My Battle With Crippling ADHD | Episode #67

Mike Israetel

Introduction and Motivation for the Video

Dr. Mike introduces his video on his battle with ADHD.

He explains the audience's request for this video.

He mentions the channel's approach to video topics based on audience interest.

He summarizes his experience with crippling ADHD.

He promises to share insights and practical tips.

Early Childhood and Initial Signs of ADHD

Dr. Mike recounts his early high verbal abilities.

He describes his successful mental test upon moving to America.

He highlights the contrast between his early perception of himself and later challenges.

He discusses early signs of lowered ability in preschool in Russia.

He mentions teachers noticing his struggles and the start of negative school experiences.

He describes skipping fourth grade and continued struggles in school.

He recounts a positive experience with a supportive teacher, Mr. McPhillips.

He shares memories of faking illness to avoid school.

He connects the bright midday light with feelings of shame and failure.

He mentions his later success in high school and his negative feelings during senior skip day.

He recalls being the worst math student in eighth grade and a traumatic experience with his father.

His mother's learning about ADHD and his subsequent diagnosis.

He describes the attention span tests and his inattentive type ADHD diagnosis.

He mentions his father's initial reluctance to medication.

He describes his initial Adderall prescription and its immediate impact on his academic performance.

He compares his pre-medication state to being drunk and the transformative effect of Adderall.

He explains how Adderall improved his ability to understand complex concepts.

He recounts his experience in summer school and his newfound academic success.

He describes his changed mentality and improved academic performance.

He highlights his academic achievements in high school and college.

He discusses the diminishing effectiveness of Adderall and increasing side effects.

College Struggles, Medication Changes, and Finding New Strategies

He recounts failing classes in college due to the diminishing effects of Adderall.

He explains stopping Adderall due to side effects and academic struggles.

He describes a job that helped him discover the effectiveness of breaking tasks into smaller chunks.

He discusses his newfound appreciation for electronic music and its positive impact on his focus.

He explains his successful completion of college despite challenges.

Graduate School and Beyond: Sustained Success and Lessons Learned

He recounts his success in graduate school and the development of effective study habits.

He describes his breakthroughs during his PhD program and the development of his maximum recoverable volume concept.

He summarizes his adult achievements and the validation of his intellectual abilities through IQ tests.

He emphasizes the importance of developing good study habits and the contrast with naturally gifted individuals.

He shares lessons learned and advice for improving attention span.