Scientists have talked about the possible connection of ADHD with creative thinking

Attention disorders that make it difficult to perform everyday tasks in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can potentially support the search for unusual ideas and connections. This is the conclusion reached by the authors of a review article published in the journal iScience.

The work is not a clinical experiment and does not prove that people with ADHD have higher creative abilities in general. The authors compared the results of studies on attention, creativity, and the work of neural networks, and then proposed a model for further verification.

Creative thinking requires a combination of two processes. The first one allows you to freely switch between ideas and find unexpected associations. The second one helps to evaluate these options, select suitable solutions and maintain the final goal. Therefore, creativity requires both spontaneity and cognitive control.

A similar contradiction is observed in ADHD. An expanded field of attention can make it difficult to focus on one task, as a person simultaneously perceives more external signals and internal thoughts. At the same time, such a feature is theoretically capable of facilitating free associations and the search for non-standard combinations.

The authors compare this mechanism to the beam of a searchlight. For most people, it is directed at one limited object, whereas with ADHD it can cover a wider area. This complicates the work that requires long-term concentration, but under certain conditions creates more material for research and combining ideas.

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Both processes are based on the interaction of several brain systems. The passive mode network is associated with internal reflections, memories, and the free wandering of thoughts. The central executive network is involved in the control and evaluation of ideas, while the dorsal and ventral attention networks help direct focus and respond to meaningful stimuli.

In ADHD, the interaction between these systems may differ. However, the differences identified in previous studies are usually small and do not allow brain activity to diagnose a disorder or predict a particular person's creative abilities. The authors suggest that drawing, music, dance, writing, games, and other creative activities can help people with ADHD channel distracted attention into structured work. In this case, we are talking about a hypothesis, not a proven treatment method.

Researchers believe that creative activities have the potential to train the systems involved in attention management. To test this assumption, controlled experiments and long-term observations involving children and adults with a confirmed diagnosis will be needed.

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Psychologists recommend developing cognitive flexibility so that the brain does not age.

On July 8, Medical Xpress reported on the dangers of hiding ADHD symptoms for mental health. According to the publication, such attempts can lead to exhaustion, anxiety and depression, and in the long run can worsen the symptoms of the syndrome itself. Eliminating so-called masking is said to be a lengthy process that requires time and support.