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Essentials: ADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus

Jul 31, 2025 42m 41s 16 insights
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.
Actionable Insights

1. Seek Professional ADHD Diagnosis

Obtain a clear and real diagnosis of ADHD from a psychiatrist, physician, or well-trained clinical psychologist, as self-diagnosis or diagnosing others can be misleading.

2. Limit Smartphone Use

Limit smartphone use to 60 minutes or less per day for adolescents and two hours or less per day for adults to maintain and improve focus capacity, as excessive use is thought to erode attentional abilities.

3. Consider Early ADHD Treatment

If a child is diagnosed with ADHD, consider early treatment with physician-prescribed medication to leverage high neuroplasticity in childhood (ages 3-12/13) and help frontal circuits develop appropriate functioning for focus.

4. Combine ADHD Meds with Behavior

If using prescription ADHD medications (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin), combine these treatments with behavioral exercises that actively engage the neural circuits for focus, with the potential goal of tapering off drugs once circuits are trained.

5. Practice Open Monitoring (Dilate Gaze)

Consciously practice dilating your gaze into panoramic vision (open monitoring) for 17 minutes in a single session, as this has been shown to significantly reduce attentional blinks and improve focus in a near-permanent way.

6. Fixation-Focused Training & Blinking

Engage in fixation-focused training by concentrating visual attention on a close object for a short period (e.g., 30-60 seconds), consciously controlling blinks, to enhance overall focus and improve time perception.

7. Physical Movement Before Focus

Before engaging in focus-demanding tasks, especially for children, perform a series of physical movements to release excess energy and enhance the ability to sit still and focus.

8. Consume Omega-3 DHA

Consume at least 300 milligrams of DHA daily from omega-3 fatty acids, as this threshold level has been shown to positively modulate systems for attention and focus.

9. Phosphatidylserine for Children’s ADHD

For children with ADHD, consider taking 200 milligrams of phosphatidylserine daily for two months, as it has been shown to reduce symptoms, with enhanced effects when combined with omega-3 fatty acids.

10. Alpha-GPC for Focus/Cognition

To enhance focus and cognition, consider supplementing with Alpha-GPC (typically 300-600mg, or up to 1200mg daily with doctor consultation), as it increases acetylcholine transmission.

11. L-Tyrosine with Extreme Caution

If considering L-tyrosine to increase dopamine for focus, approach with extreme caution due to tricky dosage (100-1200mg range) and potential side effects like euphoria or jitters, especially with underlying psychiatric or mood disorders.

12. Optimize Sleep Temperature

Ensure the temperature of your sleeping environment is correct, potentially using a smart mattress cover like Eight Sleep, to facilitate the body temperature drop needed to fall and stay deeply asleep, and the increase needed to wake refreshed.

13. Practice Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR)

Incorporate Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) practices to offset negative effects of slight sleep deprivation and improve the ability to fall back asleep if waking during the night.

14. Use Red Light Therapy

Use medical-grade red light therapy devices (e.g., Juve) 3-4 times per week to improve muscle recovery, skin health, wound healing, reduce acne, pain, and inflammation, and enhance mitochondrial and visual function.

15. Daily AG1 Supplementation

Take AG1 daily to support overall mental and physical health, energy, focus, digestive health, and immune system function, as it contains vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, and adaptogens.

16. Supplement Omega-3 & D3+K2

Supplement with Omega-3 fish oil and Vitamin D3+K2 to support mood, brain health, heart health, and healthy hormone status.