ADHD and creativity may share a common mechanism, researchers say

The broad, easily shifting attention associated with ADHD may sometimes help people generate unusual ideas, according to a review of existing research published in “iScience.” The researchers do not say that people with ADHD are naturally more creative.

ADHD is linked to difficulty sustaining focus on one task, susceptibility to distraction and impulsivity. Researchers from Germany, France and Lebanon argue that this pattern of attention is not always a disadvantage. One possible mechanism, they say, is “diffuse attention,” in which a person takes in more stimuli instead of focusing narrowly on a single source of information.

The authors compare the difference to a spotlight. For most people, its beam may cover a relatively small area. With ADHD, the beam may be wider, taking in several pieces of information at once. That can make routine tasks requiring prolonged concentration more difficult, but it may also help people explore different solutions and connect information that initially appears unrelated.

Free association and mind-wandering may play a similar role. Drifting away from the main line of thought can undermine concentration, the researchers say, while also helping new associations and creative ideas emerge.

The researchers suggest examining whether this broader attentional style can be used in activities such as painting, music, dance and writing. Such activities allow people to move between ideas, experiment and form new connections. If they also engage and absorb a person with ADHD, they may activate mechanisms involved in directing attention.

The idea remains unconfirmed. The researchers say creative activities might eventually complement other forms of support for people with ADHD, but further studies are needed. They also call for cooperation among neuroscientists, psychologists, doctors and art therapists to determine who might benefit and under what conditions.