Neurobiological Foundation: The Dopamine Hypothesis
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is fundamentally not merely an "inability to focus," but a complex neurobiological trait rooted in the communication between the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia. The primary biochemical factor is dopamine and norepinephrine dysregulation. Dopamine is the fuel for the brain's reward system and for filtering attention. In individuals with ADHD, dopamine transporter proteins (DAT) are often hyperactive, meaning dopamine is removed from synapses too quickly, leaving the brain "hungry" for stimulation.
Cognitively, this means the brain is in constant search mode, seeking novelty or intense stimulation to reach a baseline functional state. This often leads to deficits in "executive functions" – challenges in planning, impulse inhibition, and emotional self-regulation.
Working Memory: The IQ Test Bottleneck
In IQ testing, the strongest correlation between ADHD and cognitive scores lies in working memory. Working memory is the brain’s operational RAM, required for:
- Managing Multiple Variables: When solving logical matrices, the brain must hold several symbols and rules in mind simultaneously.
- Processing Speed: Individuals with ADHD can be extremely fast thinkers, but their "data processing" can be uneven, leading to careless errors.
- Inhibition: The ability to ignore irrelevant information while performing a task.
The "Twice-Exceptional" (2e) Profile
It is common for an individual to have a very high IQ (above 130) while simultaneously being clinically diagnosed with ADHD. This is known as being twice-exceptional (2e). In these cases, high intelligence may mask the attention deficit for years, until academic or professional loads become so heavy that the compensatory mechanisms collapse.
These individuals often show "jagged" IQ test results – verbal or visual logic might be in the 99th percentile, while working memory or processing speed is significantly lower. This discrepancy is often the first sign of hidden ADHD in adulthood. Our test is designed to identify these imbalances, providing a deeper look into the cognitive profile.
Hyperfocus: The ADHD Superpower
We cannot discuss ADHD without mentioning hyperfocus. This is a paradoxical state where a person is able to completely merge with a task that provides them with great intellectual pleasure or novelty. During an IQ test, an individual with ADHD may fall into a deep flow state, where their performance surpasses even those without the condition. This happens because the novelty of the task stimulates dopamine release, temporarily making the brain "optimal."