Is “ring of fire” ADHD real?
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Is “ring of fire” ADHD real?
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About this listen
Our team has been seeing something called “ring of fire” ADHD spreading across the internet. It’s a supposed subtype of ADHD promoted by Daniel Amen, a celebrity psychiatrist with clinics in multiple states and a huge online following.
But in reporting this episode, we found that “ring of fire” ADHD isn’t recognized by mainstream science. Nor are brain scans approved by the FDA as a diagnostic tool for ADHD.
Our guest today, clinical psychologist Roberto Olivardia, PhD, explains why he believes Dr. Amen’s approach is unethical — and how it may lead to real harm for patients seeking answers.
For more on this topic
- Listen: Why there’s no “gold standard” for adult ADHD tests
- Listen: The ADHD content economy: How algorithms and incentives turn help into grift
For a transcript and more resources, visit Hyperfocus on Understood.org. You can also email us at hyperfocus@understood.org.
Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give
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