Flourishing Despite Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): a Population Based Study of Mental Well-Being

Despite the mental health and social challenges of ADHD, many adults with ADHD can achieve complete mental health (CMH), which is defined as, (1) the absence of mental illness, substance dependence, and suicidality; (2) the presence of happiness/life satisfaction; and (3) social/psychological well-being. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence and odds of achieving CMH among those with and without ADHD, and to identify factors associated with CMH in a nationally representative sample of Canadians who reported they had been diagnosed with ADHD (n = 480) using data from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey. Two in five adults (42.0%) with ADHD had achieved CMH, in comparison to 73.8% of those without ADHD. Among those with ADHD, CMH was higher among married and physically active respondents, and those who used spirituality to cope with challenges, and lower among those with adverse childhood experiences, debilitating pain, and a history of depression and anxiety. Implications for supporting mental well-being among adults with ADHD are discussed.