ADHD is often misunderstood as a simple "lack of attention." But in this episode of Being Well, Dr. Rick and I are joined by ADHD pioneer Dr. John Ratey to explore the true nature of this complex condition. We debunk common misconceptions, explore how ADHD works in the brain, and discuss its surprising strengths and vulnerabilities. You’ll learn how to thrive with ADHD by applying effective interventions, including social connection, mindfulness practice, medication, and exercise.

About our Guest: Dr. John Ratey is associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the author of eleven books including Spark and the Driven to Distraction series with Dr. Ned Hallowell. Their newest book in the series is the fantastic ADHD 2.0

Key Topics:
0:00 Introduction
2:00 Some of the biggest misconceptions about ADHD
3:30 The advantages of having ADHD
6:30: De-pathologizing, skillful means, and the problem of “fit”
9:50 The variety of presentations
12:25 A trait, not a disorder
13:15 The task-positive network, and the default mode network
19:55 Three ways to turn off the default mode network
23:15 The importance of social connection
26:45 Feeling like an outsider, and being punished for having ADHD
30:30 Deliberate internalization of beneficial experiences
33:20 Why exercise and movement is particularly useful for ADHD
36:45 Dance as an ideal form of exercise
42:05 Jump rope, and the right amount of exercise
43:50 Nature and the afflictions of civilization
47:15 Medication
54:50 Recap

Subscribe to Being Well on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5d87ZU1...

Who Am I: I'm Forrest, the co-author of Resilient (https://amzn.to/3iXLerD) and host of the Being Well Podcast (https://apple.co/38ufGG0). I'm making videos focused on simplifying psychology, mental health, and personal growth.

You can follow me here:
🎤 https://apple.co/38ufGG0
🌍 https://www.forresthanson.com
📸   / f.hanson