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

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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