ADHD is often treated as a single, amorphous condition, but in reality, it consists of various symptom profiles driven by unique biochemical and physiological factors. Oxford-educated psychologist Sarah Warley explains that managing ADHD effectively requires identifying these individual root causes rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. By investigating physiological drivers, individuals can transition from a state of survival to thriving.
The Copper-Zinc Balance and Dopamine Regulation
A key biochemical factor in a subset of people with ADHD is the ratio between copper and zinc in the body, a concept highlighted by biochemist William Walsh. Copper acts as a co-factor in the enzyme that converts dopamine (essential for focus) into noradrenaline. An excess of free copper can deplete dopamine and trigger emotional dysregulation. Zinc acts as a natural counterforce, helping the body excrete excess copper. To support neurotransmitter production, Warley recommends prioritizing protein, iron-rich foods (which assist dopamine production), and zinc-rich foods while avoiding high-sugar foods that cause energy crashes.
The Moro Reflex: Retained Survival Modes
The Moro reflex is a primitive survival reflex present in newborns that normally integrates and disappears by three to four months of age. If this reflex remains active (retained) into adulthood due to birth trauma or early developmental stress, it leaves the nervous system locked in a permanent, subconscious “fight-or-flight” state. Because this response originates in the brainstem, traditional talk therapies cannot resolve it. Instead, targeted, daily neurodevelopmental exercises are required to help the brainstem mature and resolve the reflex, resulting in profound emotional and physiological stabilization.
The High Cost of Masking and RSD
Many neurodivergent individuals, particularly women, become highly proficient at “masking”—adopting a persona to fit into a neurotypical society. This constant effort leads to severe chronic stress, burnout, and deep loneliness, as their true selves remain hidden. Additionally, Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) is often a logical response to a lifetime of receiving significantly more criticism than neurotypical peers. Over time, this negative feedback loop wires the brain to anticipate rejection.
From Neurodivergent to Neuroextraordinary
Society must shift its perspective from merely “tolerating” neurodiversity to celebrating what Warley calls the “neuroextraordinary.” While convergent, analytical tasks are increasingly automated by AI, the big-picture leaps, intuition, and unique problem-solving capabilities of neurodivergent brains are highly valuable. Understanding and correcting the physiological imbalances behind ADHD traits allows individuals to fully harness these cognitive strengths without the burden of constant survival mode.
Mentoring question
If you reflect on your daily levels of stress or anxiety, could they be a physiological survival response—such as a retained Moro reflex or biochemical imbalance—rather than a personal shortcoming, and how might shifting to a physiological exploration change your approach to self-care?
Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=ryf-0Z0Ba0E&is=xTGDCdxlgw-sG9YF