Dr. Victor Carrión: How to Heal From Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Topics covered
Popular Clips
Questions from this episode
- Asked by 2,284 people
- Asked by 2,140 people
- Asked by 1,221 people
- Asked by 1,057 people
- Asked by 610 people
- Asked by 404 people
- Asked by 164 people
- Asked by 159 people
- Asked by 139 people
- Asked by 129 people
- Asked by 124 people
- Asked by 106 people
- Asked by 104 people
- Asked by 85 people
- Asked by 70 people
Episode Highlights
Misdiagnosis
The overlap between ADHD and PTSD symptoms often leads to misdiagnosis, complicating treatment approaches. highlights that while ADHD is real, many children are overmedicated, and those with true ADHD are often undermedicated due to access issues 1. He explains that children with PTSD might be mistakenly given stimulant medications, which can exacerbate their symptoms rather than alleviate them. adds that children with ADHD can focus intensely on engaging activities, but struggle in less stimulating environments, a pattern that differs from PTSD's cue-triggered hyperactivity 2.
The first line of intervention for children that have a history of PTSD, be acute or chronic, is psychosocial. It's a psychosocial intervention.
---
Symptom Distinction
Distinguishing between PTSD and ADHD symptoms is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. notes that while ADHD and PTSD can coexist, misdiagnosis can occur, especially when PTSD symptoms mimic ADHD 3. explains that hypervigilance, a common PTSD symptom, can be adaptive in dangerous situations but becomes maladaptive in safe environments like classrooms 4. This misinterpretation can lead to inappropriate responses from educators and caregivers.
The problem is not the hypervigilance. The problem is knowing when to turn it on and when to turn it off, having the cognitive flexibility.
---
Related Episodes
Dr. Karl Deisseroth: Understanding & Healing the Mind | Huberman Lab Podcast #26
Answers 383 questionsTools for Managing Stress & Anxiety | Huberman Lab Podcast #10
Answers 383 questionsThe Science & Process of Healing from Grief | Huberman Lab Podcast #74
Answers 383 questionsDr. Paul Conti: Tools and Protocols for Mental Health | Huberman Lab Guest Series
Answers 383 questionsDr. Paul Conti: How to Improve Your Mental Health | Huberman Lab Guest Series
Answers 383 questionsHow to Achieve Inner Peace & Healing | Dr. Richard Schwartz
Answers 383 questionsControl Pain & Heal Faster with Your Brain | Huberman Lab Podcast #9
Answers 383 questionsOptimal Protocols for Studying & Learning
Answers 383 questions