Study finds positive self-reported aspects of the ADHD experience among young women, especially related to hyperactivity and hyperfocus

– Three young Norwegian women. Source: Young and Promising show (SBS) As is true for children and adolescents, many adults experience substantial challenges related to having ADHD. These challenges often include relationship problems, educational and work challenges, difficulty adhering to long-term plans and goals, and time and money management difficulties. Given these well-documented difficulties, it is not surprising that ADHD treatment with adults has largely adopted a deficit model that emphasizes reducing the symptoms and impairments associated with the condition. While these are important treatment goals, and the focus of much treatment research, little attention has been given to positive aspects of ADHD that some may experience. Attending to this is important, as it could reduce stigma, provide ideas about a strength-based approached to treatment, and perhaps contribute to reducing the demoralization that some adults with ADHD experience. A study published recently in BMJ Open, titled Silver linings of ADHD: a thematic analysis of adults’ positive experiences with living with ADHD, provides interesting new information on the positive features of ADHD that some adults report. Participants were 50 adults in Norway–nearly 90% were women; media age = 34 years–with self-reported ADHD who were participating in a study of a new online, self-directed treatment for ADHD in adults (study summary here). During the study, participants were asked to describe what they ex...
Source: SharpBrains - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Tags: Attention & ADD/ADHD ADHD experience ADHD-Treatment cognition cognitions cognitive cognitive-abilities cognitive-behavioral-therapy deficits impairments resilience treatment research ymptoms Source Type: blogs