In a recent interview, Maggie Sibley, a clinical psychologist and psychiatry professor at the University of Washington, shared insights from her latest research on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She noted that while many assume individuals with ADHD find relief in low-stress environments, the opposite may actually hold true.
Sibley explained that her journey began with a previous study in 2022, where she examined a National Institute of Mental Health dataset tracking 600 patients with ADHD over 16 years. “What we found was a pattern of fluctuating ADHD,” she recalled. “Most individuals who improved would often revert back to experiencing symptoms.”
In her most recent study, published in the *Journal of Clinical Psychiatry*, Sibley revisited this dataset to understand what conditions might provide relief for ADHD symptoms. Surprisingly, she discovered that many patients experienced a temporary full recovery during periods of “high environmental demand” or stress. “ADHD patients may do best when they have to rise to the occasion,” she emphasized. “We see that on a micro level—deadlines can feel helpful, allowing for heightened productivity and hyperfocus.”
Psychology PhD student Arij Alarachi, who has researched ADHD and anxiety, supports this notion, suggesting that although the ADHD brain might not change significantly, individuals can adapt their surroundings to better manage their symptoms. “ADHD comes in a lot of different shapes and sizes,” Alarachi pointed out, highlighting the varying strategies individuals employ.
Sara Vranes, diagnosed with ADHD at 36, resonated with this idea. Describing her ability to hyperfocus under pressure as a “superpower,” Vranes shared her experience working with homeless communities, noting her calmness in crisis situations. “I could see everything clearly, envision a process in my mind, and act on it in real time,” she said, while acknowledging that during quieter moments, she often struggles with anxiety and focus.
Sibley’s research indicates that more than half of adults with ADHD also experience anxiety, which may not necessarily be negative. “We call it a protective factor in ADHD,” she explained, pointing out that children with both ADHD and anxiety often respond better to behavioral treatments than those without anxiety.
Furthermore, Alarachi noted that some individuals with ADHD find that their anxiety helps curb impulsivity, providing a form of self-regulation. “Think about it like the gas and the brakes in a car,” Sibley added. “ADHD might be the gas, while anxiety serves as the brakes, helping to inhibit impulsive actions.”
Both researchers and patients agree that understanding individual relaxation methods can be crucial for managing ADHD. While Vranes finds it hard to relax watching TV alone, combining it with phone games helps keep her mind engaged. Sibley has seen patients who thrive on exercise and social interactions to unwind.
“I always tell people with ADHD, you have to learn to write your own owner’s manual,” Sibley advised. “Discover what your brand of relaxation looks like; it’s vital for managing ADHD effectively.”
