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. Thank you to our sponsors:

Roka - https://www.roka.com -- code "huberman"

Belcampo - https://www.belcampo.com/huberman

Helix Sleep - https://www.helixsleep.com/huberman

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Links:

Review of Compounds for ADHD, Smart Drugs & Focus - https://www.fbscience.com/Landmark/articles/10.52586/4948

Review of Atypical Compounds for ADHD - https://www.hindawi.com/journals/np/2016/1320423/

Study of Focus Protocol In ADHD & Non-ADHD Children - https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/13/4780

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 Support for Podcast & Research, Supplement Resources