Intelligence in Adults with ADHD
Posted: Friday, August 12, 2005
by Tina Murray
Tina Murray
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.
By Tina Murray, MA Associate Psychologist APA Member, Licensed Psychologist - PS0070235 (
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)I could not agree more.
Some trials of undiagnosed ADHD and high intelligence.I suffered from undiagnosed ADHD and the frustration of not understanding why I was different from others. Depending on the test, my IQ scores ran from 128 to 172 with a mean somewhere around 146 yet I felt unable to accomplish in many common areas... especially simple math, basic memorization, social skills, acceptance of authority, any lengthy and repetitive involvements, etc. I am however, apparently able to quickly solve problems of almost any nature and I can quickly react in crisis situations where others apparently fall apart, become confused, or lack direction. I can excel in situations requiring immediate action but it only seems to bring me scorn from others after the event has passed, even when I have saved others from harm or loss of property.As example, once when a small sailboat has washed up on shore, I watched as perhaps ten people with dinghies, ropes, and other devices attempted to pull the 20 foot boat back into deep water. Sailboats have a heavy keel that in this size boat can weigh as much as 600 pounds. It digs into the bottom and weight plus the suction effect makes motion nearly impossible unless considerable strain is taken on the tow rope. Ten people were not nearly enough.After about an hour of watching, I went over to the situation and told them I knew how to do this and if they could allow me, it was quite easily accomplished. No one seemed to want me to assist and continued to yell and point and direct at each other, accomplishing nothing. I finally grew tired of watching this uselessness and told one of the quieter ones in a dinghy to take a line that was from the top of the mast and on my signal, to pull at right angles to the keel, laying the boat over on it's side.Then moving to the men who were in another dinghy and yelling the loudest, i asked if they could just pull gently on the line at my signal. Not hard, just an easy pull, and the boat would come free. Of course they laughed and complained that I was an idiot, but I said if this would not work, I would go away and not bother them again, so they complied after ridiculing me quite a lot.Pulling on the mast to lean the little boat, caused the heavy keel to rise with the rolling motion of the boat. When the boat was on it's side, I signaled the the other boat to pull ahead. They did, laughing as they idled their little outboard in forward gear. With the keel no longer resting on the bottom, it took no effort to move the small sailboat and soon it was again in deep water. I thought people would be pleased that I had rescued the boat in 5 minutes, especially after they had struggled hopelessly for so long. They were not pleased, but actually angered--or so it seemed. No one thanked me and one person came over to call me a "Know-it-all" with an angry expression. Another later accused me of "Just showing off" I was about 18 at the time. I did not understand why people could not simply be pleased that I helped them. It would have pleased me and I would have thanked whomever assisted in such a polite manner. Why did they not?In high school, where others were mostly attempting the learning, understanding and then refinement of social skills, I built and flew model airplanes. I took a beating (physical) for that and felt like a loser, idiot, and thought I was extremely backward. Even though I enjoyed a skill few others were able to accomplish, It seemed to me only a quirk of my weirdness. I could run what might be best described as a full color home movie in my mind that often was the design and assembly of a function, product, idea, etc. This was extremely enjoyable to me and I would do it often. One of the most enjoyable was the creation of a new aircraft design, where I would visualize the drawing board, work the size, ratios, weights, and moment arms to produce a drafting of the concept, then build the parts and assemble the creation. One part, something I still do as an adult, was to produce the parts, stack them well organized and in order, and then assemble them. The enjoyment came from watching the pieces float through the air and move into position and alignment, one by one as they produced the model. This allowed me to discover any difficulties in the assembly or physical design before I built it. I could also mentally dissect the completed model along any line so that I might better see something inside and consider that design or engineering before finalizing the plan. I could do this quite rapidly, and so there was none of the usual boredom I would get with anything that took too much concentration. I was about 8 years old at the time I began this and continued with designing and building unique model airplanes until I was 15. Before that I privately studied entomology. Can you imagine how I was seen by others? The kid that collects bugs? Eeeuggghhhh!I had no girlfriends until I was 15 and then for some strange reason I seemed to attract the girls. It was very embarrassing when a girl I didn't know would ask me out on a date. I was sure they were just making fun of me. Once, the swim queens of my school and another school wanted me to take them to the swim championships using their car. The each held my arm as we walked in and I felt about three inches tall. It was difficult for me to decline this when I was about 16 or 17 and they asked so politely. The girls were always very polite (and very pretty) and they smiled a lot, so I did as they asked. These swim queens were the prettiest girls in school and they were the most popular, so I knew they were just using me, but they were very sweet and treated me kindly, so while I was sure I would take a big ribbing later, I could enjoy thier pleasant company for now.Later, when I was in my forties, a girlfriend found an old scrapbook I had kept and told me that I was the most handsome young man she had ever seen. This was hard to accept, but as I looked, perhaps she was right. I was 6 foot four and had blond hair and blue eyes. I was very strong as I enjoyed lifting weights in private and i suppose I had a good body but certainly didn't know it at the time. She said I was extraordinarily good looking--movie star handsome--a real turn on... I had never heard that before.Later on, in my mid sixties, my wife looked through the same book and said the same thing. Looking myself, i was surprised to see that I actually was quiute good looking with a very strong, muscular build. All I noticed at the time were the differences. I was too white, no tan at all, and I didn't have much hair on my legs. Those embarrassed me and I did not like to be seen in shorts. I also thought I was knock-kneed, but later, I see that I was really just fine.My problems with ADHD affected me ion so many ways that my youthful experiences were not particularly enjoyable. Sad that children must be misunderstood to the point that a persons whole life is affected for the worse, that one could accomplish more, but does not simply because of misunderstandings and a lack of intelligence and compassion for others.So many years knowing I could do things well, and actually excelling in things but on a limited basis, holding most jobs no more than a year, I was for all intents rejected by my family and with only a few friends. I felt I could learn any trade to the point of excelling within a year, and I did, but it did me little good as the situation just continued and continued. I am 68 now and it is almost embarrassing when I relate my abilities to others. I am proficient in more than 40 areas. Many people find that unbelievable and I have been called a "know it all" more times than I can count. I am not attempting to show off or be seen as special. This comes from normal daily interaction as well as my desire to assist those who seem to have so many difficulties in such mundane items as starting a lawnmower to laying out the line guide positions when building a fishing rod. Nothing really seems difficult and I must say I do enjoy solving problems of almost any sort. I recall when in high school, the counselor asked me what i wanted to do as a life's work. I replied that I would like to solve problems--any and all types of problems. Of course they do not allow such a strange avocation, no is there any place in this current society for a weird person who enjoys solving problems that may range from engineering to social difficulties.I now have over ten years of college but no degrees of any sort. Not even a high school graduation degree. I attended college classes by approaching the professor and asking if I might sit in on the class. They called it an "Audit" I became one of the oldest in school doing that. I did the same thing at the University of Utah School of Law for almost two years. I love going to school. Later on, i find that there is a similarity to those I can continue with as a friend. They all seem to have a high position in society. One is a unique physician whose specialty is not just neurology and brain surgery. He studies the unique position the neurons play in differing situations, such as when flooded with adrenalin. Another long time friend recently retired from civilian military employment where he researched, invented, designed, and tested fan blade designs on high performance jet aircraft. Another is a professor of engineering at a college in Northern California. He has several PhD's and his wife has four. Such is the way my friends go.I am just recently beginning to understand the scope of my abilities and what my intelligence actually means. For the first time in my life I can see myself as smart, but to say it makes me feel as if I am just bragging.Although I have been published perhaps two hundred times in articles, I had not considered that I may have any ability as a writer. A publisher has recently changed my mind and I am considering several books. I could not have undertaken efforts that may prove to be lengthy and press my inability to concentrate to the limits until about three months ago when I was diagnosed as ADHD by a Texas doctor who has become a friend. Now, I see things differently. It is finally good to know that my problems are also my gifts, and to know that where I was feeling different is only because I am uniquely intelligent. This also explains my friends. So good to know these things. I just wish it had happened perhaps 60 years ago so I could have accomplished something.I am providing all this in the hopes that those who read it will look closely at their children and if there is a possibility of ADHD, have them thoroughly examined and tested and take those tests seriously. Imagine what i could have done had I the help that is now available.Now, I am an old man, seriously disabled, living on an income of $791 a month through SSDI. It is low because I could not hold a job for long. I became bored, sad, depressed, and so wanted to experience more, to learn, but I was limited by my undiagnosed difficulties.If you also experience situations similar to mine and you suspect ADHD, please get the examinations and testing. It can change your life. From studies, i have also learned that many ADHD are also extremely intelligent, but that intelligence is shadowed by an inability to concentrate.Thank you,J CookTy mr.Cook for that beautiful story of yours i felt really touched by it, and it reminds me of how much i strugle with life.I am 18 years old and i've had trouble concentrating since i was born because of my adhd. I understand your feelings concerning intelligence.I know i am a very intelligent personne but i seem to always fall into depression because i can never accomplish something i tend to get bored quickly and pass on to something else.But life is beautiful and there always a way of fixing problems for me well i have jesus in my heart and that always put's a smile to my face.my IQ = 172.recent self-diagnosis = ADHD (adult 30s).my life has changed in the last month.high-school history = was kicked out of one, quit another, then essentially did 2 years AP classes with high marks. (yes i learned fractions in 11th grade and was doingcalculusin 12th -- but the worst part was theanxiousnessof being behind and always catching up which plagued me until last month; ie history of motivating only under excessive pressure.)university history = initially would not accept due to 2/4 years of high school completed. upon presenting AP scores was accepted on the spot. Graduated with 3.9gpa and I hardly ever went to class and took me 3 years to finish 2 majors and 1 minor.today = many lostopportunitiesmany incredibleopportunitiestainted by what is termed psychiatric differential diagnosed depression. now my life is on course. i guess i'm lucky and smart. but it took a person with 172 IQ quite a bit of time to make the leap, so i can only imagine how many talented gifted lives go to waste.other interesting factoids re: adult adhd = moodiness; antisocial behavior; drug andalcoholaddiction; panic attics; underachievement; inability to sustain relationships; etc.if you suspect you may have this condition please find a qualified intelligent dr. if you find the wrong dr. you may do yourself more harm than good. i would rather not say how i self-diagnosed, but it can be done just not advisable.best of luck to you allYour story intruiged me a lot as it had so many parallels to my life, especially about being called a know-it-all and being unappreciated for giving people what turned out to be sound advice. My IQ averages at about 148 over the several tests I have taken (real, not online). I experience the same "technicolor videos" in my head which remind me of the planning phase in heist movies such as Oceans 11. They sometimes involve many people and complex emotional interactions, and other times physics and mechanics. What I see as my failing is that, unlike you, and maybe as a result of my ADHD (diagnosed), I lack the follow-through or focus to actually make these plans a reality. This is a major source of personal dissatisfaction, as I don't know if I am lazy, or just not proactive. As I am only 18, I hope I will cope better over time and make some of my ambitions a reality.You sir, may have helped me to finally see what it is that has left my life in so many chaotic circles. I thank you sincerely.
Lee Dermody
Mastaflea@hotmail.comI totally feel you. I have experienced many of the things you have but to a lesser degree. At 43, I am discovering that I may have ADHD. My IQ has been tested at between 124 - 136. I have completed a bachelors degree and masters degree (sooner than scheduled), but in the past decade, I have been fired from 2 jobs and barely hanging on at my current job. My mother used to say, "you're too smart for your own good." Now I know what she meant by this. What I know causes me more trouble than what I don't know. I understand what you mean by trying to use your knowledge to help people, but for some reason, people are resentful or unwelcoming of your help. This blows my mind. I figure if you left the problems of the world up to people who are highly intellent with ADHD, the problems would be solved in one day...but then that would make other (regular) folks feel bad, and we wouldn't want that....Wow. You just described my life perfectly. I have an IQ of 140 and skipped two grades in school. Because of my ability to compute information effortlessly at 10 times the speed of my classmates, my parents ruled out ADHD (partly because they were skeptical of ADD/ADHD in general.) I have the same 'tv in the brain' and a deep fascination with solving problems of any kind. The problem for me has always been an inability to focus on any one thought for longer than 5 seconds. I could read and write music before I could read. Conversations with others always seem sooo sloooow because in the time it takes them to finish their sentence, I've already finished their sentence 10 different ways in my head and prepared responses for each. Music is tangible to me, I feel it so much deeper than others. Many people call me a know-it-all. I am addicted to learning. I spend hours each day on stumbleupon,com and related sites just absorbing information. Somehow this information absorption is intensely therapeutic, it's like when my mind focuses on something for longer than a few seconds, all the static in my head fades into silence. ahhhh... Anyhow, last week in my random internet surfing, I started researching adult ADHD. What?! There are more people out there like me?! Medication?!!! 3 days ago I went to the doctor, described my symptoms to him, and instantly got a presc for Adderall XR 20mg. Wow. For the first time in my life I can actually choose what to think about! I can choose which thought to focus on! At first the profound silence in my mind scared me. I felt like I had suddenly lost all intelligence. Then I sat down with my guitar to see how it affected that part of my brain. I was blown away! I could focus on writing just one part at a time, instead of directing a 50 piece orchestra. Yesterday work was incredible. So peaceful, and yet I started to realize my mind was functioning at the same speed it always had, yet incredibly focused! It was like comparing a disco ball to a laser. Now suddenly after three days I feel like I am mentally addicted to the effects of Adderall! I haven't slept in the three days since I started taking it, but that seems like a small price to pay for peace and tranquility..... I appreciated this article very much, I'm so glad that at 23 I realized this. Thank you J Cook!
I really appreciate this thread. I have recently been diagnosed with ADHD and been properly medicated and it has made all the difference. Reading the stories above greatly validate my experiences, and I feel comforted to be in good company. I have the felt the same depression as a result of the boredom attributed to ADHD. I need constant projects, passions, and am consistently thinking about several different scenarios at the same time. I do recommend reading a few books about ADHD and behavior coaching. The behavior coaching is making a tremendous difference in how I function daily, and just keep up with regular "life maintenance." The self-imposed structure does help with follow through and prevents the last minute crises and panics. My doctor did a great job in finding a combination of medication that would work for me. I take an ADHD medication, an antidepressant and a stabilizer. It works really well, and I am so grateful and feel so blessed that I have finally found a diagnosis and am in treatment.
I started to research this subject after showing my young boy around a new private school. After the tour the teacher commented that my child has impulsive behaviours, does not like to be told what to do and is highly inquisitive. They also commented that he was unlike any other child that they had met, even though he appears intelligent. I tried o research this this area and found that 25-30% of male parents of children with these symptoms also have it. I then fell upon this page and the story quoted above which resonated with my experiences and my life in general. I have actually masked this very well and have had jobs for 6 and 10 years respectively. I am now an executive director of a company after moving from beinga director of a very large multinational organisation. I had numerous personality profile tests each one highlighting I was "different". In one test I was labelled as a "plant", the person who thinks outside the box and comes up with ideas and solutions that others could feed off. From Mysers Briggs I was an INTJ which highlighted I was an introvert but people I worked with found this hard to believe because I talked alot, but only about the technology or ways it could be improved. I was in a role where I was faced with many different problems every day which kept my mind racing and kept the role interesting. This very fact has helped mask my condition for years. I do not like being told what to do as I always feel that the person instructing me has not thought through any problems thoroughly enough and their direction is probably flawed. Being in a senior position enables me to direct my staff to resolve the problems and business issues I am solving in my head.
For years I thought I was different and a freak and had issues with social skills but turned to computers which gave me the medium to feed the inner boredom and to research anything and everything. I am deemed by my peers to be extremely intelligent but I don't see this as I focus more on my areas of weakness where others excel like communication skills so cannot appreciate compliments.
I can now look at ways where I can help myself, and posibly others, in the comfort that I am not alone.
Great Story this is the Story of my Life, Year I self Diagnosed it, and I am taking medication now, On suggestion I have is, Adderall has some side effects, but it is too ealry to tell, since it's been only since I been talking it.
One Very good solution is it really helps, unlike other meditations this very easy. Transcendental mediation, I have been fired almost all the jobs, I have had, because of over competition, my boss did't like me because I was smarter then him. Thank you for the great story, Now I know I am not alone.Sir J Cook:
Thank you for your kindness in sharing your story in order to help people.
I think you should write a book about the story of your life. This will solve many problems as you like. This will change the lives of people, will give you a better income and most important, you will know that, after all, your habilities were not wasted.
Again, thank you.
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