Functional mushrooms offer new hope for ADHD crisis, expert reveals at wellness summit

Mycology specialist presents compelling evidence for Lion's Mane mushroom as alternative treatment for growing global health concern

Growing mental health pandemic requires urgent attention

A rising global ADHD crisis requires innovative approaches beyond conventional medication, according to mushroom expert Silver Laus, who presented groundbreaking research at the HOLOLIFE Summit in Tallinn, Estonia last Friday.

Speaking to a packed audience at the wellness event, Laus revealed that ADHD rates have reached pandemic levels, affecting up to 15% of populations in some US states, with global incidence increasing dramatically over the past few decades.

"The rise in ADHD diagnoses is a clear signal: this is a pandemic growing fast, demanding our urgent attention rather than misdiagnosis and overmedication," Laus told attendees at the three-day HOLOLIFE Summit 2025 Europe.

Reframing ADHD as a regulation disorder

Laus challenged the conventional understanding of ADHD, presenting evidence that it represents a regulation disorder rather than simply a deficit of attention.

"ADHD is a regulation disorder of attention and emotion—not lack of attention—but how we manage the overwhelming flood of thoughts and feelings within us," he explained, likening the condition to having "too many browser tabs open" in the brain.

This perspective aligns with emerging research suggesting that people with ADHD struggle not with generating attention but with regulating their emotional and cognitive resources effectively.

The problem with conventional approaches

The presentation highlighted significant concerns with mainstream approaches to ADHD treatment, which Laus characterised as a problematic cycle of misdiagnosis and overmedication, particularly with stimulant medications.

According to data shared during the talk, 74.3% of the global stimulant medication market is concentrated in the US, with similar trends emerging across Europe and the UK.

"Mainstream typically suggests two solutions: misdiagnose or overmedicate," Laus said, expressing particular concern about the long-term consequences of stimulant medications like methamphetamine derivatives.

Lion's Mane: nature's potential solution

The core of Laus's presentation focused on Lion's Mane mushroom's potential to address underlying neurobiological issues in ADHD. As the founder of mycotechnology company Shroomwell, Laus presented compelling scientific evidence for this functional mushroom's benefits.

Three key mechanisms were highlighted: Lion's Mane's ability to boost Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), reduce mental stress, and restore critical neurotransmitters including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

Citing a study published in the Journal of Functional Foods, Laus noted that participants aged 55-75 who took Lion's Mane for eight weeks showed significant increases in BDNF levels, while a 2023 Newcastle University study demonstrated reduced mental stress in younger adults within just 29 days of supplementation.

Most striking was research showing Lion's Mane's ability to restore neurotransmitter levels depleted by stress, with one study demonstrating restoration of up to 92.5% of serotonin levels and complete reversal of dopamine depletion within four weeks.

Multiple perspectives on ADHD origins

Laus integrated two dominant frameworks for understanding ADHD: nutritional and psychological approaches, represented by human biologist Gary Brecka and physician Dr. Gabor Maté respectively.

"ADHD is not a disease you're born with; it's a coping mechanism developed from early childhood stress or trauma, showing how critical early care and attention are for brain development," Laus said, echoing Maté's perspective.

He also highlighted Brecka's view that ADHD represents an attention overload rather than deficit, complicated by genetic factors like the MTHFR mutation present in 44% of people, which affects neurotransmitter synthesis.

A holistic path forward

The presentation concluded with an emphasis on holistic approaches to addressing ADHD that consider nutritional, psychological, and neurological factors together.

"With the right nutritional and psychological approaches, including using lion's mane, we can dismantle the overwhelming mental overload and help those with ADHD regain mental balance," Laus told the audience.

The talk represents a growing trend toward integrating traditional natural remedies with modern scientific understanding, particularly as conventional pharmaceutical approaches face increasing scrutiny.

The HOLOLIFE Summit 2025 Europe continues through Sunday in Tallinn, featuring presentations on various aspects of holistic health and wellness from experts around the world.

Frequently asked questions

How widespread is ADHD, according to Silver Laus?

Laus told the Tallinn summit that rates have reached pandemic levels, affecting up to 15% of populations in some US states, with global incidence rising. He also noted that 74.3% of the global stimulant medication market is concentrated in the US.

Why does he call ADHD a regulation disorder?

Because in his framing it is not a lack of attention but a difficulty managing an overwhelming flood of thoughts and feelings, which he likened to having too many browser tabs open. That reframing shifts the target from suppression toward regulation.

How might lion's mane help with ADHD?

Laus, founder of the mycotechnology company Shroomwell, presented three mechanisms: boosting brain-derived neurotrophic factor, reducing mental stress, and restoring neurological function. He offered it as a complement to conventional approaches rather than a replacement for diagnosis.

About the event

This recap is part of the HOLOLIFE Summit 2025 Europe series, recorded in Tallinn on 14 and 15 June 2025. Read the summary of the whole event or join the next edition, HOLOLIFE Summit 2026 Amsterdam, on 14 and 15 November 2026.