Episode
ADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus
2:17:44
Published: Mon Sep 13 2021
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. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Thesis: https://takethesis.com/huberman Supplements from Momentous https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Introduction & Note About Diagnosis (00:03:44) Sponsors: AG1, LMNT, Thesis, Momentous (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 Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
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00:00 - 08:17 (08:17)
Summary
InsideTracker gives specific recommendations on lifestyle and nutrition factors for immediate and long-term health, explores emerging brain machine interface devices, and emphasizes systematic and scientific use of single ingredient supplements for optimized health.
EpisodeADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus
PodcastHuberman Lab
The use of smartphones and multiple digital media platforms is creating a constant distraction that affects everyone's ability to focus and attend, not just individuals with ADHD.
08:17 - 14:26 (06:08)
Summary
The use of smartphones and multiple digital media platforms is creating a constant distraction that affects everyone's ability to focus and attend, not just individuals with ADHD. Attention, focus, and impulse control are not dependent on IQ and it's important to recognize the impact of the constant "pulls" on our attention.
EpisodeADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus
PodcastHuberman Lab
People with ADHD can achieve laser focus on things they love, but have challenges with organization and meeting deadlines.
14:26 - 22:31 (08:04)
Summary
People with ADHD can achieve laser focus on things they love, but have challenges with organization and meeting deadlines. They also struggle with short-term memory retention.
EpisodeADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus
PodcastHuberman Lab
The default mode network is the network of brain areas that are active when we're not doing anything, and it underlies our state of mind when we're not engaged in any specific task.
22:32 - 33:01 (10:29)
Summary
The default mode network is the network of brain areas that are active when we're not doing anything, and it underlies our state of mind when we're not engaged in any specific task. According to brain imaging studies, treatment for ADHD and aging can cause the default mode network and the task networks to become anti-correlated again.
EpisodeADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus
PodcastHuberman Lab
The idea that ADHD individuals may be self-medicating themselves through drug use can be supported by the fact that many of these drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamine, increase levels of dopamine in the brain, which is essential for focus and quality decision-making.
33:01 - 40:37 (07:35)
Summary
The idea that ADHD individuals may be self-medicating themselves through drug use can be supported by the fact that many of these drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamine, increase levels of dopamine in the brain, which is essential for focus and quality decision-making.
EpisodeADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus
PodcastHuberman Lab
ADHD medications are stimulants that are structurally and chemically very similar to street drugs, primarily increasing dopamine levels, but also increasing epinephrine or norepinephrine levels.
40:37 - 50:10 (09:33)
Summary
ADHD medications are stimulants that are structurally and chemically very similar to street drugs, primarily increasing dopamine levels, but also increasing epinephrine or norepinephrine levels. However, people have always been self-medicating to improve focus.
EpisodeADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus
PodcastHuberman Lab
In this podcast, the speaker suggests that parents wait until their child reaches puberty before considering medication for ADHD, as changes in hormones and brain function during this time can affect the effectiveness of medication and allow children to learn the valuable skill of focus.
50:10 - 56:04 (05:53)
Summary
In this podcast, the speaker suggests that parents wait until their child reaches puberty before considering medication for ADHD, as changes in hormones and brain function during this time can affect the effectiveness of medication and allow children to learn the valuable skill of focus.
EpisodeADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus
PodcastHuberman Lab
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56:04 - 1:07:31 (11:26)
Summary
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EpisodeADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus
PodcastHuberman Lab
The discussion highlights the necessity of considering the foundational role of good sleep and nutrition, particularly a balanced diet, in promoting optimal cognitive function and overall health.
1:07:31 - 1:16:10 (08:39)
Summary
The discussion highlights the necessity of considering the foundational role of good sleep and nutrition, particularly a balanced diet, in promoting optimal cognitive function and overall health.
EpisodeADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus
PodcastHuberman Lab
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Summary
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EpisodeADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus
PodcastHuberman Lab
Regular cannabis users blink less often than those who don't use it, potentially indicating improved focus.
1:27:38 - 1:41:08 (13:29)
Summary
Regular cannabis users blink less often than those who don't use it, potentially indicating improved focus. Understanding how blinking and visual focus work can help with ADHD or improving focus in normal individuals.
EpisodeADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus
PodcastHuberman Lab
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1:41:08 - 1:57:11 (16:02)
Summary
The line between drugs of abuse and drugs of treatment is sometimes uncertain, with the distinction appearing faint when comparing regulated prescription drugs like Ritalin and Adderall with illicit drugs. A study review indicates that drugs used for attentional capacity, when compared to other drugs, carry similar side effects except for caffeine, which is not addictive.
EpisodeADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus
PodcastHuberman Lab
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1:57:11 - 2:04:14 (07:03)
Summary
Traumatic head injuries are not just limited to sports but also occur in other high impact work such as construction work. People who have experienced prior concussions or stroke may have difficulty focusing due to the impact on neurons and the dysregulation of the dopamine system can lead to mood disorders such as depression, mania bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
EpisodeADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus
PodcastHuberman Lab
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2:04:14 - 2:09:57 (05:42)
Summary
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EpisodeADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus
PodcastHuberman Lab
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2:09:57 - 2:16:43 (06:46)
Summary
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EpisodeADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus
PodcastHuberman Lab
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Summary
Learn about different factors that can affect your focus and practical tips to increase your productivity and concentration levels.