By seeking out novelty, someone could be a more effective forager or better able to spot predators/prey hiding. ADHD often comes with a high attention to detail, so there's lots of advantages that could come with that (e.g. that twig wasn't broken before, something has passed through here).

Also, having different sleeping patterns can mean that the people with ADHD are likely better equipped to keep a fire burning overnight and possibly be alert for predators.

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hackable_sand 10 hours ago | parent | next [-]

This isn't funny

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hirvi74 13 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

> ADHD often comes with a high attention to detail

Per the DSM-5, one of the core symptoms of ADHD:

"often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities

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ndsipa_pomu 13 hours ago | parent [-]

Yes, it's both a lack of attention to details in "boring" tasks and an exceptional attention to details in "interesting" tasks.

	▲	hirvi74 5 hours ago \| parent [-]
		I think there is a conflation between attention and attention to details. I understand attention control can vary depending on the engagement value of a task. I have experienced the condition my entire life, I am well aware. I am not aware of any data that supports being interested in a task lessens the likelihood of making mistakes. If you have any data, I will gladly read it.