❌ Daniel Amen’s ADHD mistruths on the Jay Shetty Podcast

Jay Shetty Podcast interview with Dr. Daniel Amen

Please share this article to help correct the potentially harmful mistruths about ADHD.

I watched the Jay Shetty Podcast interview with Dr. Daniel Amen, #1 BRAIN EXPERT: “If I Had ADHD, This is EXACTLY What I’d Do!” #1 Trick to Focus NOW (pt.1) so you don’t have to. Here are the inaccuracies that Dr. Daniel Amen said and what we should do about them.

❌ [0:47] "Eliminate gluten, dairy, corn, soy, dyes, and sweeteners — 70% of kids lost their ADHD."
→ This misrepresents a Lancet study. Only some kids with food sensitivities improved. Not 70% overall.

❌ [0:54, 4:59] SSRIs like Lexapro make people “more ADD, but happier.”
→ Oversimplified and misleading. SSRIs affect serotonin, not the dopamine systems directly linked to ADHD symptoms. No evidence shows SSRIs make ADHD worse.

❌ [37:48] “Gluten and dairy turn into gluteomorphins and space you out like opioids.”
→ This is a fringe theory. There’s no solid evidence linking gluten or dairy to ADHD symptoms in most people.

❌ [10:02, 21:46] “ADHD is purely genetic—you’re born with it.”
→ Not entirely true. ADHD is highly heritable, but environmental factors and brain development also contribute. Many are diagnosed in adulthood.

❌ [32:28] “Psilocybin has increased ER psychosis visits by 300%.”
→ No credible study shows this. In clinical settings, psilocybin shows therapeutic promise for some mental health conditions.

Five reasons why Dr. Daniel Amen spreads misinformation in the interview with Jay Shetty.

1. Dr. Daniel Amen Has a Commercial Incentive

Amen runs a for-profit chain of clinics and has published bestselling books and courses. His branding often emphasizes:

• "Brain scans (SPECT) = revolutionary diagnostics"

• Supplements, diets, and lifestyle changes over standard meds

Many scientists argue that he markets hope rather than validated science.

2. Dr. Amen Often Overstates Preliminary or Fringe Research

He references studies or theories (like elimination diets or gluteomorphins) that are:

• Based on small sample sizes

• Not replicated or supported by major health organizations

• Popular in alternative or integrative medicine circles

3. Amen’s Use of SPECT Scans Is Not Evidence-Based

Mainstream psychiatry does not use SPECT scans to diagnose ADHD or depression, because:

• There’s no reliable biomarker for these conditions via scans

• His interpretation of images is not standardized and often subjective
  

4. He’s a Convincing Communicator, Not Just a Scientist

He’s skilled at storytelling and uses:

• Personal anecdotes

• Emotional case studies

• Simplified metaphors (“your brain is like a computer,” “dopamine is like love”)
  These can make complex issues feel understandable—but they can also oversimplify or distort facts.

5. He Might Truly Believe What He’s Saying

He may not be intentionally deceptive. If his clinical experience seems to support certain patterns (like diet changes), he might overgeneralize them even without robust evidence.

Bottom Line and What to Do About It…

Leave a comment on the YouTube video to help shed light on these mistruths that could cause damage (a sample is below), follow and amplify Dr. Russell Barkley’s YouTube channel instead; he’s now retired and has no financial incentives, plus he’s among the most trusted medical professionals on the topic of ADHD science and treatment.

You may also wish to respectfully share this article with the podcast host, Jay Shetty, expressing your concerns about his platforming individuals who may do more harm than good to those with ADHD. Request a retraction and correction.

Dr. Amen's approach is controversial, and many of his claims have been debunked or heavily disputed by neurologists, psychiatrists, and researchers.

❌ Dr. Amen's Claim	✅ Mainstream ADHD Science	Trusted Sources
ADHD can be eliminated in 70% of kids by cutting gluten, dairy, soy, etc.	Elimination diets may help some kids with food sensitivities, but not most with ADHD. Not a first-line treatment.	The Lancet (INCA Study)
ADHD is purely genetic and always starts at birth.	ADHD is highly heritable but also influenced by environment. Many are diagnosed in adulthood.	CDC
SSRIs like Lexapro make people more ADD by reducing dopamine.	SSRIs affect serotonin, not dopamine directly. No evidence they worsen ADHD across the board.	NCBI
Gluten and dairy produce “brain opioids” that make kids spacey.	There is no strong evidence linking gluten/dairy to ADHD symptoms in the general population.	NIH
Psilocybin has increased ER psychosis visits by 300%.	No published data confirms this. Clinical trials show potential when supervised properly.	Nature Medicine
SPECT brain scans should be used to diagnose ADHD.	SPECT is not an approved diagnostic tool for ADHD. Not recommended by professional psychiatric associations.	APA
Supplements and diet can replace meds for ADHD.	Diet and lifestyle help, but medications remain the most effective evidence-based treatment for many.	CHADD
ADHD meds have a bad reputation because they’re wrong for many “types.”	Stimulants are safe and effective for most people when prescribed and monitored properly.	Mayo Clinic
Emotional negativity and conflict-seeking are key ADHD symptoms.	Emotional regulation issues are common in ADHD but not part of the core diagnostic criteria.	NIMH