Are People With ADHD Smarter? Exploring Facts And Myths

You’ve likely heard of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, more commonly referred to as ADHD. As society has shifted to have a greater emphasis on mental health, there has generally been more talk of ADHD on social media and across the web. However, along with the positives that can come with increased exposure, misconceptions also tend to arise. One misconception about individuals with ADHD may be that they are less intelligent than those who don’t have this disorder. However, ADHD doesn’t appear to have any correlation with intelligence, and most individuals with ADHD have an average IQ. If you believe you may be living with ADHD and would like to speak to a mental health professional about any questions or potential misconceptions you have, an online therapy platform can offer a convenient way to do so.

Having trouble with ADHD symptoms?

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What is ADHD?

ADHD can be defined as a neurological condition affecting one’s brain and nervous system. The symptoms at the core of ADHD are usually inattention, hyperactive behavior, and impulsivity. These can manifest in a multitude of ways that can have a detrimental effect on the executive functioning of children and adults with ADHD. People with this disorder often notice the symptoms in childhood, but in many cases, ADHD is not properly diagnosed until adulthood. 

Symptoms of ADHD: Cognitive issues, lack of focus, and more

Some symptoms of ADHD can include the following:

• Restlessness
• Inability to focus on or complete tasks
• Difficulty adhering to schedules or deadlines
• Co-occurrence with other disorders, such as mood and sleep disorders
• Impulsive behavior
• Forgetfulness

It can be important to seek professional insight if you suspect you may fit the diagnostic criteria for ADHD.

Are people with ADHD smarter?

One of the potential misconceptions surrounding ADHD may be that those who experience this condition are less intelligent than those without the disorder. Your intelligence quotient, or “IQ,” can be measured by an evaluation called an IQ test. 

The ADHD brain, executive function, and intelligence

One cause of the misconception regarding ADHD and low intelligence may be ADHD’s common co-occurrence with learning disorders, as well as the condition’s impact on an individual’s executive functioning. One’s executive function typically relates to their memory, decision-making skills, and ability to control themselves. It can be thought of as one’s ability to complete tasks and attain goals in their daily lives. 

Due to common ADHD symptoms, such as forgetfulness, impulsivity, impatience, hyperactivity, and more, those with ADHD tend to have diminished executive functioning skills in comparison to those without ADHD. 

However, it can be important to remember that executive function generally has nothing to do with one’s intelligence level. A Cambridge study once noted that high-IQ adults with ADHD tended to have worse executive functioning skills than high-IQ adults who do not have ADHD, although updated evidence may be needed.

ADHD facts vs. myths

We are currently living in what is commonly referred to as the “information age.” As more of a light is shined on ADHD and mental health in general, we may also need to assess the misconceptions and misinformation that can stand in the way of those with ADHD getting the help they deserve. 

ADHD myths: Are people with ADHD smarter?

It can be important to distinguish the facts of ADHD from the many myths that continue to persist. Here are some of the myths that tend to surround ADHD:

Myth: ADHD does not exist. 

Fact: ADHD has been heavily studied since it was initially discovered in 1798. It can be especially dangerous for parents to hold the belief that ADHD is not real because this can prevent their child from receiving treatment.

Myth: ADHD is something children will eventually grow out of.

Fact: ADHD usually persists well into adulthood for most who are diagnosed during childhood. Adults with ADHD often experience co-occurring conditions as they grow older, such as depression and bipolar disorder.

Myth: ADHD is over-diagnosed (It’s just creativity). 

Fact: While it can be common to hear people make flippant claims, such as “It seems like everyone has ADHD these days,” this may not be factual. While it may be true that the rate of ADHD diagnosis has increased, the condition has largely been and continues to be underdiagnosed. The increase in diagnosis likely means those with ADHD are receiving necessary support.

Myth: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is the result of bad parenting skills. 

Fact: The research shows that hereditary factors, such as genetics and neurological factors, are usually the main causes of ADHD. Part of the stigma surrounding ADHD can be the misconception that parents of children with ADHD simply let them “run wild,” which is not necessarily the case. 

Having trouble with ADHD symptoms?

Connect with a licensed therapist online

How therapy can help

Therapy can be a great resource for those with ADHD. In behavioral therapy, you’ll generally work with a licensed mental health professional who uses research-backed methods to help you address symptoms and challenges associated with ADHD. A licensed professional can also help you separate ADHD myths from the facts so you can gain a fuller understanding of your diagnosis. 

Since those with ADHD can have trouble adhering to schedules and deadlines, online therapy may be a useful alternative, since it can often allow for more flexibility and customization of the therapy process. Those with ADHD can attend online therapy sessions from the location of their choice and choose between video call, phone call, and online chat for each session.

Effectiveness of online therapy

A large body of research suggests that online therapy tends to produce the same client outcomes as in-person therapy. A 2022 study evaluating the efficacy of online therapy for ADHD found that many participants experienced improvements in social function and attention deficit.