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Researchers suggest that traits commonly associated with ADHD, such as distractibility and impulsivity, may have provided an evolutionary advantage for our ancestors by improving foraging tactics.
Dr. David Barack from the University of Pennsylvania explains that if these traits were truly negative, they would have been selected against over time.
A study involving 457 adults playing an online foraging game found that those with higher ADHD-like symptoms scores were better at foraging by exploring new patches.
While ADHD can have negative consequences, it may also be advantageous in situations requiring rapid decision-making and physical activity, reflecting our evolutionary past.
More research is needed to explore the link between ADHD traits and foraging behavior.
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