title: An evidenced-based perspective on the validity of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the context of high intelligence.
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.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Karakter, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Electronic address: n.lambregts-rommelse@psy.umcn.nl.
authors: Nanda
authors: N
authors: Rommelse
authors: Karakter, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors: Marieke
authors: M
authors: van der Kruijs
authors: Radboud University, Honours Programme, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors: Jochem
authors: J
authors: Damhuis
authors: Karakter, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors: Ineke
authors: I
authors: Hoek
authors: Center for the Study of Giftedness, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors: Stijn
authors: S
authors: Smeets
authors: Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, NY, USA.
authors: Kevin M
authors: KM
authors: Antshel
authors: Center for the Study of Giftedness, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors: Lianne
authors: L
authors: Hoogeveen
authors: Departments of Psychiatry and of Neuroscience and Physiology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, New York, USA; K.G. Jebsen Centre for Research on Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
authors: Stephen V
authors: SV
authors: Faraone
mesh_terms: D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence
keywords: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); Behavior; Cognition; Gifted; High IQ; Hyperactivity; Imaging; Intelligence; Lateralization; Maturation; Testosterone; Validity