An evidenced-based perspective on the validity of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the context of high intelligence

Nanda Rommelse, Marieke van der Kruijs, Jochem Damhuis, Ineke Hoek, Stijn Smeets, Kevin M. Antshel, Lianne Hoogeveen, Stephen V. Faraone

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

The validity of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in individuals with high intelligence is disputed, since high intelligence may ‘mimic’ the symptoms of ADHD in the absence of the specific pathophysiological pathways for ADHD. Conversely, increased risk of a missed ADHD diagnosis may occur due to compensatory strategies in the highly intelligent individual. A systematic literature review was performed including cognitive and behavioral studies, addressing a specific set of criteria for validating ADHD in the context of high intelligence. Albeit limited in number, available results suggest that ADHD is a valid construct in the context of high intelligence, showing characteristic clinical features (except possibly for hyperactivity being a less specific pathology marker), course and outcome and a characteristic response to treatment. Importantly, ADHD and IQ are negatively correlated on nearly all phenotypic and cognitive constructs, underlining the need for taking IQ into account as potential moderator in ADHD studies and more systematically studying ADHD in the high intelligent population.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)21-47
Number of pages27
JournalNeuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
Volume71
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2016

Keywords

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Behavior
  • Cognition
  • Gifted
  • High IQ
  • Hyperactivity
  • Imaging
  • Intelligence
  • Lateralization
  • Maturation
  • Testosterone
  • Validity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Behavioral Neuroscience

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