Although ADHD includes the word “disorder” in its title, this condition ultimately means your brain works a bit differently than that of people without ADHD — and it doesn’t have to be a “bad thing.”
ADHD, or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is commonly described as a brain disorder that causes inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. (Learn more symptoms of ADHD in adults here.) While this description is technically accurate, it doesn’t capture the strengths that often come hand in hand with the “ADHD brain.”
Dr. Diaz is a psychologist at NYU Langone Health.
Dr. Patel is a pediatrician at New York Presbyterian-Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital.
Dr. Hartstein is the owner of Hartstein Psychological Services, a group psychotherapy practice in New York City.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). What is ADHD?
Konrad, K, et al. (2010). Is the ADHD brain wired differently? A review on structural and functional connectivity in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Human Brain Mapping.
Sedgwick, J, et al (2018). The positive aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a qualitative investigation of successful adults with ADHD. ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders.
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