Which Personality Types Are Most Prone to ADHD? Based on Data
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects people in various ways. Common signs of ADHD include difficulty in paying attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders. So how might personality type be linked to ADHD? In this article, we explore just that.
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects people in various ways. Common signs of ADHD include difficulty in paying attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders. So how might personality type be linked to ADHD? In this article, we explore just that.
Understanding ADHD
Before we explore the relationship between personality type and ADHD, let’s delve deeper into ADHD itself. It’s a condition that affects both children and adults, and it can have a significant impact on daily life, depending on the severity. However, not everyone with ADHD experiences the same symptoms.
There are three primary types of ADHD:
- Hyperactive/Impulsive Type: People with this type exhibit hyperactivity and impulsive behavior, such as fidgeting or interrupting others. When most people think of ADHD, this is likely the type that comes to mind. It often manifests as having difficulty sitting still and acting without thinking carefully.
- Inattentive Type: People with this type have difficulty sustaining attention and focusing on tasks, often leading to forgetfulness and disorganization. This one is more about being easily distracted rather than being hyperactive.
- Combined Type: As the name suggests, this type encompasses both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.
Ranking the 16 personalities based on ADHD occurrence
Now let’s take a look at how personality types relate to ADHD. We ran a survey of over 500 people and asked the question: “Do you know or suspect that you have ADHD?” So this ranking is based on those who have both self-diagnosed and officially been diagnosed with ADHD.
The content of this article is intended for informational purposes only. It shouldn’t serve as a diagnostic tool or medical advice. If you have concerns about ADHD or any mental health condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
1. ENFP (82%)
The most likely personality type to have ADHD or ADHD tendencies is ENFP. This isn’t a huge surprise given they are known as “ideas people” who are highly creative and spontaneous. Their excitability means that they might jump into new projects without necessarily thinking them through, and they can struggle with finishing tasks. ENFPs often have wandering minds that are constantly switching between different ideas and thoughts, which can make it hard for them to maintain focus on one thing. If you’re wondering why ENFPs rank above ENTPs, it could be because ENFPs tend to be more emotional and therefore have a harder time managing their impulses related to their feelings.
2. INFP (77%)
The second most likely personality type to have ADHD or ADHD tendencies is INFP. Similar to ENFPs, they are highly imaginative and creative individuals who can get easily distracted. However, INFPs tend to be lower energy and less outgoing than ENFPs, so they have an inclination to get distracted in a slightly different way. I would guess that inattentive ADHD is most common among INFPs. They are known for being daydreamers and can struggle with sticking to timelines because of their tendency to get lost in their thoughts. They might go off on tangents in their minds or become completely immersed in a topic of interest.
3. ENTP (73%)
Again, it isn’t a huge surprise to see ENTP rank high on this list. They have a similar level of energy, creativity, and impulsiveness to ENFPs, making them more prone to ADHD symptoms. ENTPs are natural idea generators who love bouncing from one idea or project to another. Their quick-thinking minds are always racing, which can make it challenging for them to focus for long periods of time. In addition, their high risk appetite and strong need for novelty can make it difficult for them to stick with one thing for long. Boredom is the enemy of ENTPs, and they often find themselves seeking out new stimulation and challenges.
4. ESTP (71%)
Not far behind ENTP is ESTP. These people are action-oriented individuals who crave excitement and new experiences. They often prefer to live in the moment and can have a hard time planning for the future. Their impulsive nature, combined with their need for stimulation and variety, makes them prone to ADHD symptoms. They are known for being spontaneous, confident risk-takers who thrive on adventure and new challenges. They are slightly more grounded in reality than ENTPs, which can help them stay focused, but they may have impulsive tendencies relating to a need to “do things” in a tangible, hands-on way. ESTPs are one of the most energetic personality types and their desire to keep moving and exploring the physical world likely means that they are more prone to the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD.
5. ISFP (67%)
ISFP ranks pretty high on the list, despite being an introverted and somewhat grounded personality type. In a lot of ways, they are all about living in the present. However, they are known for their artistic and creative nature, making them prone to ADHD symptoms such as daydreaming and struggling to stay focused. ISFPs are the kind of people who could get lost in an art project for hours and completely lose track of time. They tend to be very sensitive and in tune with their emotions, and they feel everything deeply, which can also lead to impulsive behavior.
6. ENTJ (60%)
ENTJ might be higher on this list than you would expect. They are very different people to all of the types ranked above them, but they do have certain traits that can make them prone to ADHD or ADHD tendencies. They are highly ambitious and driven individuals who are always seeking out new challenges and opportunities for growth. Their high energy levels and need to be constantly doing something can make it difficult for them to slow down and focus on one task at a time. While they are strategic and organized thinkers, they can also have a tendency to take charge and jump into action without fully thinking things through. For ENTJs, it’s likely less of a chaotic ADHD and more of a fast-paced, always-on-the-go kind of ADHD.
7. INTP (60%)
INTPs are analytical and curious people who love exploring new ideas and theories. They can struggle with ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness and losing track of time because their minds are always jumping from one thought to another. They can have a hard time focusing on mundane, repetitive tasks and may procrastinate or avoid them altogether. Their introverted nature can make it easier for them to manage their impulsivity compared to other types on this list, but their tendency to get lost in their thoughts can lead to ADHD symptoms, most likely the inattentive type.
8. ESFP (57%)
ESFPs are known for their spontaneous and energetic nature, which can make them more prone to ADHD symptoms. They love just being in the moment and tend to live life with a “go with the flow” mentality. This can mean that they struggle with focus and planning for the future. ESFPs feel everything deeply and are highly attuned to their emotions, which can lead to impulsive behavior based on what they feel in that moment. They also have a strong desire for stimulation and variety in their lives, which can make if difficult for them to stick with one task or project for a long period of time.
9. ENFJ (53%)
ENFJs are highly empathetic and caring individuals who thrive on helping others. They aren’t particularly prone to ADHD, but their high energy levels and desire to always be doing something can make it difficult for them to slow down and focus. They often have hectic social calendars and are always on the go. ENFJs often have a lot of mental chatter, as they are constantly thinking about the needs and emotions of those around them. They might get caught up worrying about others or trying to multitask, leading to challenges with attention and focus.
10. ISFJ (53%)
You might expect ISFJs to be right at the bottom of this list, seeing as they are practical and highly organized individuals who enjoy structure and routine. This may seem like the opposite traits to what you would associate with ADHD, but their perfectionist tendencies can make them prone to certain ADHD symptoms, such as difficulty completing tasks and procrastination. ISFJs might want everything to be perfect before moving on. They are highly aware of details, and this can also lead to them hyper-focusing on specific things. But overall, ISFJs are less likely to struggle with ADHD compared to most other types.
11. INFJ (46%)
INFJs are reflective people who are constantly seeking deeper meaning in everything they do. They can struggle with ADHD symptoms such as zoning out or getting lost in their thoughts, especially when faced with repetitive or mundane tasks. Their creative and imaginative nature can also make it challenging for them to stay focused on one thing at a time, as their minds are constantly coming up with new ideas and possibilities. However, their preference for structure and organization mean that, in general, they don’t exhibit as many ADHD symptoms compared to most other types on this list.
12. ISTJ (45%)
ISTJs are known for their practicality, reliability, and attention to detail. So it’s no surprise that they are one of the least likely personality types to experience ADHD symptoms. They prefer structure and routine, which can help them stay focused and on track. ISTJs are often able to stick to a plan, making it less likely that they will get overwhelmed or distracted. They tend to think in a linear, logical manner, which means they generally aren’t prone to impulsive behavior. However, their tendency towards perfectionism may cause them to get caught up on certain tasks and struggle with procrastination.
13. ESTJ (38%)
ESTJs are logical and pragmatic individuals who thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. They tend to be highly organized and efficient, making it less likely for them to experience ADHD symptoms. Like ISTJs, they typically have a linear and structured way of thinking, which can help them stay on top of projects and manage impulsivity. ESTJs are known for their ability to stick to plans and follow through. However, their strong drive for productivity can sometimes make it challenging for them to slow down and focus on one thing at a time.
14. INTJ (37%)
As one of the most analytical and strategic personality types, it’s no surprise that INTJs are less likely to have ADHD or ADHD tendencies compared to other types on this list. They tend to be risk-averse and highly focused individuals who excel at planning and organization. These thoughtful and measured people like to take their time and consider all options before taking action, which means they rarely make impulsive decisions. However, their tendency to get lost in their thoughts can sometimes make it challenging for them to stay on track.
15. ISTP (32%)
ISTPs excel at hands-on tasks, and they are better able to stay present in the moment than many other personality types, which contrasts with the scattered attention often seen in ADHD. They aren’t the kind of people to overthink or get caught up in their thoughts, making them less likely to experience certain ADHD symptoms. However, their desire for exploration and need for new experiences can sometimes lead to impulsive behavior and difficulty completing tasks that they find boring.
16. ESFJ (29%)
ESFJs are the least likely personality type to experience ADHD symptoms. They are highly social individuals who thrive on routine and structure. In addition, they tend to be skilled at staying present in the moment and focusing on the tasks at hand. Their minds don’t tend to jump from one thing to another as much as some other personality types, and they are good at managing their impulses. The proactive and detail-oriented nature of ESFJs means they are less likely to procrastinate or get overwhelmed. They have a “let’s just get on with it” attitude, which helps them stay on track.
General patterns between ADHD and personality types
There are some patterns that can be observed when looking at the relationship between ADHD tendencies and personality type. First, extroverts are more prone to ADHD symptoms compared to introverts. This is likely due to their tendency to seek external stimulation and their preference for a faster-paced lifestyle. However, introverts may be more likely to experience inattentive ADHD symptoms, as their tendency to look inward and get lost in their thoughts can make it challenging for them to stay focused on external tasks.
Second, intuitives have a higher likelihood of experiencing ADHD symptoms compared to sensors. This is most likely because intuitives have more of a tendency to think about “what if” scenarios and ponder different possibilities. This type of thinking can lead to difficulties with staying focused and completing repetitive or mundane tasks. Sensors, on the other hand, tend to be more practical and present-focused, which can help them stay focused on the task at hand.
Likelihood of ADHD symptoms by personality type
Thirdly, feelers are more prone to ADHD symptoms compared to thinkers. Feelers typically experience more intense emotions (or at least are more conscious of them) and may have a harder time managing their impulses. Thinkers, on the other hand, tend to be more objective in their decision-making, which can help them manage impulsivity.
Lastly, perceivers are more likely to struggle with ADHD symptoms than judgers, and this was the most noticeable pattern by far across all of the dichotomies. Since perceivers often have a more scattered and spontaneous approach to life, it makes sense that they are more likely to struggle with impulsivity and difficulty following through on tasks. On the other hand, judgers tend to prefer structure and organization, which correlates with a more linear and focused way of thinking.
Final thoughts on ADHD and personality types
Ironically, as an INFP, I am publishing this article at midnight on a Friday, having faced multiple distractions, including an LED face mask session that simply couldn’t wait until after I had finished. But my ADHD tendencies aside, it’s clear that certain personality types are more prone to experiencing ADHD symptoms than others.
The way that each personality type’s brains are wired means they have different approaches to attention, focus, impulsivity, and organization. If you are interested in the neuroscience side of things, I would strongly recommend the book The Neuroscience of Personality by Dario Nardi, which delves into the brain activity of the 16 personalities.
Regardless of your personality type, it’s important to remember that ADHD is a complex disorder and can present differently in everyone. We have just looked at general tendencies displayed by each type, and not everyone will fit perfectly into these descriptions. Anyway, I should probably wrap this up before I start something else and completely forget about hitting the ‘publish’ button. Thanks for reading.