ADHD can be a challenge for anyone to deal with, but it can be especially difficult for INTPs who are already prone to being perfectionists with a lot of interests.
In this article, we will discuss what it is like to have INTP ADHD, are INTPs prone to have ADHD, and how to cope as an INTP with ADHD.
What It’s Like to Be an INTP With ADHD
I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 12 years old.
For me it’s like shifting between two modes: Hyperfocused and bored to death with little to no control over when one switches to the other.
When I’m Hyperfocused, I can do one thing for hours on end without getting distracted. I might be reading something, researching something, or working on a project and I won’t be able to stop until it’s done.
If I’m interested in something intellectual and has something to do with my daily job, I get days where I work nonstop on it without breaks. I will completely forget to eat, drink or even go to the bathroom. Even when I’m not actually working on it, I’ll definitely be daydreaming about it analyzing it in my head.
But on the other hand, there are also times when I will be completely uninterested in what I’m doing and will procrastinate until the very last minute. I will be daydreaming about things that have nothing to do with what I’m supposed to be doing and I’ll have a super hard time focusing on the tasks at hand. What normally takes people one hour to do, takes me about 4 hours between forcing myself to do it and checking my phone for nonexistent notifications and looking for my hairdryer, and analyzing what my boyfriend told me last month.
Another thing that frustrates me is that my brain refuses to cooperate when I want to do something consciously. For example, I’d practice what I should say to my professor all the way to his office, and when I meet him I can’t even remember what I wanted to say exactly, I try to tap into my head for words and they just won’t come.
My brain works best on autopilot, I’m most productive when I act on impulse and if I force my brain to do something it doesn’t want, well, that’s when the real fun starts.
Is There a Correlation Between Being INTP and Having ADHD?
ADHD is often diagnosed in children, but it is possible for adults to have ADHD as well. INTPs are one of the personality types that are most likely to have ADHD.
There’s no scientific evidence that proves that INTPs are more likely to have ADHD than any other personality type, but INTPs naturally have a lot of common traits with ADHD.
INTPs are curious, We use our Dominant Ti and its auxiliary Ne to analyze the hell out of every possibility and idea that comes to mind. We’re perfectionists who want to know everything about a subject before we even start and boy, do we have a lot of interests.
INTPs also have a low threshold for boredom and are very resourceful in finding ways to entertain ourselves.
If you add ADHD symptoms to the mix, it’s easy to see why INTPs would be more likely to have ADHD than other personality types.
How Can You Improve Your Attention Span as an INTP?
What I found that works best for me is:
- To have a designated area for work and not to work in bed or on the couch. For example, I have a desk in my room that I only work at. I never put anything not work-related on it and that’s challenging considering my messiness.
- Eliminating distractions is key, which can be hard when you’re an INTP with ADHD. I try to work in a quiet place without any noise or people talking to me. If that’s not possible I’ll put on headphones and listen to white noise.
- I break down my work into small manageable tasks and I always set a time limit for myself. If I have to read an article, I’ll give myself 30 minutes because I know I can’t focus without a deadline. It doesn’t always work but it helps.
- I also try to do something physical after I’m done working, like taking a walk or going to the gym. I’ve found that it’s hard for me to focus on anything after I’m done working so if I can’t physically move, i’ll at least get up and walk around my room.
- A few months ago, I started writing down thoughts that I get stuck on for longer than necessary. I was a huge plus to be able to put these ideas and thoughts in front of me on paper and analyze them later on and bring my focus back to where it should be. A thought journal is a great practice to stop INTPs from getting stuck on thoughts for a long time and not being productive
- Lastly, I try to be mindful of how I’m feeling. It’s hard for me to deal with my feelings, so I tend to ignore them and push through. This usually backfires and I’ll get overwhelmed and have a meltdown. If I’m feeling overwhelmed, I’ll take a break, even if it’s for 5 minutes, and I’ll try to do something that will make me happy and shift my mentality and bring me to a focused state.
These are just a few things that work for me, but I’m sure other INTPs with ADHD have their own tips and tricks to share. No two INTPs are alike and what works for one may not work for another, so it’s important to find what works best for you and stick to it.
Best Jobs for INTP With ADHD?
INTPs with ADHD would do well in carrers that require fast-paced, changeable environments and that are creative. Jobs that won’t get them bored and allow them to be productive in bursts. Some examples include:
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Software Developer
INTPs with ADHD tend to have a natural curiosity and desire to understand how things work. This makes them well-suited for a career in software development, where they can use their analytical and problem-solving skills to design and develop computer programs. The fast-paced, constantly changing nature of software development can also help to keep them engaged and focused.
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Research Scientist
ADHD INTPs often enjoy working with complex data and theories, and are drawn to careers in research and analysis. As a research scientist, they can use their analytical skills to design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and develop theories and hypotheses.
The mental stimulation and problem-solving opportunities that come with this job can help them to stay focused and engaged.
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Entrepreneur
INTPs with ADHD tend to be independent thinkers who are not afraid to take risks and try new things. This makes them well-suited for a career as an entrepreneur, where they can create their own business, work on their own terms, and pursue their own passions.
The constant challenge and problem-solving opportunities that come with entrepreneurship can help to keep them engaged and focused.
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Consultant
INTP ADHD often enjoy working with complex data and ideas, and are skilled at making connections and identifying patterns. As a consultant, they can use their analytical skills to help organizations solve problems, improve performance, and make strategic decisions.
The variety of projects and clients they would encounter would help in preventing boredom and keeping their minds active.
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Writer/Editor
INTP ADHD are often creative thinkers with a love of words, concepts, and ideas. As a writer or editors, they can use their writing and analytical skills to craft compelling stories, articles, or books, as well as editing and analyzing content for others.
The freedom to think and write without interruption can help them to focus and give them an outlet for their creativity.
FAQs
What’s the Diffrence between INTP and ADHD?
INTP is a personality type and ADHD is a disorder. ADHD is a mental disorder that affects how a person behaves, thinks, and feels. It’s characterized by problems with focus, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. INTPs and people with ADHD, in general, may share some common traits but they are not the same thing.
Are all INTP lazy?
That’s a misconception about INTPs. INTPs are not lazy, we just have a low threshold for boredom. We’re very resourceful in finding ways to entertain ourselves. and we’re productively lazy, meaning we can get things done with the least effort.
CONCLUSION
Being an INTP with ADHD comes with its own set of challenges, but it’s also very rewarding when you learn how to cope with it, even with added medications. I’ve found that the key is to find what works best for you and to be consistent with it.
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