In our society high intelligence is often perceived as a positive characteristic in a person; and that which leads to greater successes in life. However, for an intelligent/gifted adult with ADHD (gaining recognition as more the norm) that positive characteristic can actually be a weakness when the ADHD is not treated.
High intelligence in an ADHD adult can be frustrating, depressing, and sometimes debilitating. Our minds are used to racing with continual deep thoughts, constant distractions, inability to prioritize even when of importance, and just plain too much to think about with no way to organize our thoughts.
Why does this happen to intelligent ADHD adults? Because, regardless of intelligence our cognitive abilities have such difficulty attending to a task which is perceived as boring, that we will put everything and anything before that uninteresting task if it prevents us from experiencing boredom. In my experience, it appears that the more intelligent an ADHD adult, the standard for what they deem interesting also increases. In ADHD adults every experience and situation is subconsciously, and sometimes consciously, assessed by that individual to be interesting or horribly boring. Intelligent ADHD adults have so many ideas, creativity, and mental energy that without the ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and complete task based off of perceived boredom, those great ideas and goals turn into frustration, failure, lack of self-esteem and lack of confidence.
I have lived with undiagnosed ADHD for 33 years and I still get emotional when I hear high intelligence is what likely enabled me to hide my ADHD, and in the end, prolonged my diagnoses. I know how undiagnosed ADHD has affected my life negatively. Intelligence does not compensate for poor interpersonal relationships, educational difficulties, and my constant feeling of "Is this it, is this all life has to offer?" I always had a constant need to achieve in life for it to feel interesting, with of course, the expected endless failures and setbacks. Getting diagnosed and finding the right medication has made a world of difference in how I view life, how I function, and how I view myself. Everyday I am learning new behaviors and skills to better myself and improve my life. Intelligence is a positive characteristic; but it is not enough. Intelligence is having the ability to ask for help, which results in, bettering your life.
Tina Murray, MA
Associate Psychologist APA Member
Licensed Psychologist - PS0070235 (Australia)
Recently diagnosed with Adult ADHD at the age of 33, my passion for psychology has now been expanded to include ADHD.
Success with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder over the Holidays
Dr. Kenny Handelman wants to know your questions about how to deal with your child's ADD or ADHD over the holidays, and he will answer your question on a free live teleseminar on Thursday December 14, 2006
ADHD: Causes and Treatments
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that is largely neuroligical in nature. ADHD is characterised by inattentiveness, restlessness and/or inappropriate impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Although commonly associated with children, this disorder can persist into adulthood. Symptoms often interfere with children learning and socialising.
Behavior Therapy For Children With ADHD - Behavior Plan For ADHD Students
The following is a list of 18 behavioral techniques for ADHD and managing behavior problems for adhd children from a book by Dr. Domeena Renshaw entitled The Hyperactive Child.
Diagnosing ADHD in Your Child, an Introduction
Everyone in a private practice setting who works with children or adults is going to have their own opinion on how Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADD or ADHD - should be diagnosed. Some clinics take the perspective that "more is good," and will recommend a large battery of tests, often costing many thousands of dollars.
Natural Remedy for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADHD
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurobehavioral disorder of higher brain functioning. ADHD is common among the disorders that get affected in childhood and adolescence.
Intro to Medications for ADD ADHD
The most common medications used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are stimulant medications. Anti-depressant medications, and even anti-convulsant medications, are sometimes used as well, though this is less common.
Tips for High School Teachers with ADHD Students: Increasing Time Focused to a Task
Thank you to all of our professional educators who dedicate themselves to our children! We know how difficult it can be working with ADHD children, so here are your teacher tips for the week, brought to you by the ADHD Information Library and ADDinSchool.com.
Tips For Living Successfully With ADD / ADHD
Structure
Tips for High School Teachers with ADHD Students: Presenting Your Lesson
Thank you to all of our professional educators who dedicate themselves to our children! We know how difficult it can be working with ADHD children, so here are your teacher tips for the week, brought to you by the ADHD Information Library and ADDinSchool.com.
Understanding The ADHD Affected Teenager
Teenagers usually represent a challenge not only for the child in transition,but also for his parents. The ones affected by ADHD are much more difficult to handle,because of the increased difficulty they have regarding peer-pressure,the risk of failure in certain areas,a bad opinion on themselves. The things that are not allowed seem more and more tempting,such as alcohol,sex or drugs,and they are regardless of the consequences. A constant need to break the familiar rules takes over them,which drives to confusion from both them and their parents. The last ones have at first a feeling of relaxation,generated by the ending of early school years ,but new times bring new problems. Even if,until then,the child constantly got professional help an...
Using Behavioral Therapy For The Relief Of Adhd
Children who suffer from ADHD often experience difficulties at home or in school. What can be seen as unruly behavior in young children can become overwhelming in children as they reach their teens. They may perform badly in their academic work, become involved in fights or struggle to make friends. Some end up being moved from one school to another due to disruptive behavior. So it?s important to try and find relief of ADHD while children are young.
Fat for Attention Deficit Disorder Treatment
Hyperactivity-is it normal behavior or ADHD(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/ADHD.html)? A little over-exuberance is expected in growing children, but what about when a tendency towards impulsiveness, a lack of concentration, and sometimes excessive physical activity are carried on into adulthood? Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADD or ADHD) is defined as age-inappropriate behavior, specifically:
Meeting The True Needs of Children Diagnosed As ADHD
How should one look upon Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and what is the effective way to aid those who are given this diagnosis? There has been considerable debate as to whether or not ADHD is a genuine disorder. Psychiatrist and professor Robert Hedaya (1996, pg.
ADHD: Fact or Fiction?
Although ADHD affects more than 15 millions Americans every year, many people don?t believe the condition exists. People deny that is symptoms which include hyperactivity, distractibility, and uncontrollable impulses are anything more than disobedience or lack of self control. Here are some answers to the more common misconceptions and myths about ADHD.
Over-Focused ADHD
The least flexible character in all of the stories of Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin has got to be Rabbit. Oh, he can get a lot of things done, and he's the one character who will be prepared when winter comes, but he has a very hard time shifting from one activity to another.