Listen to this episode from Huberman Lab on Spotify. 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,...

Listen to this episode from Huberman Lab on Spotify. 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.

Timestamps
(00:00:00) Introduction & Note About Diagnosis (00:03:27) Sponsors  (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 & 17minute 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 (0:1:50:54) Ginko Biloba  (01:51:45) Modafinil & Armodafanil: 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)