It’s likely that you’ve heard of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. There has typically been more discussion about ADHD on social media and the internet as a result of society’s trend toward placing a higher priority on mental health. However, misconceptions also surface in addition to the benefits that can result from greater exposure. It’s possible that people with ADHD have the notion that they are less intellectual than people without the disease. Nonetheless, it doesn’t seem that IQ and ADHD are related, as the majority of ADHD sufferers have average IQs. An online therapy platform can provide a handy way to talk to a mental health professional about any questions or potential misconceptions you may have if you think you may have ADHD.
Having problems with the symptoms of ADHD?
Describe ADHD.
A neurological disorder affecting the brain and nerve system is known as ADHD. Typically, impulsivity, hyperactive behavior, and inattention are the main signs of ADHD. These can show themselves in a variety of ways that can negatively impact the executive functioning of adults and children with ADHD. ADHD symptoms are frequently seen by those who have the illness in childhood, although definitive diagnosis is frequently delayed until maturity.
Among the signs of ADHD are the following:
Anxiety
incapacity to concentrate or finish tasks
Inability to follow deadlines or timelines
co-occurrence of additional problems, like mood and sleep issues
impulsive actions
Ignorance
If you believe you could meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, it may be vital to get professional advice.
Does ADHD make a person smarter?
The idea that people with ADHD are less intellectual than people without the disorder is one of the possible myths surrounding the diagnosis. An assessment known as an intelligence quotient test (IQ test) can be used to determine your IQ.
Generally speaking, there is no correlation between a high or low IQ and ADHD; the majority of persons with ADHD have average IQs. Furthermore, as intelligence can take many different forms, IQ is not always the only indicator of intellect.
The misperception that exists between ADHD and poor intelligence can stem from the fact that learning difficulties and ADHD frequently co-occur, as well as the effect that ADHD has on executive functioning. Executive function is generally associated with memory, self-control, and decision making abilities. It might be conceptualized as the capacity to fulfill obligations and realize objectives in day-to-day living.
People with ADHD typically have lower executive functioning skills than people without ADHD because of common symptoms like hyperactivity, impulsivity, impatience, forgetfulness, and more.
Nonetheless, it can be helpful to keep in mind that executive function is typically unrelated to IQ. Updated evidence may be required, although a Cambridge research once found that high-IQ adults with ADHD typically had weaker executive functioning skills than high-IQ adults without ADHD.
Myths and facts about ADHD
Right now, we find ourselves in what is widely called the “information age.” As awareness of ADHD and mental health issues in general grows, it may be necessary to evaluate the myths and false information that prevent people with ADHD from receiving the appropriate support.
It can be crucial to separate the many persistent myths about ADHD from the reality of the condition. The following are some common misconceptions about ADHD:
Myth: There is nothing like .ADHD
Fact: Since its initial discovery in 1798, ADHD has been the subject of extensive research. Believing that ADHD is not real can be particularly problematic for parents because it can keep their child from getting treatment.
Myth: Children with ADHD will eventually outgrow it.
Fact: For most people diagnosed with ADHD as children, the condition typically lasts well into adulthood. As individuals age, co-occurring disorders including depression and bipolar illness are common among adults with ADHD.
Myth: The overdiagnosis of ADHD exists.
Factual statement: Although it’s fairly uncommon to hear people make glib statements like “It seems like everyone has ADHD these days,” this may not be true. It’s possible that more people are receiving diagnoses for ADHD, but the disorder has historically and still is underdiagnosed. The rise in diagnoses suggests that people with ADHD are probably getting the help they need.
Myth: Poor parenting practices cause ADHD.
Fact: Studies indicate that genetics and neurological disorders are typically the primary causes of ADHD. The myth that parents of children with ADHD just let their kids “run wild” contributes to the stigma surrounding ADHD, but this isn’t always the case.
Having problems with the symptoms of ADHD?
Online consultation with a certified therapist
How counseling might be beneficial
An excellent resource for those with ADHD is therapy. In behavioral treatment, you’ll often work with a qualified mental health professional who will help you manage the symptoms and difficulties related to ADHD using techniques supported by research. To better grasp your diagnosis, a qualified expert can assist you in sorting the facts from the myths surrounding ADHD.
Since internet treatment frequently allows for greater flexibility and personalization of the therapy process, it may be a helpful alternative for individuals with ADHD who struggle to keep to schedules and deadlines. ADHD sufferers can participate in online therapy sessions from any place and select between online chat, phone calls, and video calls for each session.
Online therapy is generally associated with similar client outcomes to in-person therapy, according to a substantial body of research. Many participants in a 2022 study assessing the effectiveness of online therapy for ADHD reported improvements in their attention deficit and social function.