Attention unleashed: Creative therapy for thoughtful transformation

Various factors-motivation, interest, fatigue, and external stimuli-influence creative mental processes and attention control (AC). Creative thinking (CT) relies on AC and involves coordinated neural networks and pathways. The cognitive function of AC requires the capacity to direct attention toward distinct features of the environment or internal thoughts. Such selectivity is a key to limiting distractions, preserving focus, and assimilating the essential information needed for CT. Despite progress in creativity research, characterization of underlying neural mechanisms remains limited. To address this gap, we identify the obstacles slowing progress in this area and suggest strategies to overcome them. Moving forward, establishing a collaborative research agenda across multiple disciplines is central to continuing the progress made to date. By fostering such an interdisciplinary research agenda can open new therapeutic avenues for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.