Is “ring of fire” ADHD real? | Hyperfocus

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 https://www.understood.org/en/podcasts/hyperfocus/adult-adhd-tests Listen: The ADHD content economy: How algorithms and incentives turn help into grift https://www.understood.org/en/podcasts/hyperfocus/adhd-scam For a transcript and more resources, visit Hyperfocus on Understood.org. https://www.understood.org/en/podcasts/hyperfocus/ring-of-fire-adhd You can also email us at [email protected]. Questions about learning and thinking differences? Get answers and expert-vetted resources by asking the AI-powered Understood Assistant: https://www.understood.org/en/assistant?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=assistant-agn-prod&utm_content=video 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 https://www.understood.org/en/donate?sc=HYP0725YTO&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=fundraising-agn-vid-hyperfocus&utm_content=video For more resources, support, and excellent memes, subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/understoodorg/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Understood/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@understood.org Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/understoodorg/ #ring of fire ADHD #Daniel Amen ADHD #ADHD brain scans #ADHD diagnosis science #Roberto Olivardia ADHD #Hyperfocus