The Intersection of ADHD, Neurodiversity, and Functional Medicine with Dr. Dan Sullivan

Dr. Dan Sullivan is a licensed natural doctor, a naturopathic doctor with a focus on ADHD, executive function, and neurodiversity through a functional medicine lens. Based in California and New Mexico, he helps patients optimize their mental, physical, and emotional health through a functional root cause approach. He earned his doctorate from Boston University, California, and holds a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Maine, where he also played Division One ice hockey. He has completed functional medicine training from the Institute for Functional Medicine and is currently in the process of becoming a certified practitioner. 

 

In this episode of Conversations for Health, we explore an important health struggle that is often overlooked. Many people with ADHD have the right plan and the right supplements and the right intentions, but they just can't get started. My conversation with Dr. Dan is filled with strategies and clinical pearls for supporting patients who are committed to managing ADHD and living a connected, productive, healthy life. We discuss Dr. Dan’s personal journey from avid athlete into the world of naturopathic medicine, specifics about the executive dysfunction piece of an ADHD strategy, and proven techniques that will optimize patient buy-in and success. We cover circadian rhythm disruptions, supplement and adaptogen recommendations, and the consistency and content that have led to his success on social media. As a very successful naturopathic doctor with ADHD who is walking the talk, Dr. Dan’s message will inspire you to consider what your patients really need in their journey to finding success in healthy living. 

 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

 

Episode Resources:

Dr. Dan Sullivan: https://oasishealthandmedicine.com/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library, which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

The Designs for Health Podcast is produced in partnership with Podfly Productions.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

02:49 Dr. Dan’s journey from avid athlete to naturopathic medicine. 

06:47 A personal and professional experience with ADHD. 

09:41 Addressing the executive dysfunction piece of an ADHD strategy. 

13:21 Physiological drivers behind ADHD and their solutions. 

17:34 Timing sessions for optimal patient buy-in and success. 

18:55 Labs and assessments for GI testing, food sensitivities, and hormone levels.

25:37 Can ferritin alone improve symptoms of ADHD? 

26:31 ADHD-specific patterns in stool testing and food sensitivities.  

28:04 Personalizing foundational nutrient treatments. 

32:52 The power of body doubling and developing an external prefrontal cortex.

35:55 The impact of circadian disruption and schedules on ADHD. 

41:00 NAD IV treatment and supplement dosing for ADHD. 

45:46 Adaptogens and medication clinical pearls. 

50:03 Business growth strategies while managing ADHD. 

56:01 Dr. Dan’s favorite supplements, favorite health practices, and his changed view on the importance of medications and supplement protocols.