Wait, what did you say? The Science of Attention with Dr. Sasha Hamdani

The Gently Used Human with Dr. Scott Lyons

Have you ever found yourself lost in a sea of distractions, struggling to maintain focus? Or wondered about the intricate workings of attention in our brains? How do we understand the fine line between neurodivergence and clinical severity in the context of attention disorders?

Today, Dr. Scott sits down with Dr. Sasha Hamdani, a board-certified psychiatrist, best-selling author, and entrepreneur. Dr. Hamdani brings a wealth of knowledge and personal insight into the complexities of attention and its nuances. From the evolution of ADHD diagnosis to the pioneering creation of the Focus Genie app, we explore the multifaceted nature of attention, including its various types and the challenges it presents in our daily lives.

Join us as they discuss the critical aspects of attention: its definition, the ability to focus, regulate, and transition between topics, and the intriguing relationship between ADHD, generational stress, and trauma. Dr. Hamdani shares her expertise on the capacity for attention, how it varies among individuals, and the potential impacts of overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis in ADHD.

This conversation promises to enlighten and challenge your understanding of attention, providing a deeper appreciation of our brain's complexity and the many shades of normal when it comes to attention-related challenges. Whether you're grappling with focus issues yourself, know someone who does, or are simply curious about the inner workings of the human mind, this episode is not to be missed.

Topics We Break Down

• How a deep understanding of what it means to pay and tend to attention can influence our relationship with it.
• The intricate science of the brain and what makes it unique among the body’s other organs.
• Appreciating the value of both inclusivity and diagnosis in the context of neurodivergence.
• How behavioral and lifestyle changes can support focus and brain function.
• Overdiagnosis, underdiagnosis, and access to care.
• The influence of traumatic experiences on the brain.
• What self-care, tracking, and problem-solving might look like for people with ADHD.
• How differentiating between four kinds of attention can help us identify our strengths and weaknesses.