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Engel-Yeger B. The development and validation of the "SENSE" - Sensory and Behavioral Modulation Questionnaire for adults. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2024; 147:104715. [PMID: 38471295 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Sensory modulation is critical for interacting with the physical and social environment. When sensory input from the environment is not properly perceived and modulated, it may elevate arausability, avoidant behavior, impair function and wellbeing. Sensory modulation difficulties (SMD) are mainly reported during childhood and are related to neurodevelopmental conditions such as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). SMD in adulthood further deteriorate function and emotional status, hence should be screened and treated. Nonetheless, relevant measures of SMD for adults are limited. This study aims to establish the psychometric properties of the "SENSE" - Sensory and Behavioral Modulation Questionnaire for adults. Based on theoretical/clinical knowledge the SENSE measures sensitivity/arousability, habituation and avoidance. After establishing content and face validity, 663 participants aged 18-65 completed a sociodemographic and health questionnaire, the Adult ADHD Scale-5 (ASRS-5), the SENSE and the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS). Factor analysis approved the determination of SENSE scales. Medium- high internal consistency was found. SENSE discriminated between adults with/without ADHD and correlated with HSPS scores, confirming concurrent validity. CONCLUSIONS: SENSE has good psychometric properties and may be feasible for screening sensory-behavioral modulation difficulties in adults. Studies should further examine SENSE applicability to clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batya Engel-Yeger
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
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2
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Schippers LM, Greven CU, Hoogman M. Associations between ADHD traits and self-reported strengths in the general population. Compr Psychiatry 2024; 130:152461. [PMID: 38335571 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND ADHD research has had a clear focus on symptoms, their negative consequences and the treatment of ADHD. However, previous qualitative research found that people with a diagnosis of ADHD also self-report to experience strengths related to their ADHD. This is one of the first quantitative studies to investigate multiple self-reported strengths in relation to ADHD traits in a general population sample. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the relationship between multiple self-reported strengths with ADHD traits in the general population using quantitative measures. METHODS Our sample consisted of individuals from the general population in the UK, aged 18-60, n = 694. Next to assessing ADHD traits, we collected data on ten instruments investigating strengths that in qualitative research were reported to be related to ADHD. Correlation analysis (primary) was supplemented by factor and network analyses (exploratory). RESULTS We found positive correlations between ADHD traits and hyperfocus, sensory processing sensitivity, and cognitive flexibility. CONCLUSIONS People with more ADHD traits score higher on several strengths, for other strengths we were not able to show a positive correlation in this population-bases sample. Information on strengths may aid people with elevated ADHD traits cope with their condition, and has potential to provide new angles for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Schippers
- Radboud University Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Human Genetics, the Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Psychiatry, the Netherlands
| | - C U Greven
- Radboud University Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, the Netherlands; Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - M Hoogman
- Radboud University Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Human Genetics, the Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Psychiatry, the Netherlands.
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3
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Fabio RA, Orsino C, Lecciso F, Levante A, Suriano R. Atypical sensory processing in adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A comparative study. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2024; 146:104674. [PMID: 38306842 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Atypical sensory processing is common in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Despite growing evidence that ADHD symptoms persist into adolescence, the sensory processing of individuals with ADHD in this age group is limited. The aim of this study was to assess differences in self-reported sensory experiences between adolescents with and without ADHD. One hundred thirty-eight Italian adolescents aged between 14 and 18 years (M=16.20; SD= ± 1.90) participated in the study. Sixty-nine participants with ADHD were matched by gender, age, and IQ to 69 typically developing individuals. The sensory processing of all participants was assessed using the Adolescent Sensory Profile (ASP) on the components: low registration, sensation seeking, sensory sensitivity, and sensation avoiding. Moreover, the modalities of ASP were measured: movement, vision, touch, activity level, hearing, and taste/smell. Results show that the ADHD group consistently displayed higher scores across all four components of the sensory profile compared to the control group. The subjects with ADHD also reported higher scores than the control group in all the modalities of ASP. These results confirming the presence of atypical sensory processing in adolescents with ADHD were discussed considering the Cumulative and Emergent Automatic Deficit model (CEAD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Angela Fabio
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy
| | - Caterina Orsino
- Department of Cognitive, Psychological and Pedagogical Sciences and Cultural Studies, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy
| | - Flavia Lecciso
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Annalisa Levante
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Rossella Suriano
- Department of Cognitive, Psychological and Pedagogical Sciences and Cultural Studies, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy.
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Di Paola L, Nocentini A, Levantini V, Masi G, Milone A, Muratori P. The Role of Environmental Sensitivity in the Relationship Between Childhood Maltreatment and Self-Conscious Emotions of Shame and Guilt: A Brief Report. Psychol Rep 2023:332941231223677. [PMID: 38128122 DOI: 10.1177/00332941231223677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The association between childhood maltreatment and self-conscious emotions has been proven by the literature, but with limited attention to the specific moderating mechanisms involved. Highly sensitive individuals show emotional reactivity, ease of overstimulation, which make them more influenced by childhood maltreatment experiences. The study aims to test whether environmental sensitivity moderated the link between childhood maltreatment and self-conscious emotions of shame and guilt. The sample included 128 children referred for Oppositional Defiant Disorder (M age = 9.05; SD = 1.34). Results showed a significant interaction between maltreatment and environmental sensitivity on guilt and shame (B = 1.81, SE = .84, p < .05; B = 1.69, SE = .83, p < .05): highly sensitive children presented higher levels of shame and guilt following experiences of maltreatment as compared to low sensitive children. These findings may contribute to the literature on the role of environmental sensitivity as an individual trait moderating the effect of a contextual experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Di Paola
- Department of Education, Languages, Interculture, Literature and Psychology, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Annalaura Nocentini
- Department of Education, Languages, Interculture, Literature and Psychology, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Masi
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Annarita Milone
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Pietro Muratori
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
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Panagiotidi M, Zavlis O, Jones M, Stafford T. The three-dimensional community structure of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits captured by the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale: An exploratory graph analysis. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res 2023; 33:e1997. [PMID: 38010081 PMCID: PMC10804265 DOI: 10.1002/mpr.1997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To employ a novel analytic method-namely, exploratory graph analysis (EGA)-to subclinical attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) trait scores in order to reveal their dimensional structure, as well as compare EGA's performance with traditional factor-analytic techniques in doing so. METHOD 1149 respondents from a survey panel completed the ASRS, a common ADHD scale made up of 18 distinct trait measures. EGA and factor analysis were applied to identify traits which associate with each other. RESULTS EGA revealed 3 distinct communities, and ruled out a 2-community structure. This was in contrast to the 2-factor structure suggested by the factor analysis, and the conventional division of ADHD into two subdimensions (hyperactivity and inattention). CONCLUSION A dimensional structure of three clusters (hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention) may better reflect the traits underlying ADHD. EGA has benefits in terms of both analytic approach and interpretability of findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Orestis Zavlis
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Myles Jones
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Tom Stafford
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
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Morellini L, Izzo A, Celeghin A, Palermo S, Morese R. Sensory processing sensitivity and social pain: a hypothesis and theory. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1135440. [PMID: 37388415 PMCID: PMC10303917 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1135440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory-processing sensitivity (SPS) defined, as a personality trait, seems to be characterized by emotional sensitivity, and stronger reactivity to both external and internal stimuli. SPS can represent a risk factor for developing clinical conditions during childhood and adolescence. This personality trait is not to be considered a pathological clinical condition, however, can expose to greater environmental vulnerability. In particular, the recent studies about SPS can be contextualized to social situations that evoke traumatic and stressful emotional responses such as social exclusion. We hypothesize that highly sensitive people (HSP) are more vulnerable to social exclusion and social pain. This hypothesis could help structure new educational and intervention models designed to improve coping strategies and promote HSP's psychophysical and social well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Morellini
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Alessia Izzo
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | | | - Sara Palermo
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Neuroradiology Unit, Diagnostic and Technology Department, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosalba Morese
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
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McGarrigle R, Mattys S. Sensory-Processing Sensitivity Predicts Fatigue From Listening, But Not Perceived Effort, in Young and Older Adults. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2023; 66:444-460. [PMID: 36657070 PMCID: PMC10023191 DOI: 10.1044/2022_jslhr-22-00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Listening-related fatigue is a potential negative consequence of challenges experienced during everyday listening and may disproportionately affect older adults. Contrary to expectation, we recently found that increased reports of listening-related fatigue were associated with better performance on a dichotic listening task. However, this link was found only in individuals who reported heightened sensitivity to a variety of physical, social, and emotional stimuli (i.e., increased "sensory-processing sensitivity" [SPS]). This study examined whether perceived effort may underlie the link between performance and fatigue. METHOD Two hundred six young adults, aged 18-30 years (Experiment 1), and 122 older adults, aged 60-80 years (Experiment 2), performed a dichotic listening task and were administered a series of questionnaires including the NASA Task Load Index of perceived effort, the Vanderbilt Fatigue Scale (measuring daily life listening-related fatigue), and the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (measuring SPS). Both experiments were completed online. RESULTS SPS predicted listening-related fatigue, but perceived effort during the listening task was not associated with SPS or listening-related fatigue in either age group. We were also unable to replicate the interaction between dichotic listening performance and SPS in either group. Exploratory analyses revealed contrasting effects of age; older adults found the dichotic listening task more effortful but indicated lower overall fatigue. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that SPS is a better predictor of listening-related fatigue than performance or effort ratings on a dichotic listening task. SPS may be an important factor in determining an individual's likelihood of experiencing listening-related fatigue irrespective of hearing or cognitive ability. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.21893013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronan McGarrigle
- Department of Psychology, University of Bradford, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Sven Mattys
- Department of Psychology, University of York, United Kingdom
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Turjeman-Levi Y, Kluger AN. Sensory-processing sensitivity versus the sensory-processing theory: Convergence and divergence. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1010836. [PMID: 36533027 PMCID: PMC9752870 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1010836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Two individual-difference theories focus on sensory sensitivity: one emanating from psychology-sensory-processing-sensitivity (SPS); and one from occupational therapy-sensory processing theory (SP). Each theory is coupled with its measure: the highly-sensitive-person scale (HSPS) and the adolescent adult sensory profile (ASP). The constructs of both theories were claimed to be independent of neuroticism. To assess the convergence of these measures, we recruited participants from a general population and a Facebook Group dedicated to people high in SPS. The participants, N = 1,702 M age = 26.9 (66.7% female), answered the HSPS, ASP, and neuroticism questionnaires. We subjected the HSPS and the APS to exploratory graph analysis. To assess the divergence of these measures from neuroticism, we performed meta-analyses. We also used a subsample obtained in an unrelated study, N = 490, to correlate HSPS and APS with the Big Five and additional measures. The results suggested that (a) the latent structure of these measures conforms to the theories only partially, (b) some of the sub-scales of these two measures correlated highly, r = 0.63, but low enough to suggest divergence, (c) both differentially predict membership in a Facebook group, and (d) both are not isomorphic with neuroticism. We concluded that HSPS primarily measures the emotional reaction to sensory stimulation, whereas ASP the behavioral reactions. We offer shorter yet reliable measures for both theories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaara Turjeman-Levi
- The Hebrew University Business School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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9
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Piccardi ES, Gliga T. Understanding sensory regulation in typical and atypical development: The case of sensory seeking. DEVELOPMENTAL REVIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dr.2022.101037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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10
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Ishibashi S, Murata J, Tokunaga A, Imamura A, Kawano K, Iwanaga R, Tanaka G. Relationship between Sensitivity Tendency and Psychological Stress Reactivity in Healthy Students. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10050949. [PMID: 35628086 PMCID: PMC9141519 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10050949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and psychological stress reactivity in 69 healthy Japanese university students. The Japanese version of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale and the Japanese version of the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile were used for subjective assessment. The Galvanic skin response was measured as an objective measure of stress responses while the participants were completing the Stroop task. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the Spearman rank correlation coefficient, and the Mann−Whitney U test were conducted for data analysis. The results demonstrated that there was no significant correlation between the Japanese version of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale and Galvanic skin response. However, there was a marginal trend toward significance between low registration in the Japanese version of the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile and Galvanic skin response (rs = 0.231, p < 0.10; rs = 0.219, p < 0.10), suggesting that self-rated sensitivity was not necessarily associated with objective measures. These results indicate that sensory processing sensitivity analyses require the consideration of the traits and characteristics of the participants and multifaceted evaluations using a sensitivity assessment scale other than the Japanese version of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syunsaku Ishibashi
- Department of Occupational Therapy Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8520, Japan; (S.I.); (A.I.); (R.I.); (G.T.)
- Saikai Hospital, 1500 Gonjojimachi, Sasebo 859-3213, Japan
| | - Jun Murata
- Department of Occupational Therapy Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8520, Japan; (S.I.); (A.I.); (R.I.); (G.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-95-819-7923
| | - Akiko Tokunaga
- Department of Health Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8520, Japan;
| | - Akira Imamura
- Department of Occupational Therapy Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8520, Japan; (S.I.); (A.I.); (R.I.); (G.T.)
| | - Kojiro Kawano
- Tikumaso Mental Hospital, 4-6 Chuouhigashi, Ueda 386-8584, Japan;
| | - Ryoichiro Iwanaga
- Department of Occupational Therapy Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8520, Japan; (S.I.); (A.I.); (R.I.); (G.T.)
| | - Goro Tanaka
- Department of Occupational Therapy Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8520, Japan; (S.I.); (A.I.); (R.I.); (G.T.)
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11
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Hoffmann A, Marhenke R, Sachse P. Sensory processing sensitivity predicts performance in an emotional antisaccade paradigm. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2022; 222:103463. [PMID: 34952450 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2021.103463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is a common, heritable, and evolutionarily conserved trait, describing inter-individual differences in responsiveness and a more cautious approach to novel stimuli. It is associated with increased activation of brain regions involved in awareness, integration of sensory information, and empathy during processing of emotional faces. Furthermore, SPS is related to better performance in a visual detection task. Even though SPS is conceptualized to be closely related to traits characterized by pausing before acting, no study to date has assessed the relation between SPS and inhibitory control in a behavioral inhibition task. The present study fills this gap by investigating how SPS influences individual performance on two different antisaccade paradigms including emotional face stimuli. In addition, we assessed self-reported mood, anxiety, and depressiveness. Results showed that SPS was related to faster processing speed on the emotional, but not the classic antisaccade paradigm. Moreover, SPS predicted inhibitory control speed above mood and depressiveness. Our results provide evidence that higher SPS participants show superior inhibitory abilities, especially during the processing of emotional stimuli. This is in line with earlier findings showing better performance in a visual detection task as well as increased brain activation during emotional face processing.
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12
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Schippers LM, Horstman LI, van de Velde H, Pereira RR, Zinkstok J, Mostert JC, Greven CU, Hoogman M. A qualitative and quantitative study of self-reported positive characteristics of individuals with ADHD. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:922788. [PMID: 36311492 PMCID: PMC9597197 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.922788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Research in Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has had a clear focus on treatment and the dysfunction in specific situation associated with the condition. However, self-report, observational and anecdotal evidence indicates that there are also positive aspects associated with ADHD. Research on the potential positive features in individuals with an ADHD diagnosis is still limited, especially studies with larger representative samples. Here we performed qualitative research to identify positive aspects and strengths associated with ADHD in a large convenience sample from the Dutch organization for people with ADHD, dyslexia and dyscalculia. We sent out open-ended questionnaires to the members of the organization, asking what they consider to be positive aspects of their ADHD. From the responses of individuals with ADHD (n = 206), we extracted 116 codes, which were assigned to thirteen subthemes, which in turn led to five themes. These themes were: Creativity, Being dynamic, Flexibility, Socio-affective skills, and Higher-order cognitive skills. Core symptoms of ADHD such as impulsivity and hyperactivity were also considered positive aspects of ADHD by a minority of participants. After showing our results to a group of additional individuals with ADHD (focus group) they confirmed the identified positive aspects of ADHD. They also helped us with the interpretation of our findings and mentioned certain positive aspects to be a consequence of living with ADHD (being open minded and being honest). In conclusion, experiencing positive aspects seems to be common in ADHD as almost all participants reported positive aspect of ADHD, these aspects cover many different domains. Awareness about ADHD's strengths might help individuals with ADHD and their environment to better cope with, accept or embrace their diagnosis and for example make educational or occupational choices that fit them well. To incorporate these positive aspects in the understanding of ADHD, future research should focus on quantifying strengths in ADHD, and on investigating the link between these aspects and clinical characteristics and how this new knowledge can be implemented in psychoeducation and find its way to education and occupational settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lessa M Schippers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Lisa I Horstman
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Hans van de Velde
- ADHD-Europe, Chair Science Committee Adult Patient Organization ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyscalculia, Impuls & Woortblind, Nijkerk, Netherlands
| | - Rob Rodrigues Pereira
- Medical Center Kinderplein, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Dutch Adult Patient Organization ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyscalculia, Impuls & Woortblind, Nijkerk, Netherlands
| | - Janneke Zinkstok
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jeanette C Mostert
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Corina U Greven
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands.,King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martine Hoogman
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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