on symptoms.

In this video, Dr. Maté addresses key questions such as:

Why are more children being diagnosed and medicated for ADHD than ever before?
How does impulse regulation relate to ADHD and addiction?
Could ADHD be a coping mechanism rather than a disease?

Through his compassionate lens, Dr. Maté encourages viewers to look beyond labels and behaviors, focusing instead on the environmental factors that contribute to developmental challenges. This thought-provoking video is part of the larger series available at Wholehearted.org, where Dr. Maté shares his groundbreaking insights into trauma, addiction, and healing.

Explore more transformative content on trauma, addiction, and mental health at Wholehearted.org.