What is Positive about ADHD? A Small Scale Qualitative Investigation about the Views of Adult Males with ADHD

Objective: To investigate positive aspects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adulthood. Method: Open-ended qualitative interviews were used to explore the views of six males diagnosed with ADHD as adults. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: The positive aspects of ADHD found in this study were categorised under 6 core themes: cognitive dynamism, courage, energy, humanity, resilience and transcendence. These core themes were further defined by 19 sub-themes. Eighteen sub-themes were catalogued as positive psychological traits in the Character Strengths and Virtues (CSV) handbook. The remaining 1 sub-theme was characterised as a social construct often used to label people with ADHD as non-conformist. Conclusion: ADHD is a dimensional disorder. Its impact in adult life may not always be maleficent. ADHD in adulthood can also have positive attributes that support high functioning, accomplishment and flourishing.