Yes, adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), including the subtype known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), can certainly be introverts. Being an introvert or extrovert is related to a person's personality traits and how they prefer to recharge and interact with others, while ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects attention, impulse control, and sometimes hyperactivity.
Introverts tend to be more inward-focused, enjoying solitary activities, needing alone time to recharge their energy, and often feeling more comfortable with a smaller circle of close friends. On the other hand, extroverts tend to be more outward-focused, seeking social interactions to energize themselves and often feeling comfortable in larger social settings.
ADHD does not dictate whether a person is an introvert or an extrovert. Adults with ADHD can fall anywhere on the introversion-extroversion spectrum, just like individuals without the condition. Some adults with ADHD may identify as introverts and prefer quieter, more solitary activities to help them focus and recharge. Others may identify as extroverts and thrive in social settings, seeking external stimulation to stay engaged.
It's important to recognize that personality traits, such as introversion and extroversion, are distinct from ADHD symptoms. While ADHD can influence how a person interacts with the world and others, it does not determine their personality type.
Each individual is unique, and a person's personality traits, along with their ADHD symptoms, will combine to create a distinctive personality profile. Understanding one's own personality traits and how they may interact with ADHD can be helpful in developing coping strategies and making adjustments to daily life to better manage the challenges associated with the disorder. If someone with ADHD is struggling with managing their symptoms or other aspects of their life, seeking professional support from a healthcare provider or therapist can be beneficial.