Are people with ADHD typically smarter?

Question

Is it easier for people with ADHD to outsmart others? I’ve heard that they can be more creative and tend to think outside the box when presented with a problem. If my friend was super quick, hyper, and fast at video games or something and always performed better than me, is his brain just faster and does that mean he’s smarter than me?

Answer 1

No, ADHD doesn't make people smarter. People with ADHD do tend to be more creative in their thinking. They tend to come up with the solution that nobody else has thought of, but that doesn't always make it the best solution. In addition, people with ADHD are more likely to be risk takers, so they are more likely to try a solution with high risk and high reward, even when slow and steady will win the race. People with ADHD also have "superfocus" for areas that really interest them. That's why it seems like your friend is better than you at video games. When you are playing video games, you are hearing your parents talking in the other room or the music that's on; you are smelling dinner cooking; you are seeing your little sister trying to get your attention out of the corner of your eye; you are aware of that tag on the back of your shirt that itches just a little. When your friend is in the zone, he is aware of nothing else. You could get to be as good as him by practicing focus techniques. However, the only person you need to compete with is yourself. Celebrate your victories of improvement and join in when your friend celebrates his. Competition is great; it can really push you to do your best. But in the end, it's you that you have to beat. There will be many different kinds of competition in your life and the competitors and challenges will keep changing, Do your best and then improve upon it. Comparing yourself to others will hold you back from your full potential. And it's none to good for lasting friendships.