In this episode of the Soaring Child, we are looking at ADHD from a psychiatric perspective, covering topics such as how a child is diagnosed with ADHD, common underlying stressors, dietary changes compared to medication, risks of stimulants, and so much more!

Dr. Achina Stein is a physician, board certified psychiatrist, and has been in practice since 1994. She's also a certified practitioner of the Institute of Functional Medicine, a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and an energy healer. She's the co-owner of her own private practice called Functional Mind. 

She is the bestselling author of the book, What If It's Not Depression: Your Guide to Finding Answers and Solutions and has been interviewed about her pioneering work as a functional medicine psychiatrist on many podcasts and summits.

Tune in to this episode to learn about ADHD from a psychiatrist’s perspective. 

 

Key Takeaways

[3:29] - What led Dr. Achina Stein to her current work 

[10:40] - What is the DSM, and how is it created? 

[14:23] - How are children typically diagnosed with ADHD?

[19:55] - Common underlying stressors/root causes 

[21:35] - The importance of healthy digestion, protein, and healthy fats for children with ADHD

[23:03] - Dietary changes compared to medication 

[24:49] - The Burp Test

[28:49] - Risks and side effects of stimulant medications 

[32:52] - Key aspects of treatment plans that are sometimes missed 

 

Memorable Quotes

“My goal for my patients is never to have someone suffer on a long term basis.”

“A diagnosis is only needed if you need accommodations, especially for ADHD…or if you want to go on medicine.”

“What the DSM is…it’s the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Disorders where a group of people have come together...They are all deemed experts on some level…And then they decide how a diagnosis is made. And none of these diagnoses are made through any objective data.”

“There are certain disorders that are considered normal in some cultures that are considered abnormal in other cultures.”

“The problem with these tests and with the DSM is that it actually says zero - nothing - about cause.” 

“Look at habits. I think many functional doctors miss that.” 

“I see a bigger change in people with a dietary change than I do with medications.”

“I would say 60% of people don't tolerate medications as well, or respond to medications when medications are tried. I see a much more robust response to change in diet.”

“All mental health disorders basically have the same root causes.” 

“Everyone is going to have a genetic predisposition to something but you can flip those genes, because it’s not the genes that matter so much…it’s more the expression of those genes. And you can turn off those bad genes and turn on those good genes through foods and through stress management.” 

 

How to Connect with Dr. Achina Stein

Website: https://achinasteindo.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AchinaSteinDO/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.achinastein/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpdl19d4mbcDV3Roho5mTEQ 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/45Z8ogmIXSTATQQGt2oimK?si=5056808841c74933&nd=1 

 

Dana Kay Resources:

Website: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/ 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/ 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute 

 

International Best Selling Book, Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/ 

Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass – https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl  

ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd

ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/