Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-Related Strengths in Adults: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objectives: Increasingly, people with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), their clinicians, and others have called for strengths-based approaches in the understanding of ADHD. A comprehensive and systematic review of ADHD-related strengths has not previously been published. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a scoping review to determine the extent and type of empirical qualitative and quantitative research about strengths that may be related to ADHD in adults. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched for published research. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, PsyArXiv, and other websites were searched for unpublished studies or grey literature. Results: A total of 125 studies were included (61 qualitative studies, 59 quantitative studies, 5 mixed methods studies). Most studies examined ADHD-related strengths a-priori (n = 88; 70%). The majority studied ADHD strengths or experiences in general terms (n = 68; 54%), rather than focussing on a specific strength or characteristic. It was observed that typical ADHD characteristics were sometimes perceived or redefined as strengths: interest-based attention or positive differences in attentional ability (n = 52; 42%), energy or positive differences in activity levels (n = 33; 26%), and adaptive risk-taking or positive aspects of impulsivity (n = 19; 15%). Other strengths identified across studies included: creativity (n = 82; 66%), prosocial attributes (n = 39; 31%), entrepreneurship (n = 14; 11%), resilience (n = 16; 13%), flexibility (n = 14; 11%), uniqueness (n = 16; 13%), and other characteristics (n = 24; 19%). Conclusions: Further research will help mental health professionals support people with ADHD through their challenges while helping them develop and utilise their strengths in contexts where they are most likely to flourish. Pre-registration: https://osf.io/43nd9.