Much of our understanding of ADHD in adults focuses on the difficulties associated with the condition. But new research now shows that it also brings fantastic psychological strengths.
The positives of ADHD
While ADHD is often discussed in terms of difficulties or even limitations, this tells only part of the story. Emerging evidence shows that ADHD is also associated with some distinct psychological strengths.
A recent study – the largest empirical examination to date – compared 200 adults with ADHD and 200 adults without ADHD across various measures. It revealed something interesting.
The study, which was published in Cambridge University Press in October, identified positive traits and characteristics that were more commonly self-reported by adults with ADHD. These positive traits included creativity, a sense of humour, spontaneity, image thinking and hyperfocus.
The research also found that when those adults had a better recognition of their own personal strengths these then led to better life outcomes. This included greater physical, psychological, social and environmental quality of life, higher subjective wellbeing and fewer mental health symptoms. And within the ADHD group, when a person used those personal strengths on a regular basis there were even more strongly linked to better global quality of life than when they just recognised them.
Taken together, these findings point to something quietly powerful. ADHD is not simply a condition to be managed or endured. Instead we can think of it as a different way of engaging with the world, one that carries its own set of strengths. When adults with ADHD are supported to recognise and actively use those strengths, the impact reaches far beyond symptom reduction. It shows up in how they feel about their lives, their relationships, their sense of purpose and their overall wellbeing.
Rather than asking people with ADHD to constantly compensate for what they lack, this research invites a different approach – one that values what is already there. With greater awareness, education and strengths-based support, ADHD can shift from being a source of ongoing struggle to a foundation for a fuller, more satisfying life.
Understanding ADHD in adults in Australia
This new research comes at the right time as the number of ADHD diagnoses in adults continues to climb in Australia. In fact, the number of Australian adults on ADHD medication rose by a massive 450% in the 10 years to 2022-23. It’s believed that approximately 2.5% of adults have the condition.
This comes on the back of greater awareness of neurodiversity generally, thanks to public awareness and even the impacts of social media.
What is ADHD in adults?
Understanding ADHD in adults can be different to ADHD in children. While there is overlap, the signs and symptoms can vary (and vary quite widely). They can also change over time.
The signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults can include:
- Trouble staying focused or, alternatively, hyperfocus
- Being chronically late or so focused on being late, that you’re chronically early
- Often forgetting appointments and commitments
- Frequently losing or misplacing belongings
- Inability to complete lengthy tasks
- Persistent disorganisation
- Problems with time management
- Procrastination
- Talking excessively, interrupting and finishing others’ sentences
- Relationship issues
- Often feeling restless and fidgety
- Becoming bored easily
- Having trouble sitting still
- Impulsivity
- Poor self-control, drawn to risky behaviour
- Easily stressed, irritable or explosive
- Low self-esteem or insecurity
- Sleep issues
- Dopamine seeking behaviour such as overeating, excessive social media, substance use or even risky behaviour like adventure seeking
Many adults who are just being diagnosed have developed masking strategies over time to hide their ADHD symptoms. This can be done consciously or unconsciously in an attempt to fit in. It may have begun as a child and become a habit into adulthood.
Examples of masking include over-preparing, scripting conversations, suppressing natural emotions, avoiding certain situations and then rumination and recrimination (toward yourself) after certain situations.
Masking may have helped you ‘fit in’ better as a child, but masking symptoms can have negative effects. Some of these negative impacts are exhaustion, burnout, identity and self-esteem problems, social difficulties and even physical problems. It can also make seeking a diagnosis more difficult.
Understanding how to manage ADHD in adults
Managing ADHD as an adult isn’t about ‘fixing’ who you are. It’s about understanding how your brain works, recognising both the challenges and the strengths, and finding ways to support yourself so you can thrive in daily life.
Get a diagnosis
First, it’s important to book a professional assessment to receive a diagnosis. If you’re exploring whether ADHD may be part of your experience, a professional assessment is an important first step. With so much information available online and on social media, self-diagnosis has become increasingly common. While this content can be validating, it can also be misleading and a professional can help you understand your particular situation.
Keep in mind that everyone’s brains operate differently. There’s not one ‘right’ way to think or behave. And even if you found that some of the signs and symptoms we listed above apply to you, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have ADHD.
Young Minds Network offers tailored ADHD assessments (attention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, executive functioning difficulties) for clients. Our psychologists have a professional understanding of ADHD in adults and are able to give you the right diagnosis and the right support. You’ll also receive a comprehensive report after your assessment.
Seek professional support
If you’re diagnosed with ADHD, you might like to book an appointment with a psychologist. A trusted professional can help you better understand your ADHD, support your mental wellbeing and work with you to build strategies that align with how you naturally think and operate and help you take advantage of the unique strengths ADHD also brings to you. Rather than focusing only on reducing difficulties, therapy can also help you harness strengths such as creativity, problem-solving ability and hyperfocus.
Young Minds Network also offers a telehealth therapy service if needed. And if you find that medication might be the best approach for you, we can refer you on to a psychiatrist who can help. Or, from December, GPs in Queensland will also be able to prescribe and change prescriptions of psychostimulant medications for adults with ADHD.
Lifestyle changes
There are small, practical changes you can make in everyday life that can help support how your ADHD brain naturally works. Learning more about ADHD can help you understand your own patterns, strengths and needs, so you can work with your energy rather than constantly pushing against it.
Simple strategies like exercising to improve mood and curb excess energy, talking to friends to reduce stress and receive support or setting timers and alarms for time management could all help. But what will help youwill be different than what might help another person.
Our team can help you dive into your needs and find the right techniques to embrace your strengths and make your day-to-day life feel more manageable and balanced.
Focus on the positive
Remember that having ADHD as an adult is not a negative thing. There are so many strengths associated with the condition and many incredibly accomplished people across a wide variety of fields have been diagnosed with ADHD.
People like Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, Emma Watson and Ryan Gosling have all been diagnosed with ADHD and have leveraged their traits like creativity, high energy and the ability to hyperfocus to achieve incredible success.
With the right understanding, professional support and self-awareness, you harness all the incredible benefits that ADHD brings, and can build a life, career and relationships that lead to a happy, full life – not in spite of ADHD, but alongside it.
Find out how we can assist by making an appointment enquiry today with Young Minds Network, or call us on: 07 3857 0074.
Author: Di O’Malley – Founder and Managing Director of Young Minds Health and Development Network, and Counselling Psychologist.