A neuro-developmental illness that typically manifests in early childhood is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In daily activities, ADHD can present a number of difficulties. However, a lot of individuals find solace in the fallacy that kids with ADHD are smarter than kids without the condition. But intelligence and ADHD don’t go together. Some persons with ADHD may be smarter. Assuming a connection, however, may be damaging since it may prevent your child from receiving the care they require. Seek consultation from the Best Psychiatrist near me?at TalktoAngel for ADHD and IQ.
What is ADD/ADHD?
Around the age of 7, ADHD is frequently identified. However, the condition usually manifests its symptoms before the age of 12. The most well-known symptoms of ADHD include attention problems and hyperactive conduct.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) estimates that 4% of adults and 9% of children in the United States each have the disease. Because some adults’ symptoms improve to the point where they no longer fit the diagnostic criteria for the condition, there are statistical disparities. Boys are more likely to experience it.
Among the most typical signs of ADHD are:
- Impatience
- Tough move all the time difficulty finishing work while seated still and talking constantly
- Boredom unless continually occupied, inability to listen or follow instructions, and interruption of other conversations
- Acting without reflection (or on impulse)
- Problems studying ideas and materials in class
Additionally, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), there are three subcategories of the disorder:
- Mostly unfocused (more symptoms of inattention exist compared with hyperactivity)
- Hyperactive-impulsive tendencies predominantly
- Combined with inattentiveness (this is the most common form of ADHD)
You must display six or more symptoms in order to be given an ADHD diagnosis (though adults may only need to exhibit five or more symptoms for a diagnosis).
IQ and ADHD
If someone has ADHD, does it mean they also have a high IQ? This is a hotly contested topic. What such a correlation means is still up for dispute. ADHD may impair a person’s ability to perform at job and school, depending on the degree of their symptoms. Daily tasks might also be challenging. When this happens, it may appear as though a person has a lower IQ than they actually have. Adults who had both high IQs and ADHD were shown to have worse general cognitive function than individuals who had high IQs but not ADHD, according to a 2010 study published in Psychological Medicine.
The study made use of a variety of language, memory, and problem-solving tasks. But there was a flaw in this study: there were no other control groups. There were no comparison groups for those with low IQ or ADHD, for example.
On the other hand, many individuals with ADHD appear to limit their attention to activities they find enjoyable. This is applicable to both work and school. These people can only focus on the things that matter the most to them, not because their IQ is low in these circumstances. Another study that was published in a 2011 issue of Psychological Medicine further established the distinction between IQ and ADHD as distinct conditions.
Hyper focus may also be a symptom of ADHD. This symptom is a condition of obsession on a subject of interest. For instance, they might focus intensely on activities they find enjoyable. This might make them seem more competent in particular school or work-related tasks, and it might even convince some others that they have a higher IQ.
Causes of ADHD
There are numerous potential reasons of ADHD, and researchers are still looking at them all. However, the following are a few possible causes of ADHD:
- Neurological disorders that a person’s surrounding environment may cause
- Exposure to specific poisons
- Birth with a damage to the head
- Lower levels of activity in the parts of the brain that regulate activity and attention
- Exposure to alcohol or nicotine while pregnant
Treatment and some tips
Stimulant drugs like Ritalin or Adderall are the most often used treatment for ADHD. These drugs have the potential to be very helpful at reducing ADHD symptoms when used as prescribed. According to medical professionals, stimulants change the brain’s focus-related molecules. Additionally, there is some data that suggests stimulants may help with impulse control and hyperactive symptoms.
Following treatment, tests and other schoolwork may significantly improve for children with ADHD. It can seem that their IQ rises as a result of this. However, their improved ability to concentrate on the job at hand is precisely what has the desired effect. They may be better able to concentrate during exams and study.
Like other diseases, ADHD is not a good indicator of IQ. Furthermore, having a high IQ is not always necessary to qualify as “clever.” Stereotypes and misconceptions serve as the foundation for the relationships between ADHD and IQ. Both have risks: One who believes that someone with ADHD has a high IQ can forego getting the necessary therapy. On the other side, one who makes the assumption that a person with ADHD is not intellectual will miss that person’s potential. It’s critical to approach IQ and ADHD as independent concepts. Although they are not the same, one might have an impact on the other.
Feel free to seek consultation from the best Online Psychiatrist India?at Talktoangel for ADHD and IQ.
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.
