There is a long-standing debate on whether ADHD is a condition or a normal reaction to a stimulating world. Now a new offering to those who can’t think still: the brains of people with ADHD function in ways that can benefit them as entrepreneurs, according to research from the West Virginia University John Chambers College of Business and Economics. 

The post Get off the Ritalin, and open a startup appeared first on Green Prophet.

Ditch the drugs and pitch the investors.

New research suggests ADHD is a great asset for the entrepreneur

There is a long-standing debate on whether ADHD is a condition or a normal reaction to a stimulating world. Now a new offering to those who can’t think still: the brains of people with ADHD function in ways that can benefit them as entrepreneurs, according to research from the West Virginia University John Chambers College of Business and Economics.

Associate Professor Nancy McIntyre says we need to switch to from “if ADHD functions” to “how ADHD functions.” The paper is based on a study demonstrating an entrepreneur with ADHD is able to use routines, patterns and habits like a big net that captures and stores stimuli from the environment for later use. Consider that many ADHD people may just need more sleep.

“My coauthors and I are advancing the idea that ADHD is not a cognitive deficit or disability when considering entrepreneurship,” she said. “Someone with ADHD and high entrepreneurial intent might go to a big event and meet person after person with knowledge, advice, contact information, venture capital or other resources to offer. Because their mind tends to hop all over the place, they’re making lots of connections and filing them in a way that allows them to use those resources in the futu