Study suggests ADHD may be about engagement, not attention

· Health · Singapore

Evidence suggests ADHD may be less about attention than about what psychiatrists call sustained engagement — the ability to stay motivated and involved in a task. A commentary published by CNA argues this distinction matters for how the condition is understood and treated. The framing shifts focus from attention deficits toward motivation and engagement, an important difference for diagnosis and for thinking about how to help people with the condition.

Why it matters：Reframing ADHD around motivation and engagement could change diagnosis and treatment for millions worldwide, shifting how clinicians and patients approach the condition.

Key points

  • Evidence suggests ADHD affects sustained engagement more than attention.
  • The distinction matters for how the condition is understood and treated.
  • The commentary was published by CNA.

Sources (original reporting)

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