ADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus

In this episode, I discuss ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): what it is, the common myths, and the biology and psychology of ADHD. I discuss both behavioral and pharmacologic treatments for ADHD, and brain-machine interface tools. I also discuss behavioral training protocols that can improve focus in people with ADHD and those without ADHD, and for people of different ages. I discuss the role of dopamine in coordinating 'default-mode' and 'task-related' neural networks, attentional "blinks" (lapses of attention) and how to overcome them, and the role of actual blinks in time perception and attention. Finally, I review some of the prescription and over-the-counter compounds for increasing focus such as Adderall, Ritalin, Modafinil and Armodafinil, the racetams, Alpha-GPC and phosphatidylserine and the role of diet for managing ADHD (and the controversies of diet for ADHD). The role of cell phones/technology in ADHD and ADHD-like challenges with focus are also discussed. Throughout, both basic science and clinical scenarios, as well as applicable tools and resources are covered. Read the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://athleticgreens.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlab Waking Up: https://wakingup.com/huberman Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction & Note About Diagnosis   00:03:44 Sponsors: AG1, LMNT & Waking Up 00:07:56 ADHD vs. ADD: Genetics, IQ, Rates in Kids & Adults   00:13:00 Attention & Focus, Impulse Control   00:14:57 Hyper-focus   00:16:45 Time Perception   00:18:25 The Pile System   00:20:00 Working Memory   00:24:10 Hyper-Focus & Dopamine   00:26:40 Neural Circuits In ADHD: Default Mode Network & Task-Related Networks   00:32:57 Low Dopamine in ADHD & Stimulant Use & Abuse   00:37:10 Sugar, Ritalin, Adderall, Modafinil & Armodafinil   00:47:00 Non-Prescribed Adderall, Caffeine, Nicotine   00:49:18 How Stimulants “Teach” the Brains of ADHD Children to Focus   00:52:00 When To Medicate: A Highly Informed (Anecdotal) Case Study   00:56:35 Elimination Diets & Allergies In ADHD   01:04:46 Omega-3 Fatty Acids: EPAs & DHAs   01:07:00 Modulation vs Mediation of Biological Processes   01:10:50 Attentional Blinks   01:16:56 Open Monitoring & 17-Minute Focus Enhancement   01:22:50 Blinking, Dopamine & Time Perception; & Focus Training   01:30:10 Reverberatory Neural & Physical Activity   01:33:40 Adderall, Ritalin & Blink Frequency   01:35:00 Cannabis   01:37:30 Interoceptive Awareness   01:41:15 Ritalin, Adderall, Modafinil, Armodafinil; Smart Drugs & Caffeine: Dangers   01:48:05 DHA Fatty Acids, Phosphatidylserine   01:50:54 Ginko Biloba   01:51:45 Modafinil & Armodafinil: Dopamine Action & Orexin   01:56:19 Acetylcholine: Circuits Underlying Focus; Alpha-GPC   01:59:04 L-Tyrosine, (PEA) Phenylethylamine   02:01:23 Racetams, Noopept   02:05:15 Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Combining Technology & Pharmacology   02:09:14 Smart Phones & ADHD & Sub-Clinical Focus Issues In Adults & Kids   02:14:30 Synthesis/Summary   02:16:10 Support for Podcast & Research, Supplement Resources   Disclaimer & Dislcosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices