Why Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) May Be an Advantage in the Modern Workplace

In a new episode of AsapSCIENCE, creators Mitchell Moffit and Gregory Brown  address the causes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), how it is being treated, the increasing number of misdiagnosed individuals and why an individual with ADHD may have an advantage in the modern workplace.

But it turns out that there may be an evolutionary advantage to having classic ADHD symptoms. For hunter-gatherers and nomadic cultures, being restless and hyperactive translates directly into higher chances of successfully bringing home food and increased vigilance for protecting offspring. This means a greater chance of survival and passing on your genes. …On top of this, studies have routinely shown that those with ADHD tend to be more creative in both controlled tests and in real life, as they often think randomly and outside the box. Finally, while structured and orderly school environments may not be conducive to ADHD children, many adults thrive in the right work environment.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.