Why Dr Gabor Maté is Worse Than Wrong About ADHD, according to Dr. Russell Barkley.

Video below.

Dr. Russell Barkley Critiques Dr. Gabor Maté's Views on ADHD and Trauma in his video entitled, “Why Dr Gabor Maté is Worse Than Wrong About ADHD.”

In a recent video, Dr. Russell Barkley, a prominent figure in the field of ADHD research, takes a critical look at the views proposed by Dr. Gabor Maté regarding the origins of ADHD. Dr. Maté, a family physician, has gained celebrity status and has put forth the idea that ADHD primarily arises from childhood traumatic experiences. The following article is based on Dr. Barkley’s video on this topic.

Dr. Maté's Thesis: ADHD primarily arises from childhood traumatic experiences

Dr. Maté posits that ADHD is not genetic but rather a result of adverse childhood experiences and trauma. He suggests that these traumatic events can be transmitted across generations and that the culture itself contributes to the prevalence of trauma in individuals. Dr. Barkley, however, questions the lack of specificity in Dr. Maté's definition of trauma, noting that it ranges from insults to more severe physical traumas. The central claim remains that adverse childhood events are the primary cause of ADHD.

Genetic Basis of ADHD

In response to Dr. Maté's assertions, Dr. Barkley highlights extensive research in the field of genetics that contradicts these claims. He references a major review by leading ADHD researcher Dr. Steve Faraone, which establishes that ADHD has a high heritability of around 74%. This heritability percentage signifies that the majority of variations in ADHD symptoms in the population are driven by genetic factors rather than environmental influences.

Multiple Studies Affirming Genetic Influence

Dr. Barkley presents various studies and meta-analyses that consistently reinforce the genetic basis of ADHD. One such meta-analysis, involving 79 separate studies, concludes that ADHD is accounted for by genetic factors, with heritability estimated at approximately 71 to 73%. Dr. Barkley states these findings are not isolated; they represent a robust body of evidence contradicting Dr. Maté's claims.

The Link Between ADHD, Genetics, and Adverse Events

Dr. Barkley emphasizes that while there is a correlation between ADHD and adverse childhood events, correlation does not imply causation. Instead, longitudinal studies indicate that ADHD itself predicts an increased likelihood of experiencing adverse events. Furthermore, there is limited evidence suggesting a weak relationship between adverse events and worsening ADHD symptoms, particularly in attention.

Parental ADHD and its Role

Dr. Barkley introduces the crucial factor of parental ADHD, highlighting that it is the single most significant predictor of a child developing ADHD. Parental ADHD is linked to a higher probability of chaotic family environments, contributing to increased exposure to adverse events. Dr. Maté, according to Dr. Barkley, overlooks this critical aspect, further complicating the simplistic narrative presented by Dr. Maté.

Dr. Barkley strongly critiques Dr. Maté's thesis, arguing that the scientific literature overwhelmingly supports the genetic basis of ADHD. While acknowledging the association between ADHD and adverse events, Dr. Barkley contends that ADHD itself may predispose individuals to such events. The complexity of the relationship involves a myriad of genetic and environmental factors, dispelling the notion that childhood trauma is the primary cause of ADHD.