Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsStrengths and BenefitsADHD SuperpowersMedication BenefitsBalancing Skills and StrugglesCelebrities and AdvocacyNext in Adult ADHD GuideHow to Focus With ADHD
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Strengths and Benefits
ADHD Superpowers
Medication Benefits
Balancing Skills and Struggles
Celebrities and Advocacy
Next in Adult ADHD Guide
There are some surprising benefits to being diagnosed withattention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD). Strengths, or ADHD “superpowers,” include high energy levels and creativity. People with ADHD can also have challenges in life, like difficulty focusing and impulsive behavior.
This article will go over some strengths that people with ADHD may have, as well as the challenges of living with ADHD.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
ADHD Strengths and Benefits
People with ADHD havephysical characteristics in their brainsthat lead tosymptomsof the disorder, including impulsive behavior and trouble paying attention.
However, these characteristics can have benefits, too. For example, even though not being able to sit still (hyperactivity) can be frustrating, research suggests that it also means people living with ADHD have higher energy levels than people who don’t have the condition.
There are other benefits to having ADHD that can touch on many aspects of a person’s life.
Individually
What Is Inattentive ADHD?
At Work or School
The ADHD Brain vs. the Non-ADHD Brain
In Relationships
Are ADHD Superpowers Real?
There’s been a lot of focus on the harmful symptoms of ADHD. There’s less research on ADHD superpowers, but many people with ADHD feel that they are more energetic, creative, courageous, and resilient than people who don’t have the condition.
While more research needs to be done on the benefits of ADHD, focusing on the “superpowers” can help you or your child have a more positive view of life with the condition.
Risks of Untreated ADHD in Adults
Benefits of ADHD Medication
ADHD medications, including stimulants and non-stimulants, can have many benefits. For example, if a person’s ADHD symptoms are reduced because they take medication, they might find it easier to focus on and complete tasks at school or work.
People with ADHD who are on medication also have a lower risk for:
That said, medications for ADHD also have side effects and risks, including weight loss and trouble sleeping. Medications for ADHD also aren’t right for everyone. Talk to your provider about whether it would be a safe and effective part of your treatment.
The term “ADHD benefits” can also refer to the services and assistance that some people living with ADHD may be able to access. This includes resources like IDEA accommodations in school or SSDI benefits if they are unable to work, for example.
Is ADHD a Disability? ADHD Accommodations and Benefits
Balancing ADHD Skills and Challenges
While there are some perks to “ADHD brain,” the negative aspects of living with ADHD are real. People with ADHD learn to strike a balance between managing the symptoms that negatively affect their lives while enjoying the positive effects of having the condition.
How Do You Know If You Have ADHD? 10 Ways to Tell
Organizational Hacks
It may take some trial and error, but many people with ADHD find strategies and organizational hacks that help them in life. Therapists can work with people who have ADHD to brainstorm ideas, too.
Simple things like sticking to a schedule, putting essential items like keys in a designated spot, or taking a few minutes to meditate before starting the day can all make a difference for people living with ADHD who have a hard time staying organized.
Body Doubling for ADHD: What It Is, How It Works, and More
Mental Health
People with ADHD are at higher risk for other mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.If you begin to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, reach out to a mental health professional who has experience working with people with ADHD.
6 Natural Remedies for ADHD
ADHD Celebrities and Advocacy
In addition, many famous people have spoken openly about their challenges and successes navigating life with ADHD, including:
ADHD Medications for Children: Categories, Dosing, Side Effects
Summary
Having ADHDaffects many areas of your life. Not all the effects of having ADHD are negative. Increased creativity and energy levels can be positive aspects of having ADHD.
Some people find that managing the negative effects of ADHD through medication helps them enjoy the positive aspects. Learning coping strategies to help with daily tasks like organization is also key for living well with ADHD at any age.
It’s easy to focus on the negative impacts of ADHD, but there are benefits to the condition as well. People with ADHD report being energetic, creative, courageous, and resilient. Learning how to lean into these strengths while controlling symptoms can help you reach your full potential, despite ADHD.
What Is Combined Type ADHD?
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sedgwick JA, 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. 2019;11(3):241-253. doi:10.1007/s12402-018-0277-6Chan ESM, Groves NB, Marsh CL, Miller CE, Richmond KP, Kofler MJ.Are there resilient children with ADHD?J Atten Disord. 2021;10870547211025629. doi:10.1177/10870547211025629Boot N, Nevicka B, Baas M.Creativity in ADHD: Goal-directed motivation and domain specificity.J Atten Disord. 2020;24(13):1857-1866. doi:10.1177/1087054717727352Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.PBS News Hour.A ‘perfect storm’ led to an ADHD medication shortage. Here’s why.Chang Z, Ghirardi L, Quinn PD, Asherson P, D’Onofrio BM, Larsson H.Risks and benefits of ADHD medication on behavioral and neuropsychiatric outcomes: a qualitative review of pharmacoepidemiology studies using linked prescription databases.Biol Psychiatry. 2019;86(5):335-343. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.04.009KidsHealth.ADHD medicines.CHADD.Insurance and public benefits.Department of Education.About IDEA.CHADD.Organizing the home and office space.ADDitude Magazine.Famous people with ADHD.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sedgwick JA, 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. 2019;11(3):241-253. doi:10.1007/s12402-018-0277-6Chan ESM, Groves NB, Marsh CL, Miller CE, Richmond KP, Kofler MJ.Are there resilient children with ADHD?J Atten Disord. 2021;10870547211025629. doi:10.1177/10870547211025629Boot N, Nevicka B, Baas M.Creativity in ADHD: Goal-directed motivation and domain specificity.J Atten Disord. 2020;24(13):1857-1866. doi:10.1177/1087054717727352Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.PBS News Hour.A ‘perfect storm’ led to an ADHD medication shortage. Here’s why.Chang Z, Ghirardi L, Quinn PD, Asherson P, D’Onofrio BM, Larsson H.Risks and benefits of ADHD medication on behavioral and neuropsychiatric outcomes: a qualitative review of pharmacoepidemiology studies using linked prescription databases.Biol Psychiatry. 2019;86(5):335-343. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.04.009KidsHealth.ADHD medicines.CHADD.Insurance and public benefits.Department of Education.About IDEA.CHADD.Organizing the home and office space.ADDitude Magazine.Famous people with ADHD.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Sedgwick JA, 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. 2019;11(3):241-253. doi:10.1007/s12402-018-0277-6Chan ESM, Groves NB, Marsh CL, Miller CE, Richmond KP, Kofler MJ.Are there resilient children with ADHD?J Atten Disord. 2021;10870547211025629. doi:10.1177/10870547211025629Boot N, Nevicka B, Baas M.Creativity in ADHD: Goal-directed motivation and domain specificity.J Atten Disord. 2020;24(13):1857-1866. doi:10.1177/1087054717727352Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.PBS News Hour.A ‘perfect storm’ led to an ADHD medication shortage. Here’s why.Chang Z, Ghirardi L, Quinn PD, Asherson P, D’Onofrio BM, Larsson H.Risks and benefits of ADHD medication on behavioral and neuropsychiatric outcomes: a qualitative review of pharmacoepidemiology studies using linked prescription databases.Biol Psychiatry. 2019;86(5):335-343. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.04.009KidsHealth.ADHD medicines.CHADD.Insurance and public benefits.Department of Education.About IDEA.CHADD.Organizing the home and office space.ADDitude Magazine.Famous people with ADHD.
Sedgwick JA, 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. 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 Atten Disord. 2021;10870547211025629. doi:10.1177/10870547211025629
Boot N, Nevicka B, Baas M.Creativity in ADHD: Goal-directed motivation and domain specificity.J Atten Disord. 2020;24(13):1857-1866. doi:10.1177/1087054717727352
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.
PBS News Hour.A ‘perfect storm’ led to an ADHD medication shortage. Here’s why.
Chang Z, Ghirardi L, Quinn PD, Asherson P, D’Onofrio BM, Larsson H.Risks and benefits of ADHD medication on behavioral and neuropsychiatric outcomes: a qualitative review of pharmacoepidemiology studies using linked prescription databases.Biol Psychiatry. 2019;86(5):335-343. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.04.009
KidsHealth.ADHD medicines.
CHADD.Insurance and public benefits.
Department of Education.About IDEA.
CHADD.Organizing the home and office space.
ADDitude Magazine.Famous people with ADHD.
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