Topic: Adhd

A population-based study from Finland published in JAMA suggests that mental disorders can be transmitted through adolescent peer networks. The research followed students from 1985 to 1997, finding that having classmates with mental health diagnoses in the 9th grade increased the risk of later diagnosis. The hosts argue that modern social media "turbocharges" this social contagion, particularly among teenage girls.

A producer and social media professional, Dalton Fisher, describes the phenomenon of "Content Brain"—a state of irritability and decreased focus resulting from short-form video binges. TikTok's own internal research reportedly found negative effects on brain function, similar to symptoms of ADHD. The discussion highlights the addictive nature of these platforms and the business model of creating high-volume, short-form content for blue-collar industries.

The rise in adult ADHD diagnoses is linked to the pervasive use of smartphones and apps like TikTok and Wordle. The hosts observe that phone addiction is not just a "kid problem" but is widespread among adults, even at the dinner table. The segment concludes with additional producer thank-yous and a plug for real estate services in Arkansas and Colorado.

A new study reported by NBC News links high doses of ADHD stimulant medications to an increased risk of psychosis and mania. Dosages exceeding 40mg of Adderall or 100mg of Vyvanse were found to correlate with a 5.3 times greater likelihood of developing psychotic symptoms. These levels are noted to be within the range of common medical prescriptions.

A veteran air traffic controller reports that the FAA's hiring crisis is exacerbated by the widespread use of ADHD medications and SSRIs among the younger generation, which disqualifies them from the role without difficult-to-obtain medical waivers. Furthermore, the push for DEI hiring is criticized for eroding trust, as competent minority controllers are often unfairly assumed to be "diversity hires" rather than qualified professionals.

The CDC reports a significant increase in ADHD diagnoses and stimulant prescriptions for children since the pandemic, with one in nine children now diagnosed. While medical professionals attribute this to developmental impacts of the pandemic, others point to the 24-hour availability of screens and "screen-induced autism." The trend of using tablets as "digital pacifiers" in public spaces like airports is highlighted as a contributing factor to behavioral issues.

New data from the CDC indicates a 2.5% increase in ADHD diagnoses among children aged 5 to 17 since 2019, totaling nearly 6 million children. Medical commentators on Good Morning America suggested the rise is due to decreased stigma and better awareness rather than an actual increase in the condition. However, skeptics point to the role of pharmaceutical marketing in driving parents to seek diagnoses that lead to long-term medication.

The hosts discuss the "Value for Value" model and their decision to avoid toxic social media disputes. They also mock a new condition identified by the Cleveland Clinic called "Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria," linked to ADHD and emotional regulation.

The United States is experiencing a significant shortage of ADHD medications like Adderall and Vyvanse, attributed to a 46% increase in prescriptions over the last decade. The surge is linked to the rise of telehealth platforms during the pandemic. Reports indicate some parents are resorting to giving their children caffeine drinks to compensate for the lack of available prescription stimulants.

A special education teacher from upstate New York reports a significant increase in kindergarten students entering school with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnoses over the last decade. The report highlights unique behaviors such as sensory sensitivity and repetitive actions, while noting that some parents prefer ADHD diagnoses over ASD.

A case study of a child with multiple mental health struggles, including anxiety and ADHD, illustrates how therapists may steer patients toward a diagnosis of gender dysphoria. The hosts characterize this as a "medical industrial complex" designed to generate revenue through lifelong pharmaceutical and surgical interventions. They compare the current state of gender medicine to a mass-scale MK Ultra experiment.

The hosts discuss the rise of "mental wellness coaches" who validate time blindness as a legitimate condition similar to color blindness. They speculate that the loss of analog clocks and the inability of younger generations to read them has contributed to a poor sense of time passage. One host mentions how they manage a staff member, Mimi, who struggles with punctuality.

An ADHD experiment created by author Tom Hartman is discussed, where participants are asked to point toward "the future" with their eyes closed. The theory suggests that neurotypical people point forward, while those with ADHD have a non-linear sense of time and may point elsewhere. This lack of linear perception is blamed for difficulties in paying bills and maintaining schedules.

Gymnast Simone Biles has become the spokesperson for Cerebral, a mental health app providing online prescriptions and counseling. The discussion touches on her history with the Larry Nassar abuse scandal and her recent struggles with the "twisties." Concerns are raised about the "pill-pusher" nature of tele-health apps that deliver medications like ADHD drugs directly to consumers' doors.

Women on TikTok are reporting that their ADHD medications, including Adderall and Vyvanse, are no longer effective, leading to theories about formula changes during a national shortage. Some users claim drug tests have shown no amphetamines in their systems despite taking their prescribed doses, while others suspect they are being given Dexedrine or placebos. Medical professionals suggest that long-term users may simply be developing a tolerance to the stimulants after years of use.

The practice of listening to podcasts at speeds greater than 1x, termed "pod speeding," is scrutinized for its potential link to anxiety, irritability, and cognitive decline. Listeners share anecdotes of how slowing back down to 1x improved their mental processing and ADHD symptoms.

Producer Dreb Scott shares his experience of taking the "1.0 Playback Challenge." Despite having severe ADHD and believing 1.5x speed helped him focus, Scott found that slowing down to normal speed significantly improved his mental processing and overall mental health.

The FDA has declared a nationwide shortage of Adderall due to high demand and supply chain issues. The shortage is linked to the rise of online therapy apps that simplified the process of obtaining prescriptions for ADHD during the pandemic. The hosts criticize the shift in terminology from "doctor" to "provider" and suggest these apps act as legal drug pushers for stimulants.

During news segments about the Adderall shortage, medical experts have begun suggesting Strattera as a non-stimulant alternative. Strattera, manufactured by Eli Lilly, contains atomoxetine and works as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The hosts argue that the media coverage resembles a long-form commercial for Eli Lilly, aimed at transitioning patients from generic stimulants to branded metabolic-altering drugs.

The FDA has confirmed a nationwide shortage of Adderall, the primary medication used to treat ADHD. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, the largest manufacturer, cited labor shortages and a significant increase in prescriptions during the COVID-19 pandemic as the primary causes. Critics suggest the shortage may be a form of artificial price fixing by pharmaceutical companies to limit supply and drive up retail costs.