It’s not easy to spot an INFP with ADHD. This is because several personality types exhibit certain traits that are peculiar to them but are often misdiagnosed as ADHD or ADD.
Some personality types, like INFP, are more prone to be diagnosed with these disorders because there often exhibit similar traits, especially children.
Now, this isn’t to say that INFPs can’t have ADHD. Also, this is not downplaying the severity of ADHD in people’s lives. Far from it. But doctors have to draw the fine line between an INFP exhibiting unique behavioral traits and having ADHD.
Related: Top 20 Signs You’re an INFP (The Mediator Personality)
It doesn’t make sense to diagnose people with ADHD when they’re just acting based on their personality traits. It could harm and stigmatize them for the rest of their lives.
What is ADHD?
This stands for Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder, and it’s commonly found or diagnosed in children. This brain disorder affects how people behave- how they still, stand, and interact with people.
Now the symptoms of ADHD are grouped into two: Inattentive and hyper-impulsive. Let’s take a look at these two symptoms and what they mean for the INFP personality
INFP with ADHD: Inattentive
INFPs struggle with concentrating and focusing on things. As an INFP, I struggle to pay attention to little things daily. There are always a million and one thoughts hovering in my mind.
By the time I start acting on something, another thought flashes through my mind and I go for it, and then I’m unable to have the same mental clarity when I return to the first thing I was doing. I can only concentrate on something for a long period if it captures my attention so much or sparks my curiosity. Even if I digress, I will always come back to where I left off.
INFPs always need fresh ideas and activities to work on because they easily get bored, and with boredom comes the temptation of distraction. They struggle with inattention because they’re always drowning in their own thoughts or daydreaming.
Related: INFP vs ISFP: What to Expect
INFP with ADHD: Hyperactivity
This is not coming from a neurological or behavioral standpoint. But generally, a lot of INFPs struggle with hyperactivity.
If you’re an INFP or close to one, you will see that INFPs do things like say answers before the question is completed or are always interrupting others in their conversation because an idea popped up in their heads. Some of them even find it hard to stay in line. At least I know I do.
I find it hard to stay still or not do anything. I’m the queen of multitasking because there are many things my mind wants to do at the same time.
Now, so many doctors may see all these symptoms and quickly rule out that INFPs with these symptoms have ADHD, but that’s not always the case.
INFP Personality Traits Closely Related to ADHD
Inattention
The typical INFP struggles to pay attention to everyday details. Their minds are constantly bustling with ideas and concepts, so they work to focus on just one thing unless it captures their attention so much. Why does this happen?
INFPs look at the big picture instead of the little details. If they are given a task, they tend to look at how that task will improve their lives at the end of the day. They don’t worry about the minor details. They cut to the chase.
INFP children may struggle to pay attention during class or play activities. They may often daydream when they’re in the midst of people or not listen attentively when someone else is directly speaking to them. They might not finish up chores when they start or even do their homework unless it’s a subject they like.
In most cases, they struggle with organization, like arranging their clothes or putting their rooms in order.
Forgetfulness
INFPs are kings and queens of forgetfulness. They forget very quickly because their minds are often occupied with their thoughts and daydreams. Their minds are worlds of their own- they are a whole different person in their head. It can be really stressful living two realities, so they forget to do things.
Multitasking
INFPs love multitasking because they find it hard to stay still doing one thing. If they’re driving, they’re playing a music. If they’re receiving a lecture, they’re probably hitting their heads on the desk or randomly thinking about a previous experience. When they’re eating, they watching a YouTube video or conversing with someone.
They can only stay still when they’re doing something that deeply intrigues them.
Struggles to Stay Motivated
This is closely linked to inattention. It’s one thing for an INFP to get interested in a venture, but it’s another thing for them to sustain that interest. The typical INFP likes juggling several things because they can be interested in several things at the same time. Once that activity loses its spark, they get bored and move onto something else.
So, if you’re close to INFPs, you may be wondering why they no longer want to do something they previously enjoyed. The simple answer is- they have lost interest.
They Struggle Emotionally
INFPs are very emotional. They can suffer from mood swings, irritability, suffer from low self-esteem, have no sense of security, and are super sensitive to criticism. They hate being on anyone’s bad side.
Other personality types may try to bury their negative emotions, but INFPs don’t. When they feel the slightest negative emotion or feeling like frustration or stress, they become disorganized.
INFP with ADHD: What are the Possible Signs to Look Out For?
There is no way to know that an INFP has ADHD unless he/she has been critically tested and certified by the doctor. However, here are common signs that most INFPs with ADHD have:
- They easily get bored with relationships
- Struggle to keep a job either due to boredom or toxic work environments
- Super hyperactive- tapping their foot, moving their hands, walking around, etc.
- Suffer from severe anxiety and depression because they often feel like a failure
- Excellent or disastrous multitasker
- They love exploring a lot of things
- They struggle to finish what they start
Best jobs for the INFP with ADHD
This isn’t an exhaustive list. But here are some of the best jobs for INFPs with ADHD
- Artist
- Writer
- Design Technologist
- Editor
- Mental health professional
- Physical therapist
- Background actor
- Videographer
- Researcher
- Background actor
- Graphic designer
Final Words
The INFP with ADHD has several hurdles to cross. While they may have traits like empathy and introspection, ADHD poses a different set of challenges. To live a balanced life, such a person has to embrace their differences and seek creative ways to harness their strengths.
