Wired for Risk: ADHD Traits and Financial Decision Making in Stock Trading

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition characterised by inattention and impulsivity. While its effects on academic and occupational functioning are well established, less is known about how ADHD traits relate to financial behaviours, particularly in high-risk contexts such as online trading. This cross-sectional study examined associations between ADHD traits and financial decision-making in a sample of 945 active online traders. Participants were assessed using a validated self-report scale for ADHD traits and standardised measures of financial risk tolerance (FRT), trading activity, and portfolio performance. The median participant age was 34 years, with 74.5% identifying as male. Based on self-report, 5.7% of participants met DSM-5 symptom criteria suggestive of ADHD, though no clinical diagnosis was made. Participants with ADHD traits demonstrated significantly higher FRT and greater speculative risk-taking. ADHD traits correlated positively with FRT and negatively with portfolio returns. Regression analyses revealed that increased trading frequency, speculative risk-taking, and higher return expectations predicted greater ADHD trait expression, while higher actual portfolio returns and higher investment risk scores were associated with lower ADHD traits. Though causality cannot be inferred, traits like inattention and impulsivity may contribute to suboptimal decision-making in volatile financial settings. Clinicians should consider this in their assessments, promote awareness and support prevention of poor investment decisions. Further longitudinal studies are needed, alongside targeted financial guidance for individuals with elevated ADHD traits.