Researchers find ADHD strengths linked to better mental health

Adults with ADHD who are aware of their personal strengths and actively use them tend to report better overall well-being, a higher quality of life, and fewer mental health challenges, according to a new international study.

The research was released during October's ADHD Awareness Month, which this year highlights "the many faces of ADHD." Scientists from the University of Bath, King's College London, and Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands collaborated on the first large-scale effort to measure psychological strengths associated with ADHD.Large Study Compares Strengths in Adults With and Without ADHD

Published in Psychological Medicine, the study examined 200 adults diagnosed with ADHD and 200 adults without ADHD. Participants were asked how strongly they identified with 25 positive traits, including creativity, humor, spontaneity and hyperfocus. Researchers defined these traits as "things [they] do well or best."

ADHD is commonly discussed in terms of difficulties such as impulsivity, forgetfulness, and trouble sustaining attention. This study points to a different perspective by emphasizing the importance of recognizing and making use of strengths.

Luca Hargitai, lead researcher from the Department of Psychology at the University of Bath, said: "These exciting findings give us an indication of which positive qualities may be tied to ADHD and thus can be considered ADHD-related strengths. It can be really empowering to recognise that, while ADHD is associated with various difficulties, it does have several positive aspects."

Key Strengths More Commonly Endorsed by Adults With ADHD

Compared with participants without ADHD, those with ADHD were more likely to strongly identify with 10 specific strengths. These included:

• Hyperfocus (deep concentration on tasks of interest)
• Humor
• Creativity
• Spontaneity
• Intuitiveness

Despite the well-documented challenges adults with ADHD often face in work, relationships, and mental health, the study found they were just as likely as neurotypical participants to recognize and use their strengths in everyday life.

Source: ScienceDaily