IQ Test Results and ADD: Insights for Students - Psychiatry

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Understanding the results of IQ tests and the implications of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) can be quite complex, especially for students navigating educational systems in different languages and cultures. Your experience highlights several important aspects of cognitive assessment, language proficiency, and the impact of ADD on academic performance.

Firstly, it's essential to recognize that IQ tests, such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), measure a range of cognitive abilities, including verbal comprehension (VIQ), perceptual reasoning (PIQ), and overall intelligence quotient (FIQ). Your scores of VIQ=91, PIQ=85, and FIQ=87 suggest that your cognitive abilities are within the average range, albeit on the lower end. However, it’s crucial to understand that these scores do not define your potential or future success. They are merely a snapshot of your cognitive abilities at a specific time and under specific conditions.

Your concerns about the accuracy of the test results, particularly regarding your mental arithmetic skills, are valid. The reliance on calculators in your math classes may have contributed to a decline in your mental calculation abilities, which could affect your performance on tests that require quick mental processing. Additionally, the context in which you took the test—being in a different language environment—might have influenced your performance, particularly in verbal tasks. Language proficiency plays a significant role in cognitive assessments, and it’s not uncommon for bilingual individuals to experience discrepancies in their cognitive performance based on the language of the test.

Regarding the diagnosis of ADD, it’s important to note that this condition can manifest in various ways, including difficulties with attention, organization, and sometimes even in processing information. Your report of being easily distracted during tasks, such as mental arithmetic, aligns with common symptoms of ADD. The fact that you have seen improvements in your academic performance while on medication (like Ritalin) suggests that the treatment is having a positive effect on your ability to focus and perform academically.

It’s also worth mentioning that the perception of your cognitive abilities by others, such as your math tutor, may not always align with clinical assessments. People can have varying opinions based on their experiences and expectations. Your consistent performance in exams during earlier schooling years indicates that you possess the capability to succeed academically, even if your cognitive assessment scores suggest otherwise.

As for discussing your concerns with your psychiatrist, it is always beneficial to communicate openly about any questions or feelings you have regarding your diagnosis, treatment, and the implications of your IQ test results. A good psychiatrist will appreciate your insights and concerns, and they can provide clarity on how these factors interact with your academic life and personal development. If you feel that the communication style of your psychiatrist is condescending, it’s important to address this directly. Effective communication is key to a successful therapeutic relationship.

In conclusion, while IQ test results provide valuable information about cognitive abilities, they should not be viewed as definitive measures of intelligence or potential. ADD can influence academic performance, but with appropriate support and treatment, many individuals with ADD can thrive in their educational pursuits. Your experiences, both positive and challenging, contribute to your unique learning journey. Embrace your strengths, seek support when needed, and continue to advocate for yourself in both academic and medical settings.