What is a Christian view of ADHD/ADD?

Christians should view ADHD/ADD the way we view any medical condition—as an unfortunate consequence of sin’s entry into the world. God did not desire us to live with disorders or diseases, and He will one day make His people whole and healed.

what does the bible say?

Christians should view ADHD/ADD the way we view any medical condition: An unfortunate consequence of sin’s entry into the world. Illness, disease, disorder, and deformity didn’t exist before Adam and Eve rebelled against God (Genesis 1:31). Anything that causes difficulty (such as ADHD/ADD), pain, or anything that leads to death is part of the curse that sin brought into the world (Genesis 2:17; Romans 5:12). No one should expect to lead a life free from the effects of sin (Romans 3:23). In fact, Jesus told us that we would experience trials in this life (John 16:33). Even so, it’s normal to be sad about the effects of sin in our lives; in John 11, Jesus mourned Lazarus’s death even while knowing He was about to raise him from the dead. But believers shouldn’t use disabilities or disorders as an excuse to sin. Believers have the indwelling Holy Spirit, which enables us to be more Christ-like. And believers can look forward to a day when all God’s children will be restored to the perfect state we were intended to be. In the meantime, the Lord offers us comfort in our distress.

from the old testament

God comforts us during challenging times. The psalmist writes, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

from the new testament

Each believer, even those with disorders or diseases, has an important role in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:11–26).
ADHD/ADD should never be an excuse to allow or promote sinful behavior or attitudes like selfishness, laziness, sexual immorality, fits of anger, or addiction (Galatians 5:19–21). Though all human beings have a sin nature, no biological disorder or life circumstance excuses us from unrepentantly sinning.
Instead, believers can allow the Holy Spirit to work in them to bring them to spiritual maturity, bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).
In the restored earth, disorders will not exist: Revelation 22:3 assures us that when God renews heaven and earth, “No longer will there be anything accursed.”
Revelation 21:4 states, “He [God] will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

implications for today

Fidgeting. Inattentiveness. Lateness. Poor listening skills. Maybe these were some of the notes your elementary school teacher wrote on your report card. Or maybe they’re observations you’ve made about your own behavior. Since the 1980s, those who exhibit those behaviors are likely to be diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD), a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity and affects the brain’s executive function. But even those who don’t have ADHD/ADD likely have some other disorder or disease or troubling circumstance. The truth is that none of us can escape the effects of our fallen world — if not for Christ. In Christ, we have the promise of a glorious world in which the Lord will “wipe away every tear” from our eyes (Revelation 21:4). We may take medication to resolve the disorders we experience now, but the ultimate Healer is Christ. In Him, we have true restoration.

Recap

understand

ADHD/ADD is a consequence of sin’s impact on the world, not God’s original plan.
ADHD/ADD doesn’t excuse sin; believers grow through the Holy Spirit’s work.
True healing comes from Christ in the restored creation, where all disorders will cease.

reflect

How do you personally reconcile living with ADHD/ADD or any struggle with the hope of Christ’s ultimate healing?
How has your faith helped you resist using ADHD/ADD as an excuse for actions or attitudes that don’t honor God?
How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to produce fruit in your life despite challenges like ADHD/ADD?

engage

How can the church better support members who face disorders like ADHD/ADD without enabling unhealthy attitudes or behaviors?
How does understanding ADHD/ADD as part of the fallen world shape how we view and care for those with such conditions?
How should we balance compassion for struggles like ADHD/ADD with the call to spiritual maturity and accountability in the body of Christ?