How does an INTP with ADHD cope and go about their daily lives. Many times, associating a personality type with ADHD or ADD is not so farfetched. There are some personality types that are more likely to have this disorder than others. However, this doesn’t make it easy to diagnose or navigate.
Attention Deficit (Hyperactive) Disorder ADHD or ADD can happen to just about any shy personality type. In order to have a proper diagnosis, however, it is important to look at all the facts and analyze all the data. Some personality types are more prone to certain conditions than others. So, is the INTP prone to ADHD?
This personality type is usually thought to have an attention problem. This usually occurs in their younger years, and things tend to change as we progress from childhood to adulthood. When a child is heavily misunderstood by the people around them, it can pose a problem. Although there are some traits the INTPs have that could make them come off as individuals with ADHD, this isn’t always the case.
The INTP With ADHD
INTPs are known to live in their inner world just like most intuitive introverts. They enjoy spending time in their imagination, and this tags them as dreamers. This means they could be distracted most of the time. The ability to focus on things can be a challenge for them, and people misunderstand this as ADHD. Just because an INTP finds focusing quite difficult doesn’t in any way mean they have ADHD or ADD. They just have a very active inner mind.
Here are signs of ADHD in INTPs.
Hyper-focused
The INTP with ADHD will often encounter series of hyper focus where they can do one thing for hours and not lose their focus. It doesn’t matter what it could be. From reading, cooking, watching a movie etc. until they get it done, they would want to do anything else.
They can go on working for hours nonstop. Without breaks or pauses ensuring they get that activity out of the way. INTPs are dreamers and most times want to get lost in their imagination but not at this time. Hyper focus is very common for INTPs with ADHD
Lack of Focus
Then there’ll be moments when they have absolutely no interest in anything they are doing and could perform one task or a series of tasks over and over again. Sometimes they might procrastinate till the very last minute. Why? Because they are lost in a daydream. Thinking about things they really shouldn’t.
This eventually frustrates their brains, especially when they get reminded, they have to perform a task as soon as possible. And it turns into an internal struggle that can eventually wear them out.
Related: The INTP Dark Side- What to Expect
Coping Mechanisms for INTPs With ADHD
Although there is absolutely no scientific data to prove that ADHD happens to all INTPs, they do share a lot of characteristics. The INTP shares some traits with ADHD and this could lead to a misdiagnosis. However, there are INTPs who have ADHD and here are a few ways they can cope with It.
1. Have A Work Station
One way to maintain attention as an INTP with ADHD is by having your own designated work area. Working from your couch or your bed is a great way to get distracted. You can easily roll over and sleep, etc. The goal is to reinforce the idea that you should be currently working.
2. Eliminate Distractions
Your work area should contain just work-related things, as eliminating all distractions is the goal. This change is very hard, but with practice, it should get a little easier. If working in silence distracts you, try working with music. If working with music distracts you, then try working without.
3. Breakdown Your Work
One thing that could be overwhelming you is carrying out your tasks as a whole. Breaking them down into manageable tasks is one way to increase efficiency. This might not always work in getting the entire work done because it’s still a struggle but it helps a lot more than you’d think.
4. Be Physically Active
Being physically active helps in retaining your focus. Staying all day in front of the screen can wear you out, and exercise is a great way to keep your brain sharp. Take a walk, do some yoga, stretch a little.
You’ll be surprised by how much you can get done just by doing this. Coping with ADHD may see hard but be assured it’s not impossible.
