ADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus | Huberman Lab Podcast #37

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. #HubermanLab Thank you to our sponsors: ROKA - Helix Sleep - Supplements from Thorne: Support Research in the Huberman Lab at Stanford: Social & Website Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: TikTok: @hubermanlab LinkedIn: Website: Newsletter: Links: Review of Compounds for ADHD, Smart Drugs & Focus - Review of Atypical Compounds for ADHD - Study of Focus Protocol In ADHD & Non-ADHD Children - 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 & 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 & 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 Support for Podcast & Research, Supplement Resources The Huberman Lab Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions. Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac -