About Dr. John J. Ratey:
John J. Ratey, MD, is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and an internationally recognized expert in Neuropsychiatry. He has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles, and 12 books published in 20 languages, including the groundbreaking ADD-ADHD “Driven to Distraction” series with Ned Hallowell, MD. Their latest release, ADHD 2.0 (2021) explores new science and strategies. With the publication of his bestseller, “Spark-The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain,” Dr. Ratey established himself as one of the world’s foremost authorities on the brain-fitness connection in areas such as ADHD, Autism, Aging and Cognition.
Dr. Ratey’s work in Attention Deficit Disorder came after he and his former student, Ned Hallowell, recognized and diagnosed their own ADD, prompting them to write a book to raise awareness and an understanding of the diagnosis to a lay audience. Published in 1994, “Driven to Distraction” became a bestseller, with over 2 million copies in print, and is still considered one of the Bibles of ADD today. Dr. Ratey and Dr. Hallowell went on to write “Delivered to Distraction” and “Answers to Distraction”, and have become recognized around the world as authorities on the subject. They continue to collaborate and recently released ADHD 2.0, exploring new science and strategies.
Recognized by his peers as one of the Best Doctors in America since 1997, Dr. Ratey was recently honored by the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society as “Outstanding Psychiatrist of the Year” for advancing the field. Dr. Ratey and his work are frequently profiled in the media, where he’s been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS and NPR, as well as in The New York Times, Newsweek, The Washington Post, US News and World Report, Men’s Health, and other national publications. Dr. Ratey maintains an active practice in Cambridge, MA and Los Angeles, CA.
Episode Notes:
Dr. Laura welcomes Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and world renowned expert in ADHD, Dr. John Ratey, to the show. Dr. Ratey has written twelve books including “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain,” which inspires much of Dr. Laura’s conversation with him. Dr. Ratey shares his experiences and research into the power of exercise on the brain and how it can reduce stress.
The ability of exercise to combat stress and increase focus, including in those diagnosed with ADHD, is a powerful thing. Dr. Ratey refers to physical education in schools and how changing the traditional program benefits the mental wellbeing of students. Dr. Laura and Dr. Ratey discuss the increased levels of anxiety, stress, and depression in the world, the positive brain chemistry exercise produces, and the benefits of community on wellness. The knowledge shared in conversation and in Dr. Ratey’s books is inspirational and potentially life changing.
“Let’s talk about workplace. I mean, it has been a big bonus to include exercise opportunities in the workday, whether that means extended breaks or membership in the gyms or having some … yoga instructors in a couple afternoons a week during their lunch period, stuff like that to encourage wellness on the job.” Dr. John J Ratey
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