Adults with ADHD who use their unique strengths, like creativity and deep focus, tend to be happier and mentally healthier. This is according to a new international study.
The research suggests that leaning into these strengths could improve mental well-being and overall quality of life.
Discovering Hidden Strengths
Scientists from the University of Bath, King’s College London, and Radboud University Medical Center led the study. It's the first large-scale effort to measure psychological strengths in people with ADHD.
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Start Your News DetoxThe study, published in Psychological Medicine, compared 200 adults with ADHD to 200 adults without the condition. Participants rated how much they identified with 25 positive traits. These included creativity, humor, spontaneity, and hyperfocus. Researchers defined these as "things they do well or best."
ADHD is often linked to challenges like impulsivity and trouble focusing. However, these findings highlight the importance of recognizing and using personal strengths.
Luca Hargitai, the lead researcher, noted that these findings show which positive qualities might be tied to ADHD. He said it's empowering to realize that ADHD has several positive aspects, despite its difficulties.
Key Strengths in ADHD
The study found that adults with ADHD were more likely to identify with 10 specific strengths. These included:
- Hyperfocus (deep concentration on interesting tasks)
- Humor
- Creativity
- Spontaneity
- Intuitiveness
Even though adults with ADHD often face challenges in work and relationships, they were just as likely as those without ADHD to recognize and use their strengths daily.
How Using Strengths Helps Well-Being
Participants in both groups who knew their strengths and used them often reported clear benefits. They experienced:
- Higher overall well-being
- Better quality of life (in physical, psychological, social, and environmental areas)
- Fewer symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress
Dr. Punit Shah, a senior author, explained that knowing and using our skills can boost our well-being. He added that this research can help design new psychological support programs.
New Approaches to ADHD Support
These results support a growing trend in mental health care: focusing on strengths. This approach is already used in autism services but has received less attention for ADHD.
Future support could include educational programs, coaching, and therapies. These would help individuals identify and use their strengths more effectively.
Dr. Shah hopes to study whether these interventions can improve mental well-being for adults with ADHD. He noted that people with ADHD have long asked for this kind of support.
Assistant Professor Martine Hoogman emphasized that research on ADHD strengths is still new. She highlighted that their study also included neurotypical people, which helps to better understand ADHD strengths.
She stressed the importance of educating people with ADHD about their potential strengths, not just their challenges. This can improve their quality of life and reduce risks in school or work.
Deep Dive & References
The role of psychological strengths in positive life outcomes in adults with ADHD - Psychological Medicine, 2025
