Share

Psychiatry Unboxed with TheKicksShrink
Minisode 119: Modafinil Review for ADHD - Is It Really the Limitless Pill?
Is Modafinil a limitless pill or just hype? Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza, TheKicksShrink, breaks down the truth about this drug. Many people hear about Modafinil as a 'smart drug,' but what's the real story, away from the hype?
Modafinil review: Is Modafinil a "smart drug" for ADHD, or just a wakefulness drug?
π¨ π§ For all things mental health from Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza ππΌ https://linktr.ee/sulmanazizmirzamd
π¨π΄ Trouble sleeping? Introducing Stories for Sleep, read by Dr. Mirza (in his psychiatrist voice, not YouTube voice!) to help you fall asleep in no time! Subscribe today ππΌ https://www.youtube.com/@StoriesforSleep-q2v
In this video, you will learn:
β The difference between Modafinilβs medical use for narcolepsy and shift work and its off-label use for ADHD and cognitive enhancement.
β How Modafinil compares to other stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse.
β The truth behind the "Limitless Pill" myth and what Modafinil actually can and cannot do.
β Common side effects and risks, including insomnia, anxiety, and the "modafinil blues."
β Real-world experiences of patients and when it might backfire.
Dr. Mirza, a triple Board Certified physician in Adult Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine, shares his expert insight to help you understand psychopharmacology and discuss medications responsibly. You'll be ready to separate science from internet hype.
Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:03 Modafinil's history and approved use
2:55 Modafinil for ADHD? Maybe...
4:30 Can Modafinil make you Limitless?
6:00 Side effects of Modafinil
7:46 The Modafinil roller coaster
9:43 Action steps for you
πππππππππ:
#modafinil #adhd #modafinilreview #limitlesspill #adhdtreatment #focusbooster#focuspills #cognitiveenhancement #mentalclarity #productivityboost #adhdmedication #brainboost #attentionbooster #modafinileffects #adhdawareness #studywithmodafinil #concentrationboost #adhdhelp #modafinilbenefits #brainperformance
DISCLAIMER: This video is purely informational and educational and does not constitute medical advice and/or recommendations. Use of information is at your own risk, and expresses my own personal views and opinions, not those of any of my employers. Sulman Aziz Mirza, MD will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this video including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death.
In the event of any medical emergency or safety concerns, please go to your nearest emergency department and/or call 911.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline available 24/7: 800.273.8255 or 988 or suicidepreventionlifeline.org for online chat options
More episodes
View all episodes

Minisode 118: Screen Time Causes ADHD? The Evidence Might SURPRISE You!
08:18|Does screen time cause ADHD? This video clarifies common misconceptions about dopamine and digital devices.π π ππππ πππ ππππ πππππ ππππ!βΆοΈ If you enjoy this video, please like it and share it. βΆοΈ Don't forget to subscribe to this channel for more updates.ππ·πππππ πππππ ππππ ππππ ππππππ π πππ ππππππ. π¨πππ π ππ'π ππππππ ππ ππππ, πππππππππ, πππ πππ πππ ππππππππππππ ππππ ππ ππππππ πππ ππ π° ππππ π πππ πππ ππ.π¨ π§ For all things mental health from Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza ππΌ https://linktr.ee/sulmanazizmirzamdπ¨π΄ Trouble sleeping? Introducing Stories for Sleep, read by Dr. Mirza (in his psychiatrist voice, not YouTube voice!) to help you fall asleep in no time! Subscribe today ππΌ https://www.youtube.com/@StoriesforSleep-q2v Screen Time Causes ADHD? The Evidence Might SURPRISE You!Does screen time cause ADHD? This video breaks down the science behind common myths.Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza, a triple Board Certified physician in Adult, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine, explains whatβs really happening.In this video, you will learn:- What dopamine dysregulation is and why it's misunderstood.- The difference between screen time mimicking, worsening, or causing ADHD.- How constant digital interruptions impact developing brains.- Practical tips for healthy screen use.Dr. Mirza shares insights from his work with patients and debunks popular TikTok claims about screens and brain health. Youβll leave feeling more informed about media consumption's actual effects and ready to make better decisions for your family.Article referenced:Chanya Bayla Somboonvechakarn. (2025). IMPACT OF SCREEN TIME ON ATTENTION SPANS: EXPLORING DURATION, CONTENT, AND CONTEXT ACROSS VARIOUS AGE GROUPS AND GENDERS. International Education and Research Journal (IERJ), 11(06). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15833782Chapters0:00 Intro1:07 The role of dopamine2:54 The research says WHAT?4:30 When screens ARE a problem6:19 Action stepsπππππππππ:#screentime#adhd#mentalhealth#parentingtips#adhdresearch#kidshealth#childdevelopment#digitalwellness#brainhealth#attentiondisorder#screentimelimits#adhdfacts#parentingadvice#adhdawareness#screentimeeffects#childbehavior#parentingtipsandtricks#technologyandkids#adhdmyths#healthykidsDISCLAIMER: This video is purely informational and educational and does not constitute medical advice and/or recommendations. Use of information is at your own risk, and expresses my own personal views and opinions, not those of any of my employers. Sulman Aziz Mirza, MD will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this video including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death. In the event of any medical emergency or safety concerns, please go to your nearest emergency department and/or call 911. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline available 24/7: 800.273.8255 or 988 or suicidepreventionlifeline.org for online chat options
Minisode 117: How Hulk Hogan Destroyed His Own Legacy (And Why It Hurts Us)
10:05|Why Hulk Hogan's downfall hit so hard β psychiatrist explains the psychology behind it.π¨ π§ For all things mental health from Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza ππΌ https://linktr.ee/sulmanazizmirzamdπ¨π΄ Trouble sleeping? Introducing Stories for Sleep, read by Dr. Mirza (in his psychiatrist voice, not YouTube voice!) to help you fall asleep in no time! Subscribe today ππΌ https://www.youtube.com/@StoriesForSleep-q2v When news broke that Hulk Hogan had died, the internet eruptedβsome mourned a childhood hero, others celebrated the fall of a man they saw as a racist and fraud. But this isnβt just a story about Hulk Hogan. Itβs a story about us.In this video, psychiatrist Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza breaks down the psychology of fallen heroesβwhy we idolize people in the first place, how ambivalence and betrayal affect our sense of identity, and what happens when nostalgia crashes into reality.Using real-world examples and psychological insight, this video explores:-The rise and fall of Hulk Hoganβs public image-His infamous controversies and non-apology-The emotional impact of losing a hero-How dialectical thinking and DBT skills can help us process conflicting feelingsWhether you grew up watching WrestleMania or just want to understand the psychology behind public meltdowns and parasocial relationships, this breakdown will challenge you to see the full picture.π Subscribe for more real-world psychiatry breakdownsπ¬ Drop your thoughts in the comments: Whoβs a figure you had to re-evaluate?This video is about Hulk Hogan and ambivalence and mental health and psychiatry, as part of our series on mental health and psychiatry. Subscribe to our channel if you want to learn more about mental health and psychiatry!#MentalHealth #Psychiatry #HulkHogan #AmbivalenceChapters0:00 Intro2:03 The rise of Hulk Hogan...3:39 ...and the fall5:52 Integration and The Wise Mind7:58 My thoughts on Hulk Hogan?DISCLAIMER: This video is purely informational and educational and does not constitute medical advice and/or recommendations. Use of information is at your own risk, and expresses my own personal views and opinions, not those of any of my employers. Sulman Aziz Mirza, MD will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this video including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death. In the event of any medical emergency or safety concerns, please go to your nearest emergency department and/or call 911. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline available 24/7: 800.273.8255 or 988 or suicidepreventionlifeline.org for online chat options
Minisode 116: Focalin vs Ritalin for ADHD: Why I Prescribe One (and Avoid the Other)
08:54|This video breaks down the real differences between Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) for ADHD. Many people think they are the same drug, but the chemistry is quite different. Knowing this can help you understand why one medication might be better for you than the other.In this video, Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza, a triple Board Certified physician in Adult Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine, explains:* The hidden chemistry secret that makes Focalin different from Ritalin.* Why Focalin often causes fewer side effects like stomach problems or emotional crashes.* Who benefits most from taking Focalin, including those sensitive to other medications.* Who should avoid Focalin, especially people with bad rebound or anxiety.Learn how to have a more informed talk with your doctor about finding the ADHD medication that fits your body and life best. This video will help you understand the 'why' behind medication choices.This video is about Focalin vs Ritalin for ADHD and mental health and psychiatry, as part of our series on mental health and psychiatry. Subscribe to our channel if you want to learn more about mental health and psychiatry! Focalin vs Ritalin for ADHD: Why I Prescribe One (and Avoid the Other).Focalin vs Ritalin for ADHD: The key differences between dexmethylphenidate and methylphenidateπ¨ π§ For all things mental health from Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza ππΌ https://linktr.ee/sulmanazizmirzamdπ¨π΄ Trouble sleeping? Introducing Stories for Sleep, read by Dr. Mirza (in his psychiatrist voice, not YouTube voice!) to help you fall asleep in no time! Subscribe today ππΌ https://www.youtube.com/@StoriesforSleep-q2v π π ππππ πππ ππππ πππππ ππππ!βΆοΈ If you enjoy this video, please like it and share it. βΆοΈ Don't forget to subscribe to this channel for more updates.ππ·πππππ πππππ ππππ ππππ ππππππ π πππ ππππππ. π¨πππ π ππ'π ππππππ ππ ππππ, πππππππππ, πππ πππ πππ ππππππππππππ ππππ ππ ππππππ πππ ππ π° ππππ π πππ πππ ππ.Chapters0:00 Intro1:04 Focalin vs Ritalin: The chemistry explained2:48 Who benefits from Focalin4:58 Who needs to avoid Focalin7:42 Which one are you?DISCLAIMER: This video is purely informational and educational and does not constitute medical advice and/or recommendations. Use of information is at your own risk, and expresses my own personal views and opinions, not those of any of my employers. Sulman Aziz Mirza, MD will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this video including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death.πππππππππ:#focalinvsritalin#adhdmedication#adhdtreatment#focalin#ritalin#adhdhelp#adhdsupport#adhdexplained#adhdawareness#adhdcommunity#stimulantmedication#adhdmedicine#adhdbrain#focusmedication#ritalineffects#focalineffects#adhdinsight#adhdvideos#neurodivergent#mentalhealthawareness In the event of any medical emergency or safety concerns, please go to your nearest emergency department and/or call 911. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline available 24/7: 800.273.8255 or 988 or suicidepreventionlifeline.org for online chat options
Minisode 115: Top 5 ADHD Medications Ranked (By a Psychiatrist!)
09:13|ADHD expert and psychiatrist reveals his top 5 ADHD medications.π¨ π§ For all things mental health from Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza ππΌ https://linktr.ee/sulmanazizmirzamdπ¨π΄ Trouble sleeping? Introducing Stories for Sleep, read by Dr. Mirza (in his psychiatrist voice, not YouTube voice!) to help you fall asleep in no time! Subscribe today ππΌ https://www.youtube.com/@StoriesForSleep-q2v This video is about top ADHD meds and mental health and psychiatry, as part of our series on mental health and psychiatry. Subscribe to our channel if you want to learn more about mental health and psychiatry!#MentalHealth #Psychiatry #ADHD #ADHDMedication What if the ADHD medication you hear about most isn't what a top doctor would pick? For decades, psychiatrists have been helping people with ADHD. But what if their best choices are not what you expect?Imagine a world where the right medicine changes everything. A world where a doctor's deep understanding helps patients when nothing else does. You might think you know ADHD meds, but some choices might surprise you. These are not just common pills. They are careful medical decisions. They come from years of seeing what truly helps patients.Ready to find out which medications make the cut and why?Chapters0:00 Intro1:03 Number 52:29 Number 44:04 Number 35:33 Number 27:02 Number 18:27 Take home messageDISCLAIMER: This video is purely informational and educational and does not constitute medical advice and/or recommendations. Use of information is at your own risk, and expresses my own personal views and opinions, not those of any of my employers. Sulman Aziz Mirza, MD will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this video including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death. In the event of any medical emergency or safety concerns, please go to your nearest emergency department and/or call 911. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline available 24/7: 800.273.8255 or 988 or suicidepreventionlifeline.org for online chat options
Minisode 114: Why You DON'T Have ADHD (Even If TikTok Says You Do)
11:50|This video looks at the recent rise in adult ADHD diagnoses. We talk about why so many people are getting diagnosed now, especially after the pandemic. Why You DON'T Have ADHD (Even If TikTok Says You Do).Many people think they have ADHD. But is it really ADHD or something else? This video helps uncover the truth about ADHD diagnosis.π π ππππ πππ ππππ πππππ ππππ!βΆοΈ If you enjoy this video, please like it and share it. βΆοΈ Don't forget to subscribe to this channel for more updates.ππ·πππππ πππππ ππππ ππππ ππππππ π πππ ππππππ. π¨πππ π ππ'π ππππππ ππ ππππ, πππππππππ, πππ πππ πππ ππππππππππππ ππππ ππ ππππππ πππ ππ π° ππππ π πππ πππ ππ.π¨ π§ For all things mental health from Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza ππΌ https://linktr.ee/sulmanazizmirzamdDr. Sulman Aziz Mirza, a triple Board Certified physician, explains what's happening. He covers:* How misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis are common.* Why other issues like anxiety or trauma can look like ADHD.* What happens when you get the wrong diagnosis.Learn how to tell real ADHD from other conditions. Dr. Mirza shares expert insights to help you understand the true nature of attention problems. This helps you get the right help.This video is about ADHD and mental health and psychiatry, as part of our series on mental health and psychiatry. Subscribe to our channel if you want to learn more about mental health and psychiatry!Chapters0:00 Intro1:04 The ADHD diagnosis explosion3:28 ADHD misdiagnosis...or overdiagnosis?6:15 Dangers of the wrong treatment8:21 How modern life "causes" ADHD10:44 What to do nowDISCLAIMER: This video is purely informational and educational and does not constitute medical advice and/or recommendations. Use of information is at your own risk, and expresses my own personal views and opinions, not those of any of my employers. Sulman Aziz Mirza, MD will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this video including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death. In the event of any medical emergency or safety concerns, please go to your nearest emergency department and/or call 911. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline available 24/7: 800.273.8255 or 988 or suicidepreventionlifeline.org for online chat optionsπππππππππ:#adhd#adhdawareness#adhdmyths#mentalhealth#tiktokadhd#adhdsymptoms#adhdtruth#adhdfacts#selfdiagnosis#adhdmisdiagnosis#adhdcheck#socialmediaandmentalhealth#adhdvsreality#adhdtrend#adhdnotdiagnosed#adhddebunked#adhdvsnormal#adhdeducation#adhdtesting#adhdrealitycheck#adhdtiktok
Minisode 113: Is Nicotine Actually HELPING ADHD Brains?
13:04|Get the truth about nicotine, dopamine, and ADHD in this deep dive by an Addiction Medicine specialist.π¨ π§ For all things mental health from Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza ππΌ https://linktr.ee/sulmanazizmirzamdThis video looks at why nicotine, especially from smoking or vaping, is considered bad, even though it can boost dopamine and focus. Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza, a triple Board-Certified doctor in Adult Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine, explains how nicotine affects your brain and body.Is Nicotine Actually helping adhd Brains?In this video, you will learn:- How nicotine interacts with your brain's dopamine and attention systems.- Why the way nicotine gets into your body (fast vs. slow) changes how addictive it is.- The difference between nicotine in tobacco and nicotine in products like patches.- How nicotine affects your heart, sleep, and stress levels.- Why getting help for ADHD should involve safer options than nicotine.Learn the full truth about nicotine and its effects, beyond what you might think you know.This video is about nicotine and ADHD and mental health and psychiatry, as part of our series on mental health and psychiatry. Subscribe to our channel if you want to learn more about mental health and psychiatry! Is Nicotine Actually HELPING ADHD Brains?Chapters0:00 Intro1:01 Why nicotine WORKS in ADHD2:46 The nicotine trap5:07 Vaping and ADHD?7:18 What nicotine does to your body9:39 Wait...benefits of nicotine?11:48 The verdict on nicotine for ADHDDISCLAIMER: This video is purely informational and educational and does not constitute medical advice and/or recommendations. Use of information is at your own risk, and expresses my own personal views and opinions, not those of any of my employers. Sulman Aziz Mirza, MD will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this video including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death. In the event of any medical emergency or safety concerns, please go to your nearest emergency department and/or call 911. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline available 24/7: 800.273.8255 or 988 or suicidepreventionlifeline.org for online chat optionsπππππππππ:#adhd#nicotine#adhdbrains#adhdfocus#nicotineandadhd#adhdselfmedication#adhdandvaping#nicotineeffects#adhdandnicotine#adhdawareness#dopamineandadhd#adhdexplained#adhdtips#adhdcommunity#nicotinebrain#adhdresearch#mentalhealth#adhdtruth#smokingandadhd#adhdhelp
Minisode 112: How Bad Sleep Mimics (and WORSENS) ADHD
14:07|This video explains the strong link between sleep deprivation and ADHD symptoms. Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza, a triple Board Certified physician, breaks down how poor sleep makes ADHD worse and how it can even look like ADHD when you don't have it.How Bad Sleep Mimics (and WORSENS) ADHD.Learn how poor sleep mimics ADHD and makes managing it harder. π¨ π§ For all things mental health from Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza ππΌ https://linktr.ee/sulmanazizmirzamdIn this video, you will learn:- How lack of sleep impacts your brain, making you less focused and more impulsive- Why sleep problems are very common in people with ADHD- About specific sleep disorders that affect ADHD brains, like insomnia and restless legs- How ADHD medication timing can affect your sleep- Simple steps you can take to improve your sleep and help your ADHDDr. Mirza uses his experience in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine to help you understand complex topics like this.Watch this video to see how fixing your sleep could make a big difference in managing your ADHD symptoms.This video is about poor sleep and ADHD and mental health and psychiatry, as part of our series on mental health and psychiatry. Subscribe to our channel if you want to learn more about mental health and psychiatry!#MentalHealth #Psychiatry #SleepProblems #ADHDChapters0:00 Intro1:11 Sleep deprivation effects3:33 The ADHD vs sleep fight6:24 Sleep disorders explained9:44 The sleep reset strategy that actually works12:40 One last thing to do...DISCLAIMER: This video is purely informational and educational and does not constitute medical advice and/or recommendations. Use of information is at your own risk, and expresses my own personal views and opinions, not those of any of my employers. Sulman Aziz Mirza, MD will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this video including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death. In the event of any medical emergency or safety concerns, please go to your nearest emergency department and/or call 911. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline available 24/7: 800.273.8255 or 988 or suicidepreventionlifeline.org for online chat optionsπππππππππ:#adhd#sleepdeprivation#poorsleep#adhdsymptoms#sleepandadhd#lackofsleep#adhdawareness#mentalhealth#adhdbrain#sleepissues#focusandattention#adhdproblems#sleephealth#adhdtips#adhdandinsomnia#neurodivergent#adhdmistaken#sleepmatters#cognitivedecline#adhdstruggles
Minisode 111: ADHD & Caffeine: Why It Works...Until It Doesn't
09:26|Explore the link between ADHD and caffeine. Many people with ADHD ask if coffee helps focus or makes them tired. We look at how caffeine affects the ADHD brain and if it's safe to mix with stimulant medication. ADHD & Caffeine: Why It Works...Until It Doesn'tDo you have ADHD and wonder why caffeine makes some people tired or if you can mix it with medication? This video explains the complex link between ADHD and caffeine.π π ππππ πππ ππππ πππππ ππππ!βΆοΈ If you enjoy this video, please like it and share it. βΆοΈ Don't forget to subscribe to this channel for more updates.ππ·πππππ πππππ ππππ ππππ ππππππ π πππ ππππππ. π¨πππ π ππ'π ππππππ ππ ππππ, πππππππππ, πππ πππ πππ ππππππππππππ ππππ ππ ππππππ πππ ππ π° ππππ π πππ πππ ππ.We talk about:- Can caffeine help treat ADHD symptoms?- Why does caffeine make some people with ADHD feel sleepy?- Is it safe to combine caffeine with ADHD medication?- Can coffee replace prescription stimulants?Get clear answers from Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza, a doctor with training in adult and child psychiatry, and addiction medicine. He will help you understand how caffeine affects the ADHD brain and if mixing them is okay for you.Learn how caffeine works and why it impacts the ADHD brain differently so you can make better choices.π¨ π§ For all things mental health from Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza ππΌ https://linktr.ee/sulmanazizmirzamdThis video is about caffeine and ADHD and mental health and psychiatry, as part of our series on mental health and psychiatry. Subscribe to our channel if you want to learn more about mental health and psychiatry!#MentalHealth #Psychiatry #Caffeine #ADHDChapters0:00 Intro1:01 The caffeine paradox3:15 Can caffeine replace meds?5:31 Caffeine + ADHD Meds = Success...or disaster?8:15 So, what to do?DISCLAIMER: This video is purely informational and educational and does not constitute medical advice and/or recommendations. Use of information is at your own risk, and expresses my own personal views and opinions, not those of any of my employers. Sulman Aziz Mirza, MD will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this video including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death. In the event of any medical emergency or safety concerns, please go to your nearest emergency department and/or call 911. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline available 24/7: 800.273.8255 or 988 or suicidepreventionlifeline.org for online chat optionsβΆοΈ ππππππππ:#adhd#caffeine#adhdandcaffeine#adhdtreatment#adhdbrain#caffeineeffects#mentalhealth#adhdlife#neurodivergent#focusandcaffeine#adhdhelp#adhdawareness#adhdadults#adhdtips#brainhealth#caffeineresistance#adhdcommunity#adhdexplained#caffeinecrash#adhdinsight