ADHD is often misunderstood as a simple "lack of attention." But in this episode of Being Well, Forrest and Dr. Rick are joined by ADHD pioneer Dr. John Ratey to explore the true nature of this complex condition. They 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

Watch the Episode: Prefer watching video? You can watch this episode on YouTube.

Key Topics:

0:00: Introduction

2:00: Some of the biggest misconceptions about ADHD

3:35: The advantages of having ADHD

5:55: De-pathologizing, skillful means, and the problem of “fit”

9:25: The variety of presentations

12:10: A trait, not a disorder

13:55: The task-positive network, and the default mode network

18:20: Three ways to turn off the default mode network

22:20: The importance of social connection

25:35: Feeling like an outsider, and being punished for having ADHD

28:45: Deliberate internalization of beneficial experiences

31:40: Why exercise and movement is particularly useful for ADHD

34:45: Dance as an ideal form of exercise

39:50: Jump rope, and right amount of exercise

41:15: Nature and the afflictions of civilization

44:25: Medication

51:15: Recap

Rumination Workshop from Rick! Join Rick on April 22nd for a 1-day, live online workshop where you'll learn how to identify rumination when it comes up and get out of negative cycles in your head compassionately and effectively. Use coupon code BeingWell20 for 20% off!

Sponsors:

This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp, and you can join over a million people using the world’s largest online counseling platform. Visit betterhelp.com/beingwell for 10% off your first month!

Want to sleep better? Try the Calm app! Visit calm.com/beingwell for 40% off a premium subscription.

Connect with the show:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices