You Can Be Smart and Have ADHD

Many believe that an ADHD diagnosis is a reflection of one’s intelligence or potential to thrive academically. Dr. Thomas E Brown, a world leader in ADHD at Yale University, asserts that this is unequivocally not the case in Smart But Stuck. In fact, he notes that there are many adults and teens that have superior intelligence, especially in verbal IQ scores. Dr. Brown argues that ADHD is a complex syndrome that features compromised use of one’s executive functions to self-manage activation, focus, effort, emotion, memory, and action. Under this model, one can be extremely bright but fail to modulate actions and emotions in a successful manner. (To learn more about ADHD, click here).

While ADHD can adversely affect academic and social pursuits, the good news is that proper management, with or without pharmaceutics, can help a “smart but stuck” individual become “unstuck”. In his book, Dr. Brown relays the stories of multiple individuals that sought therapy after disappointing performances at work. One story follows a young student that excelled in high school only to severely struggle passing and attending courses at a prestigious university. Another recollection tells the tale of a thirty year-old computer programmer that loses his job and wife despite being a brilliant computer scientist. Each case is a nonfictional account of those who are objectively intelligent, but experience severe setbacks or shortcomings. In short, it is not enough to be smart in order to succeed.

In addition to giving the reader a personal account of his patients, Dr. Brown highlights the source of the patient’s problems and shortcomings. Specifically, the context of one’s personal history and disruptions in executive functions are highlighted. Organization, working memory, focus, and emotional regulation are independent of intelligence. However, to become “unstuck”, it is imperative to address the impairments of executive functions. Most often, this requires the assistance of professional help.

Dr. Brown ends each chapter with a bullet point analysis of actions that resulted in patients becoming “unstuck”. While it can be challenging to overcome the obstacles presented by ADHD, counseling can lead to successful outcomes. Smart But Stuck showcases the stories of students and employees achieving at a high level in competitive universities and jobs. Fundamental to becoming “unstuck” is proper diagnosis and management of ADHD. At Pathways, Dr. Jay Gordon runs a comprehensive ADHD evaluation and management program. With a strong team of experts, Pathways is more than happy to help smart individuals become “unstuck” by arranging testing (IQ/ cognitive abilities) and personalized management that may include therapy and, if necessary, medication.

Smart But Stuck on Amazon:

The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with brain injuries. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.