ADHD

At our practice, we often meet high-achieving adults who quietly question why everyday tasks feel so overwhelming despite their intelligence, talent, and strong work ethic. Many of them have lived with the misconception that being “smart enough” should allow them to outthink or overpower ADHD. But as psychologist Ellen Littman, Ph.D., explains in her 2025 article, ADHD does not disappear in the presence of a high IQ — and intelligence cannot compensate for executive-function challenges or emotional dysregulation.

High-IQ adults with ADHD often appear successful on the surface, yet their internal experience may be marked by exhaustion, self-doubt, and the pressure to mask their struggles.

By sharing this information, our goal is to normalize these experiences, reduce shame, and help individuals understand that their difficulties are valid, recognizable, and treatable. Support is available, and you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone.