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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Creativity

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Encyclopedia of Creativity, Invention, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
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Synonyms

ADD; Attention deficit disorder; Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Hyperkinesis; Hyperkinetic disorders

Introduction

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder marked by impairing levels of either (1) inattention, (2) hyperactivity and impulsivity, or (3) both combined. Despite these impairments, some clinicians and the authors of some of the most popular ADHD self-help books have asserted that this disorder comes with high levels of creativity. Similarly, giftedness specialists have observed and written about high incidences of ADHD traits in the creatively gifted population. In addition, high-profile entrepreneurs have publicly credited their ADHD for their high creativity and entrepreneurial success in major North American media outlets such as The New York Times and USA Today. Prominent examples have included David Neeleman, founder of JetBlue airlines, and Paul Orfalea, founder of Kinko’s (now FedEx Office). However, there has not yet been much...

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Correspondence to Jean-Pierre Issa .

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Issa, JP. (2013). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Creativity. In: Carayannis, E.G. (eds) Encyclopedia of Creativity, Invention, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3858-8_29

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3858-8_29

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-3857-1

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