get a diagnosisHyperactive disorder and attention deficit(ADHD) for you or your child can be devastating. But while certain characteristics of ADHD, such as While things like difficulty sitting still, difficulty concentrating, and impulsive behavior can make it difficult for people to reach their full potential in school or at work, ADHD also has benefits.
These ADHD "superpowers," including high energy levels and creativity, mean that living with ADHD isn't all bad. This article looks at the strengths of ADHD.
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Strengths and benefits of ADHD
have people with ADHDphysical properties in your brainthat lead tosymptomsof the disorder, including impulsive behavior and attention deficit disorder. However, these properties can also lead to advantages. For example, hyperactivity (not being able to sit still) can be a frustrating symptom of ADHD, but the downside is that it provides higher energy levels, on average, than people without ADHD, according to a report from people with ADHD.
Other benefits of ADHD include:
Individually
- Energy: A small study found that people with ADHD reported liking their higher energy levels.
- self awareness: HeADHD treatmentoften includes therapies that promote self-regulation (the ability to control emotions and behaviors). Because of this, people with ADHD know their triggers and patterns better than many neurotypical people.
- independence: As part of treatment, people with ADHD learn to calm down and self-regulate, a skill many neurotypical people struggle with.
- resilience: Resilience, or the ability to bounce back from adversity, is an indicator of success. Parents and teachers say that most kids with ADHD are resilient.
At work or at school
- creativity: Creative problem solving is crucial to success in school and at work. Research has found that people with ADHD have more creativity and ideation than people without the disorder.This can lead to lateral thinking, which is so important for innovations.
- Hyperfocus: Many people with ADHD focus too much on the things that interest them. This can lead to impeccable attention to detail and a passion for school and work projects.
- risk tolerance: People with ADHD often have a higher tolerance for risk than people without ADHD. In some situations, this can be beneficial as it allows them to test solutions that others may not have.
in relationships
- clear expectations: To cope with ADHD symptoms, people with ADHD and those close to them often have open and honest conversations about expectations, something that benefits both people and can strengthen relationships.
- impulsiveness: There are situations where impulsive behavior can be a disadvantage, but in long-term relationships, impulsiveness and play help keep the spark alive.
- Receptiveness to therapeutic and behavioral approaches: Many people with ADHD are receptive to trying therapies or new approaches that can help when the relationship is facing challenges.
Are ADHD superpowers real?
Much emphasis has been placed on the damaging symptoms of ADHD. Although there is less research on ADHD superpowers, people with ADHD report being more energetic, creative, courageous, and resilient than people without the condition.While much more research still needs to be done on the benefits of ADHD, focusing on the benefits can help you or your child live with ADHD in a more positive way.
ADHD Medication Benefits
About 62% of children with ADHD take medication to treat their condition.These medications, which include stimulants and non-stimulants, have many benefits for people with ADHD. People who take medication often experience a reduction in ADHD symptoms, allowing them to better concentrate and complete tasks at school or work. Additionally, people with ADHD who take medication have a reduced risk of:
- injuries
- Accidents, including car accidents.
- Substance use disorder (addiction)
- falling behind in school
Balancing ADHD Skills and Struggles
Although there are some benefits as a person with ADHD thinks, the negative effects of ADHD are real. Because of this, it's important that people with ADHD learn to overcome their negative symptoms while focusing on those that make their lives easier.
organizational tricks
Through trial and error, many people with ADHD find organizational hacks that help with ADHD. Therapists can help brainstorm. Simple things like sticking to a schedule, putting important items like keys in a specific place, or taking a few minutes to meditate before starting your day can make all the difference for people with ADHD.
Mental health
People with ADHD are at increased risk for other mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety.Keep this in mind, and see a mental health professional who has experience working with people with ADHD if you start to experience symptoms.
Celebrities and ADHD Advocacy
Seeing people with ADHD lead healthy and successful lives can be inspiring. organizations likeCHADD(Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) provides resources, support, and inspiration for families affected by ADHD.
Additionally, many celebrities have spoken about their own struggles and accomplishments in coping with ADHD, including:
- Olympic gymnast Simone Biles
- Singer and actor Justin Timberlake
- Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps
- lead singer adam levine
- TV personality Ty Pennington
- chef jamie oliver
Summary
have adhdaffects many areas of your life. However, not all of these effects are negative. People can also experience the benefits of ADHD, including increased creativity and energy levels. Additionally, ADHD medications have many benefits for people with ADHD, including reducing the risk of accidents or addiction.
A word from Verywell
It's easy to focus on the negative effects of ADHD, but the condition also has benefits. People with ADHD report being energetic, creative, courageous, and resilient. Learning to tap into these strengths while managing symptoms can help you reach your full potential despite having ADHD.
frequent questions
When would ADHD be considered an advantage?
It's important not to overlook the true symptoms of ADHD, including hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention deficit disorder. However, when someone is able to control these negative symptoms through medication and behavior changes, they can also better reap the benefits of ADHD, including increased creativity and energy levels.
How do weighted blankets help ADHD patients?
Weighted blankets are believed to have a calming effect on the central nervous system. For this reason, weighted blankets can help people with ADHD or other conditions to self-regulate and calm down.
Are students with ADHD gifted?
People with ADHD can be gifted, but not all. Many children with ADHD struggle to be successful at school and work, but behavior therapy and adjustments can help both the gifted and non-gifted to reach their full potential.
(Video) My 10 Favorite Things About Having ADHDIs IQ an accurate way to measure ADHD skills?
People with ADHD often have lower IQ scores than people without the condition. However, research shows that IQ tests may not accurately capture the abilities of people with ADHD.To determine your or your child's abilities, you need to work with a therapy team to find a way to fully recognize and nurture your strengths and creativity.
How do people with ADHD think and feel?
All people with ADHD think and feel differently. If you are concerned about someone in your life with ADHD, the best thing to do is to have a face-to-face conversation with them about their thoughts and feelings.
6 fuentes
Verywell Health uses only quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts in our articles. read ourspublishing processto learn more about how we verify our content and keep it accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Sedgwick JA, Merwood A, Asherson P.The Positive Aspects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Qualitative Study of Successful Adults with ADHD.ADHS Atten Def Hip Trastorno. 2019;11(3):241-253. doi:10.1007/s12402-018-0277-6
Chan ESM, Groves NB, Marsh CL, Miller CE, Richmond KP, Kofler MJ.Are there resilient children with ADHD?j attention disorder. 2021;10870547211025629. doi:10.1177/10870547211025629
White HA, Shah P.Creative Style and Achievement in Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.personality and individual differences. 2011;50(5):673-677. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2010.12.015
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ADHD facts and statistics.
Chang Z , Ghirardi L , Quinn PD , Asherson P , D'Onofrio BM , Larsson H .Risks and benefits of ADHD medications on behavioral and neuropsychiatric outcomes: a qualitative review of pharmacoepidemiological studies using linked prescription databases.Biopsychiatry. 2019;86(5):335-343. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.04.009
Mackenzie GB, Wonders E.Reconsidering the exclusion criteria of intelligence quotient in the study of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.frontal psychology. 2016;7:794. dos: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00794
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Vonkelly burch
Kelly Burch has been writing about health issues for over a decade. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune and others.
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