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.