Essentials: ADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explore the biology and psychology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and discuss both prescription and non-prescription treatment options.

I discuss the neural circuits involved in attention and concentration, emphasizing dopamine's role in regulating and coordinating focus. I explain how common prescription stimulants like Ritalin, Adderall, and Modafinil act on the brain to treat ADHD, and discuss non-drug approaches, including supplements and behavioral training to support focus. The episode offers tools and insights beneficial not only for those with ADHD but for anyone seeking to improve attention and focus.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

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Timestamps

00:00:00 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

00:01:10 ADHD Challenges, Attention, Impulsivity, Hyperfocus, Time Perception, Working Memory

00:05:22 Sponsor: Eight Sleep

00:07:03 Dopamine & Focus; Default Mode Network & Task Network

00:11:57 ADHD & Low-Dopamine Hypothesis, Stimulants, Sugar

00:16:15 ADHD Prescriptions, Ritalin, Adderall, Stimulants

00:18:05 Sponsor: Joovv

00:19:18 Children, Learning to Focus & ADHD Prescriptions

00:22:26 Attentional Blinks, Tool: Improve Focus, Open-Monitoring, Panoramic Vision

00:26:28 Blinking, Dopamine & Time Perception, Tool: Visual Focus Training

00:30:39 Sponsor: AG1

00:32:16 Ritalin, Adderall, Modafinil, Side Effects, Tapering

00:34:05 Omega-3 Fatty Acids, EPA, DHA & Attention Effects; Phosphatidylserine

00:36:01 Modafinil, Armodafinil

00:36:51 Acetylcholine, Alpha-GPC

00:38:55 L-Tyrosine, Dopamine, Preexisting Conditions & Caution

00:39:51 Smartphones & Focus, Tool: Limiting Smartphone Use

00:41:56 Recap & Key Takeaways

Disclaimer & Disclosures

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