ADHD benefits include high energy levels, creativity, hyperfocus, resilience, and spontaneity.
Honing these strengths can be a source of empowerment and pride for people with ADHD.
These traits can also help them excel in school, work, relationships, and creative pursuits.
Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images
It’s a neurotype, which means that ADHD brains work differently than people who are deemedneurotypical.
This can create challenges, but there are also many ADHD benefits as well.
However, many of these characteristics can also be strengths, so they shouldnt always be viewed as drawbacks.
It is important to remember, however, that not everyone with ADHD has the same symptoms or experiences.
There arethree different subtypesof the condition which are associated with different symptom presentations.
High Energy Levels
People who have hyperactivity as a symptom of ADHD havehigh energy levels.
This sometimes presents with symptoms such as restlessness, fidgeting, and excess talking.
However, this energy can be helpful when it is channeled toward pursuinggoals.
Such benefits can have a positive impact on overall well-being.
Curiosity is a key component ofcreativity.
Spontaneity
Impulsivityis another common symptom of ADHD.
People with ADHD often have to strike a balance between being overly aroused and being bored.
One study suggested that this spontaneity also plays a role in the development of courage.
This spontaneity may help people pursue their passions and focus on doing the things that truly bring them joy.
Resilience
Living with ADHD comes with challenges and obstacles.
One study found that parents and teachers rated most children with ADHD as being resilient.
While setbacks happen, resilience helps people with ADHD keep working toward their goals in the face of difficulties.
Greater Risk Tolerance
People with ADHD are often better able to tolerate risk or uncertainty.
ADHD is associated with greater risk-taking behaviors.
However, research has also shown that people often don’t actually perceive these risks as being higher.
This can sometimes lead to impulsive behaviors that cause problems, but it can also have benefits as well.
Self-regulationrefers to the ability to manage behaviors and emotions according to the demands of the situation.
While self-regulation is an important skill, having to constantly self-monitor and regulate can contribute tomental fatigueandego depletion.
Even many of the challenges that people may experience on a day-to-day can also have positive effects.
If you have primarily hyperactive ADHD, your superpowers might include your high-energy nature andopenness to new experiences.
Much of the research and literature on ADHD has historically focused on the detrimental effects of this neurotype.
More recently, there has been a greater focus on the positive aspects of having an ADHD brain.
Too much energy can be disruptive when it isnt channeled or directed toward an activity.
Spontaneity can lead to problems if it leads to impulsive or risky behaviors.
Some ways it’s possible for you to make the most of your skills are detailed below.
Make lists as often as you need them.
ADHD can affect your life in many ways.
The key to taking advantage of these ADHD benefits is to balance the good with the bad.
Look for ways to channel your strengths into pursuits that improve your overall well-being and happiness.
Magnus W, Nazir S, Anilkumar AC, et al.Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
In: StatPearls [Internet].
