You probably have heard about ADHD before. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder usually diagnosed in childhood rather than adulthood and often a lifelong condition that one has to live with. For so long, ADHD is mostly portrayed as a disorder that limits or hampers social and professional life as well as makes them susceptible for developing some of other disorders. We do not want you to misunderstand us.
ADHD does have such impacts on people’s lives. However, people with ADHD also possess some qualities which make them more advantageous or outstanding compared to the normal population. In this post, we would like to inform you about both aspects of ADHD to have a clear sense of understanding what living with ADHD means.
Pros of Living with ADHD
Being Creative (Divergent Thinking)
Research indicates that creativeness is associated with ADHD. Individuals with ADHD presented more original ideas or solutions compared to those who do not.
High Levels of Energy
One part of ADHD is known with hyperactivity. High levels of energy could be said the one side of the coin, that is hyperactivity. This characteristic – being very energetic – is actually useful or could be even a requirement in some professions such as entertainment or sports industry.
Hyperfocus
If you know someone with ADHD, you would know that sometimes they can focus for hours with no boredom or hint of distraction. It is a concept found frequently among people having ADHD. They can sustain their attention on specific subjects. These are usually what they thrive for and enjoy.
Spontaneity
It is not hard to guess why being spontaneous is something those with ADHD have. ADHD, because of impulsivity, also brings out this adventurous, open-to-experience part in the person.
Resilience
Resilience is a strategy found to be a characteristic of those with ADHD. The reason behind seems like living with ADHD brings its own challenges and to cope with that one needs to actively work for it. Since it is a disorder that can’t be reserved, one needs to adapt the skills for it.
Humanity
Many people having ADHD described that living with this disorder made them more accepting and understanding. They become better at identifying feelings in general. These changes help them become more empathetic and compassionate for human experience. Another thing described in humanity is being more humorous.
Willing to Take Risks
Another good side of being impulsive is being willing to take risks. While some others are reluctant to take risks for new opportunities, people with ADHD use their impulsive nature for their benefit, which can be very advantageous. This may be a result of being more curious in general.
Courage
People described those with ADHD as courageous because of facing their fears and managing with ambiguity. On top of that, people with ADHD identified themselves more resistant to social change, which makes them perceived as a nonconformist.
Cons of Living with ADHD
Inattentiveness
Because of inattentiveness, they might have trouble maintaining their attention on tasks, make mistakes on their job, and may be forgetful in their day-to-day lives. They may need to refrain from tasks requiring focus for long periods. As a result, they may perform poorly at their work. Also, they may lose their stuff.
Comorbid disorders
Those with ADHD are more likely to have comorbid disorders. The list of them varies from learning disorders to mood disorders. These disorders can be grouped as personality-related disorders (e.g., oppositional defiant disorder, conduct behaviors), learning disorders (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia) and mood disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, anger frustration)
Health Risks
People with ADHD might neglect health-related habits such as healthy eating, taking care of their oral hygiene, having enough sleep, and limiting their daily screening. Their symptoms might lead to excessive eating, missing meals, and having injuries. For kids, missing meals or unhealthy eating habits can disrupt their physical growth and cognitive development.
Difficulty in social relationships
Because of their impulsive nature, they might talk excessively or behave inappropriately. They might interrupt other people’s speech as they can be inpatient. As a result of their inattentiveness, they might be perceived as uninterested or unsociable. Therefore, they can feel as an outsider.
Conclusion
Here we exhibited both sides of living with ADHD and hope you found it helpful. Even though ADHD can be a disabling condition, it has its own benefits too.
It is in our hands to minimize the negative parts of ADHD. If you think that you are having trouble living with ADHD, we suggest you check up with a mental health professional. You can book an appointment here.
Eda Hayrula is an intern working under Willingness with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Her interest in Psychology are gastrointestinal disorders, coping with stress, psychosomatic disorders, and trauma.
References:
Boot, N., Nevicka, B., & Baas, M. (2020). Creativity in ADHD: Goal-Directed Motivation and Domain Specificity. Journal of Attention Disorders, 24(13), 1857–1866. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054717727352
Sedgwick, J.A., Merwood, A. & Asherson, P. The positive aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a qualitative investigation of successful adults with ADHD. ADHD Atten Def Hyp Disord 11, 241–253 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12402-018-0277-6
Hupfeld, K. E., Abagis, T. R., & Shah, P. (2019). Living “in the zone”: hyperfocus in adult ADHD. Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders, 11(2), 191–208. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12402-018-0272-y
Wilens, T. E., Biederman, J., Faraone, S. V., Martelon, M. K., Westerberg, D., & Spencer, T. J. (2021, March 1). Presenting ADHD symptoms, subtypes, and comorbid disorders in clinically referred adults with ADHD. Psychiatrist.com. Retrieved July 13, 2022, from https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/neurodevelopmental/adhd/presenting-adhd-symptoms-subtypes-comorbid-disorders/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, September 23). Other concerns and conditions with ADHD. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved July 13, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/conditions.html
Küpper, T., Haavik, J., Drexler, H., Ramos-Quiroga, J. A., Wermelskirchen, D., Prutz, C., & Schauble, B. (2012). The negative impact of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder on occupational health in adults and adolescents. International archives of occupational and environmental health, 85(8), 837–847. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-012-0794-0
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Mental Health Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved July 14, 2022, from https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd