By Dr. Kathryn Ziemer

Question: Is having ADHD a life challenge or a misunderstood strength?

Answer: It depends on if, and how, you harness it.  

Many people think of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as a weakness. They often focus only on the downsides commonly associated with ADHD - things like difficulty paying attention or struggling with organization. But ADHD is frequently misunderstood, and these challenges are only one side of the story.

There is another side to ADHD, one with many unique benefits. These strengths, if harnessed, give people with ADHD an incredible advantage. Here are three surprising benefits of having ADHD:

1.) Creativity:

People with ADHD often have a unique perspective on the world, which can drive creative problem-solving and innovative ideas. They frequently have an ability to think outside of the box and come up with multiple novel solutions to problems (also known as Divergent Thinking).[1] In fact, studies show individuals with ADHD outperform their peers across all aspects of creativity including:

• Idea Originality

• Extrapolation

• Abstractness

• Toleration of Ambiguity (ie.. Resistance to Premature Closure)

• Idea Expressiveness [2]

2.) Hyperfocus:

A common misconception of ADHD is that it is a lack of focus. Not so! It’s actually a mismanagement of focus. So, while people with ADHD may struggle with overall distractibility, they’re actually capable of intense periods of focus and concentration. These moments, known as “hyperfocus”, are often described as having “tunnel vision”.[3]

For example, Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps is known for his absolute focus and strict training regiment. He also was diagnosed with ADHD as a child. He describes struggling to sit still and focus during school. Yet, after school he could train with unwavering intensity in the pool for up to three hours a day.[4] 

As Michael Phelps demonstrates, ADHD can be an incredible asset when approaching tasks which require sustained attention, such as studying for exams or working on a creative project. The key is finding the unique ways which work for you to tap into it these moments of hyperfocus so you can use them to your advantage.

3.) High energy and enthusiasm:

People with ADHD are often high-energy individuals with a zest for life. According to a study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders, participants with ADHD were found to have significantly higher levels of physical activity during structured tasks, such as games and exercises, compared to neurotypical participants.[5]

To access this reservoir of energy, understand what specific types of activities generate enthusiasm for you, then find ways to leverage these activities. A professional ADHD assessment can give you a window into this and help you understand how to harness these moments.

Yes, ADHD can present significant challenges in daily life. However, ADHD can also be a highly sought after form of neurodiversity. Harnessed correctly, its a major life advantage.

[1] White, H. A., & Shah, P. Uninhibited imaginations: Creativity in adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of Creative Behavior, 45(3), 175-182. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886905003764?via%3Dihub

[2] Gracia Gonzalez-Carpio, Juan Pedro Serrano, & Marta Nieto. (2017). Creativity in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Psychology, 8(3), 272-279. doi: 10.4236/psych.2017.83019. https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=74078

[3] https://health.clevelandclinic.org/hyperfocus-and-adhd/

[4] https://www.understood.org/en/articles/celebrity-spotlight-how-michael-phelps-adhd-helped-him-make-olympic-history

[5] Piek, J. P., Pitcher, T. M., & Hay, D. A. (2009). Motor coordination and kinaesthesis in boys with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Attention Disorders, 12(2), 139-146. doi:10.1177/1087054708320404