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Co-Occurrence of ADHD and high IQ: a case series empirical study
Mara L Cordeiro1, Antonio C Farias, Alexandre Cunha
1Pelé Pequeno Príncipe Research Institute, Curitiba, Brazil. mcordeiro@pelepequenoprincipe.org.br
Objective:
The validity of a diagnosis of ADHD in children with a high intelligence quotient (IQ) remains controversial. Using a multidisciplinary approach, rigorous diagnostic criteria, and worldwide-validated psychometric instruments, we identified a group of children attending public schools in southern Brazil for co-occurrence of high IQ and ADHD.
Method:
Students attending public schools, in the first to fifth grades, were referred to our Research Center for behavioral and/or learning difficulties. These children completed clinical, psychiatric, psychological, and pedagogical evaluations for assessment of IQ, ADHD, learning, and other emotional or behavioral disorders.
Results:
Fifteen of the participants were identified to have a full-scale IQ ≥ 120. Data show that 10 of these high-IQ children met the DSM-IV criteria diagnosis for ADHD combined type, 5 met criteria for current oppositional-defiant disorder, 2 had current major depression, and 2 had a learning disorder. Here we present the results as a case series.
Conclusion:
Our data support the hypothesis that ADHD is a valid diagnosis in children with high IQs.
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