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Description

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
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