Hyperfocus with Rae Jacobson Is “ring of fire” ADHD real?
Mar 26, 2026
Roberto Olivardia, clinical psychologist who critiques dubious brain-scan diagnostics. He unpacks the origins of the “ring of fire” claim, explains SPECT scan limits, and describes real harms from mislabeling and unproven tests. Short, clear takes on ethics, misdiagnosis risks, and why such ideas spread online.
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Patient Lost Years After Ring Of Fire Label
- Roberto Olivardia recounts a woman who had a SPECT scan, was labeled with Ring of Fire ADHD, and spent years following that treatment plan.
- She suffered severe depression, suicidal ideation, impulsive behaviors, and rejected other diagnoses because "I saw a picture of my brain."
Ring Of Fire Is Not A DSM Diagnosis
- Ring of Fire ADHD is a label coined by Dr. Daniel Amen based on SPECT scans and is not a DSM diagnostic category.
- The Amen Clinic lists seven ADHD types and attributes symptoms overlapping with bipolar disorder to this Ring of Fire pattern.
Costly Scans And Supplements Delayed Proper Care
- Roberto notes the patient paid thousands for scans and supplements from the same clinic, diverting funds from effective treatments.
- He emphasizes financial and emotional costs that delayed appropriate care and recovery.