Framing ADHD as a strength can lead to better mental health

Those with Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder, better known as ADHD, often experience challenges that neurotypical people do not, such as distractibility or low frustration tolerance. However, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that ADHD also has an upside. And, according to a new study, being aware of these positives may create some mental health perks. 

The groundbreaking research, which was published in Psychological Medicine, comes from scientists at the University of Bath, King’s College London, and Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands. Researchers compared 200 adults with ADHD and 200 without in the first large-scale effort to measure psychological strengths associated with the disorder. 

People with ADHD were actually more likely to strongly identify with 10 strengths, including the ability to hyperfocus, a sense of humor, creativity, intuitiveness, and having broad interests. 

Overall, people with ADHD tested as having a lower quality of life than people without ADHD. However, the researchers also found that across both groups, people who understood their strengths and knew how to use them also had better mental health and well-being. From that lens, those with ADHD—at least those who understand their personal strengths well—could be primed for better mental health. 

While those with ADHD are often well-versed in their struggles, such as difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, emotional regulation challenges, or even trouble maintaining relationships, the new research puts a spotlight on the upsides of ADHD as well as the power of comprehending those strengths fully. 

Luca Hargitai, lead researcher for the study and a postgraduate at the Department of Psychology at the University of Bath, says the research should help those with ADHD to understand their brains better. “It can be really empowering to recognize that, while ADHD is associated with various difficulties, it does have several positive aspects.”

Likewise, Dr. Punit Shah, senior author and Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Bath, says that the findings should be able to help researchers find real ways to improve the lives of people with ADHD. “The next step now is to investigate whether interventions that promote the recognition and use of personal strengths can offer tangible improvements in mental well-being for adults with ADHD.”