ADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus
from Huberman Lab
by Scicomm Media
Published: Mon Sep 13 2021
Show Notes
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.
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Timestamps
Introduction & Note About Diagnosis
Sponsors: AG1, LMNT & Waking Up
ADHD vs. ADD: Genetics, IQ, Rates in Kids & Adults
Attention & Focus, Impulse Control
Hyper-focus
Time Perception
The Pile System
Working Memory
Hyper-Focus & Dopamine
Neural Circuits In ADHD: Default Mode Network & Task-Related Networks
Low Dopamine in ADHD & Stimulant Use & Abuse
Sugar, Ritalin, Adderall, Modafinil & Armodafinil
Non-Prescribed Adderall, Caffeine, Nicotine
How Stimulants “Teach” the Brains of ADHD Children to Focus
When To Medicate: A Highly Informed (Anecdotal) Case Study
Elimination Diets & Allergies In ADHD
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: EPAs & DHAs
Modulation vs Mediation of Biological Processes
Attentional Blinks
Open Monitoring & 17-Minute Focus Enhancement
Blinking, Dopamine & Time Perception; & Focus Training
Reverberatory Neural & Physical Activity
Adderall, Ritalin & Blink Frequency
Cannabis
Interoceptive Awareness
Ritalin, Adderall, Modafinil, Armodafinil; Smart Drugs & Caffeine: Dangers
DHA Fatty Acids, Phosphatidylserine
Ginko Biloba
Modafinil & Armodafinil: Dopamine Action & Orexin
Acetylcholine: Circuits Underlying Focus; Alpha-GPC
L-Tyrosine, (PEA) Phenylethylamine
Racetams, Noopept
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Combining Technology & Pharmacology
Smart Phones & ADHD & Sub-Clinical Focus Issues In Adults & Kids
Synthesis/Summary
Support for Podcast & Research, Supplement Resources