Researchers find ADHD strengths linked to better mental health
New research reveals a brighter side of ADHD, showing that adults who recognize and use their strengths feel happier, healthier, and less stressed. People with ADHD were more likely to identify traits like creativity, humor, and hyperfocus as personal strengths. Across the board, using these strengths was linked to better quality of life and fewer mental health symptoms. The study suggests that embracing strengths could be a game-changer for ADHD support.
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.
Using Strengths Tied to Better Mental Health Across Groups
Across both groups, individuals who had greater awareness of their strengths and applied them more frequently reported clear benefits. These included:
- Higher subjective well-being
- Better quality of life (across physical, psychological, social and environmental domains)
- Fewer symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress
Dr. Punit Shah, senior author and Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Bath, said: "Our findings highlight that knowing that we have certain skills and positive qualities at our disposal and using these strengths where appropriate can be beneficial for our well-being. This might sound obvious, but now that our research confirms this hypothesis, we can start designing psychological supports with this fresh evidence."