ADHD may have been an evolutionary advantage, research suggests

The study offers a potential explanation for why ADHD is more prevalent than expected from random genetic mutations alone and — more broadly — why traits such as distractibility or impulsivity are common.

Traits common to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as distractibility or impulsivity, might have been an evolutionary advantage for our ancestors by improving their tactics when foraging for food, researchers have said.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder with symptoms including impulsiveness, disorganisation, and difficulty focusing. While estimates of prevalence have varied, diagnoses have been rising in many countries.