Is giftedness often misdiagnosed as ADHD?
Why does giftedness often resemble ADHD?
The behaviors exhibited by gifted children, which closely resemble symptoms of various mental syndromes such as ADHD, autism, depression, narcissism, or oppositional behavior, are often due to their giftedness going unrecognized or receiving inadequate support. Consequently, some gifted children are misdiagnosed, leading to various consequences.
Why are some gifted individuals misdiagnosed? How do giftedness and conditions like autism, ADHD, oppositional behavior, and depression relate? What insights can Dabrowski provide?
ADHD
The DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition) outlines three types of ADHD. Individuals may experience concentration problems only (ADD), display hyperactivity and impulsivity (ADHD), or have a combination of both.
Below, you'll find the DSM-V's description of concentration disorders. This list doesn't address the causes or treatments of the condition. Diagnosis is typically made by a psychiatrist or psychologist, with medication, usually methylphenidate-based, prescribed by a physician. Such medications can mitigate symptoms, greatly improving a child's social functioning.
DSM-V
Note: This is a translation of our Dutch page and not the exact wording from the English DSM-V.
Inattention | Hyperactivity and impulsivity |
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Let's not doubt the existence of ADHD as a genuine condition. However, it's often observed that the behavior of gifted children shares some notable similarities with the characteristics described above. Hence, it's crucial to recognize and acknowledge giftedness before jumping to a suspicion of ADHD.
Consider a scenario where a child is solely gifted but receives an ADHD diagnosis, leading to medication prescribed for a brain disorder it doesn't have!
In addition to alleviating ADHD symptoms, such medication can dampen children's creativity and curiosity. Moreover, there are potential side effects to be cautious of, including palpitations, restlessness, nausea, decreased appetite, and sleep disturbances. Long-term effects may include weight loss or stunted growth. Therefore, avoiding misdiagnosis is paramount!
Below, you'll first find common behavioral traits shared by both ADD/ADHD and giftedness. Following that are situations indicating that the child is more likely gifted and doesn't have ADHD.
Commonalities between ADD and giftedness | Commonalities between ADHD and giftedness |
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A gifted child does not exhibit signs of ADHD if:
- Behavioral issues only emerged upon starting school
- Depending on their interest, they can concentrate on tasks while deliberately allowing attention to wane on others
- They can sustain focus on challenging tasks for extended periods, even without external rewards
- They remain oblivious to their surroundings during tasks that capture their interest
- They easily lose focus during uninteresting tasks without attempting to disrupt others
- They take a moment to consider before providing a thoughtful response when addressed
- Their responses are immediate, yet predominantly accurate
- They intentionally procrastinate or leave tasks unfinished, particularly those requiring rote memorization
- Interruptions are aimed at preventing others from making mistakes
- They can effortlessly transition from one task to another, especially if it's equally engaging
- They perform well on attention tests and can even enhance focus when adequately motivated
- If distracted, they can swiftly return their attention to the task at hand
Specialization in ADHD and giftedness at Hoogbloeier®?
The quicker we identify a child as (potentially) gifted, the lower the chance of misdiagnosis. During an intake session, our coaches can assess whether there's a suspicion of giftedness or if ADHD should be considered. If an IQ test or other assessments are deemed necessary, they will gladly refer you to one of our specialized psychologists.
In our partner network, you'll find coaches ready to invite you for an intake session. Alternatively, you can search for a psychologist nearby who includes ADHD in their services and feel free to contact them for an intake session.
Copyright © 2023 dr. Sabine Sypré, Hoogbloeier® cvba – All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission from the author. Online sharing is permitted provided that the author is credited and a link to this article is included.
