New research links ADHD with creative genius

Recent research claims the creative genius of some of the most influential artists of our time is down to a mild form of Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

ADHD is characterised by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity; particularly in children, the disorder can be debilitating.

However, new research by Professor Michael Fitzgerald of Trinity College, Dublin claims that sufferers have the ability to ‘hyper-focus’ on areas of interest to them. In certain cases, Dr Fitzgerald claims that "the focused work-rate that it produces may enable creative genius to flourish".

At the annual meeting of the Royal College of Psychiatry's Faculty of Academic Psychiatry, Dr Fitzgerald claimed that certain historical figures—such as Picasso, Che Guevara, James Dean, Oscar Wilde and Sir Walter Raleigh—were all identified as having traits of ADHD.

"The same genes that are involved in ADHD can also be associated with risk-taking behaviour," said Dr Fitzgerald.

"While these urges can be problematic or even self-destructive—occasionally leading people into delinquency, addiction, or crime, they can also lead to earth—shattering breakthroughs in the fields of the arts, science, and exploration."

However, Dr. W.J. Levin of adders.org, a website specifically focused on ADHD, said: “ADHD is a very real and devastating genetically inherited Neurological condition.

"For most, the condition is severe enough to warrant medical treatment and possibly further intervention. It presents as a left-brain immaturity-learning problem.

“In teenagers and adults non-treatment, or non recognition or ineffective treatment may lead to school drop-out, delinquency, drugging, driving accidents, job drifting, drinking problems, depression and divorce.”