Wait, what did you say? The Science of Attention
APRIL 10th, 2024
EPISODE 37: Wait, what did you say? The Science of Attention
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.
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE
Show Notes
Episode Links:
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Special Guest
DR SASHA HAMDANI
Dr. Sasha Hamdani, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 13 years of experience in the medical field.
Dr. Hamdani specializes in a variety of areas, including ADHD, major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression, sports psychiatry, mood disorders, and anxiety spectrum disorders. She is particularly passionate about providing healthcare and guidance to patients throughout their lives, from childhood to adulthood. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Hamdani founded a non-profit organization called WorldHarmonyOnline.org in 2001, which is dedicated to creating a non-violent world with access to technology, healthcare, and education. She is also affiliated with the American Psychiatric Association and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
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Your Host
DR. SCOTT LYONS
Dr. Scott Lyons is a licensed holistic psychologist, educator and author of the book Addicted to Drama: Healing Dependency on Crisis and Chaos in Yourself and Others, with Hachette publishing. Scott is also the host of The Gently Used Human Podcast, a delightfully depthful and often hilarious exploration of what it is to be human, to have lived life, and come out gently used.
As a renowned body-based trauma expert, Doctor of Osteopathy (Spain) and Mind-Body Medicine specialist, Scott helps people to break free from cycles of pain, limited beliefs, and trauma. Scott is an innovator in transformative wellness and trauma therapy, teaching over half a million people internationally over the past twenty years how to relieve stress and restore vitality. Scott has worked with many of the country’s top leaders and CEOs as an executive coach and wellness consultant.
Scott is the creator of The Embody Lab—the largest online learning platform for body-based trauma therapies—and developer of Somatic Stress Release™, a holistic process of restoring biological resilience, taught in over 20 countries. Scott is also the founder and progressive designer of Omala, a wellness brand dedicated to creating sustainably sourced tools for transformation.
About the Podcast
THE GENTLY USED HUMAN
Dr. Scott Lyons and his world renowned guests take us into the delightfully depthful and often hilarious exploration of what it is to be human, to have lived life, and come out gently used. From passion to pain, glory to defeat, comedy to drama to tragedy, we’ve all been through it. This show unpacks the psychology and humor needed to keep you thriving on the roller coaster of being human.