Are People with ADHD Happier? Exploring Emotional Intensity and Happiness

Are People with ADHD Happier?

The ADHD Brain: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

If you’ve ever met someone with ADHD, you might have noticed something interesting—they can be bubbling with excitement one moment and frustrated beyond belief the next. So, does that mean people with ADHD are happier than neurotypical individuals? Or does their emotional intensity come with a downside?

Honestly, I’ve wondered the same thing. A friend of mine, Jake, who has ADHD, once told me, "Man, I feel everything at 200%—the joy, the frustration, the boredom." That made me think: Does ADHD actually make people happier, or is it just a different way of experiencing emotions?

Let’s break it down.

1. ADHD and Happiness: Is There a Connection?

1.1. The Hyperfocus High: An Intense Joy

One of the biggest perks of ADHD is something called hyperfocus. Ever met someone who gets so deep into a project that they forget to eat or sleep? That’s ADHD hyperfocus.

When people with ADHD are engaged in something they love, their dopamine levels skyrocket, and they experience an almost euphoric state.
It’s like being completely "in the zone"—where nothing else matters, and everything feels thrilling.

But (and it’s a big "but")…

1.2. The Emotional Rollercoaster

ADHD also comes with rapid mood shifts. One minute, you’re on top of the world. The next, you’re overwhelmed because you forgot your keys for the third time today.

Frustration, boredom, and anxiety are common for people with ADHD, which can make maintaining long-term happiness tricky.
Small setbacks can feel way bigger than they actually are, leading to moments of intense unhappiness.

2. The Science: Are People with ADHD Naturally Happier?

2.1. The Dopamine Factor

Happiness is deeply connected to dopamine, the "feel-good" brain chemical. People with ADHD have lower baseline dopamine levels, which is why they often seek stimulation (chasing excitement, impulsive decisions, adrenaline-filled activities).

High stimulation = moments of extreme happiness.
Low stimulation = deep restlessness and boredom.

So while people with ADHD may experience higher highs, they also experience lower lows—making their happiness more intense but less stable.

2.2. ADHD and Emotional Resilience

Some studies suggest that people with ADHD recover from setbacks faster. Why? Because their attention shifts quickly.

One moment: Total disaster.
Five minutes later: "Ooh, something shiny!" (A new distraction = instant mood boost).

This can be a blessing and a curse. While it helps them move on from negative emotions, it can also make them seem inconsistent or unreliable in their reactions.

3. Can People with ADHD Be Happier Than Neurotypicals?

This is where things get personal. I asked Jake (my ADHD friend) if he thinks he’s happier than the average person. His response?

"Dude, I feel ALIVE! But also, I feel like my brain is on fire half the time. So yeah… it's a trade-off."

3.1. The Joy of Spontaneity

People with ADHD are naturally spontaneous, which means they:

Take more risks (sometimes leading to amazing adventures).
Are more open to new experiences, which is linked to greater happiness.
Can be hilarious and fun to be around because they embrace chaos.

3.2. The Struggle with Stability

However, happiness isn’t just about excitement. It’s also about feeling stable and in control—and that’s where ADHD can make things difficult.

Maintaining relationships, jobs, and daily routines can be stressful.
Forgetfulness and impulsivity can lead to regret or frustration.

So, while ADHD can bring moments of extreme joy, it can also make long-term happiness a real challenge.

4. How to Maximize Happiness with ADHD

If you have ADHD (or know someone who does), there are ways to lean into the positive aspects while managing the tough parts.

4.1. Embrace the Hyperfocus

Find work, hobbies, and activities that excite you.
Structure your day around things that naturally interest you.

4.2. Manage the Low Dopamine Moments

Exercise daily (movement boosts dopamine!).
Use lists, reminders, and timers to stay organized.

4.3. Accept the Chaos—But Have a Plan

Allow yourself to be spontaneous—but create safety nets for stability.
Surround yourself with understanding people who appreciate your energy.

Final Verdict: Are People with ADHD Happier?

Short answer: It depends.

People with ADHD experience happiness more intensely when they’re engaged and excited.
But they also struggle with frustration, impulsivity, and boredom, which can make happiness harder to sustain.

At the end of the day, happiness is about balance. If people with ADHD learn to manage the challenges and embrace their strengths, they can absolutely live a wildly fulfilling life.

So, what do you think? Do ADHDers have an edge when it comes to happiness? Let’s discuss in the comments!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.