What is ADHD?
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurodevelopmental disorders are primarily associated with the functioning of the neurological system and brain.
ADHD is expressed during childhood and can persist well into adulthood. There are different types of ADHD, but the condition is generally characterised by hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Individuals living with undiagnosed ADHD can often struggle with anxiety, depression, mood swings, and weight management issues. Undiagnosed ADHD can also lead to presentations such as addictive behaviours, substance misuse and alcohol.
When a person has a neurodevelopmental condition like ADHD, life can feel isolating and confusing, especially as these conditions can sometimes remain undiagnosed and untreated. This is why it is so important to obtain an assessment and diagnosis as soon as possible if you believe you may have ADHD. A specialist ADHD psychiatrist will help patients towards an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan which can significantly improve quality of life.
However, it is important to remember that while ADHD can be challenging to live with, it can also be a superpower that should be harnessed. Let’s find out more…
ADHD as a superpower
Having ADHD does not mean you have an illness or disease; it means your brain works in a different way from other people. While this may make day to day life more challenging for someone with ADHD, it can also mean that the individual has capabilities outside of the ‘norm’ which can be very positive. For example, ADHD is linked to:
- Creativity and innovation
- Ability to hyperfocus
- High levels of energy and performance
- Resilience
- Social and emotional intelligence
- Tenacity
These qualities mean that individuals with ADHD are frequently found in top-level positions within leading companies. Many ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals have ADHD.
What are some ADHD Superpowers?
Problem solving
Many individuals with ADHD cite ‘problem solving’ as one of their superpowers. One theory is that the speed and frequency of thoughts in the brain of someone with ADHD can help them devise unique solutions to tricky situations that neurotypical people may miss.
Individuals with ADHD have also claimed to be able to think of several ideas at once and connect them in creative ways. There is also the theory that people with ADHD have an ability to immediately ‘see the bigger picture’, allowing them to automatically understand how pieces of a puzzle need to fit together to create a long-term solution.
Creativity and Imagination
Parents of children with ADHD often report that they are astounded by how creative and imaginative their child is, for example, being able to invent adventurous stories and characters in great depth and detail.
Individuals with ADHD also talk about how they are able to have more than one idea in their brains at any one time.
It certainly seems that people with ADHD can go one step further than just “thinking outside the box”!
Perseverance and Resilience
Perhaps these qualities are born out of a struggle to succeed in some areas of everyday life in a way that neurotypical people don’t. But whatever the reason, it’s apparent that individuals with ADHD possess a resilience and determination to succeed.
Parents of children with ADHD claim that their children will do whatever it takes to achieve what they want, such as studying continuously for hours if they want to pass an exam.
It is commonly cited that individuals with ADHD are no strangers to struggles, but what sets them apart is their ability to pick themselves up, rise above it, and carry on. If strength of character and perseverance are superpowers, then individuals with ADHD are undoubtedly superheroes!
Laser Focus
It is often claimed that individuals with ADHD have the ability to ‘laser focus’ on a task, and as a result are able to complete much more, much faster, than those without this superpower.
Individuals with ADHD report becoming so focused on a task that they forget to eat all day, or don’t realise it has become nighttime. This is especially true of subjects that the individual is especially interested in.
In a workplace setting, those with ADHD often find that they can sit down to work on a project and immediately get started, and work at a speed that others would struggle to accomplish. This makes individuals excellent colleagues in emergency situations where working quickly is required.
High energy levels
Many individuals with ADHD claim that they never run out of energy; they just keep going and going!
Parents of children with ADHD talk about how their children love to hike and climb, or excel within running clubs. Children with ADHD often need to find an outlet for their energy and benefit from taking on active hobbies in their spare time.
For most neurotypical people, feeling endlessly energetic and having the ability to keep going without feeling tired is surely a superpower they would love to possess!
Social and emotional intelligence
It is often said that people with ADHD are highly emotionally and socially intelligent. Perhaps this stems from being thought of as “different”- this can lead to compassion and understanding for others who are struggling.
Individuals with ADHD are often empathetic, knowing how to put themselves in others’ shoes in order to help them. Offering to help those who are less fortunate is also a common trait of people with ADHD.
It is also frequently claimed that people with ADHD have a great sense of humour and are often the one making others laugh or lightening the mood.
When you look at that list of superpowers, it’s not hard to see why so many individuals with ADHD are at the top of their game!
If you think you may have undiagnosed ADHD, the correct assessment and diagnosis can help you harness your superpowers and live a happier, healthier life.
Sanctum is a specialist ADHD clinic based in Wilmslow, Cheshire. Our specialist psychiatrists guarantee to respond to all ADHD enquiries within 24 hours, and patients can expect to be assessed and diagnosed within just one day.
