ADHD: feature not bug

Northern Tanzania’s Hadza member

The article "Did ADHD Evolve to Help Us?" published on Psychology Today introduces an evolutionary psychology perspective on ADHD, suggesting that traits commonly associated with this condition could have had adaptive values in nomadic environments of early human societies.

The supporting study of the Ariaal pastoralists in Kenya finds the ADHD-like DRD4/7R gene variant more prevalent in nomadic groups, which hints at its possible evolutionary benefits in those settings.

This view fosters a more compassionate approach in therapy, where ADHD is seen not as a deficit but as a cognitive style suited to particular environmental challenges. Recognizing these traits as adaptive rather than disruptive could help therapists and educators create more supportive and inclusive environments, promoting acceptance and leveraging the unique strengths of individuals with ADHD.

Evolutionary psychology thus emerges as a crucial tool in increasing empathy and understanding within the therapeutic context, helping to reshape societal attitudes towards neurodiversity.