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Neurology (Expert Forum)
drop in IQ scores with depression
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drop in IQ scores with depression
by rabbit, Jun 02, 2001 12:00AM
We recently had our child tested because he seems to be depressed and/or add. The pshchologist testing him diagnosed him with depression, but his IQ score had dropped some 20 points since testing in 1997. His psychiatrist was really concerned about the drop in IQ and recommends further testing. What kind of things could cause such a significant drop in intellectual functioning? I might mention that he was depressed when tested in 1997 and also that when tested in 97, he was tested both in school and privately and, at that time, both IQ scores were within two or three points of each other. Our child is adopted and does have ash leaf spots (I think that's what they're called--they flourese under black light) and a birth mark. I am wondering if there is some genetic link that we might be missing. He is very gifted in art and his IQ has dropped from 127 to 106. Thanks--Rabbit
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-RPS, Jun 02, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Rabbit:
Sorry to hear about your child. I can't tell you why your child's IQ should have dropped. Sometimes, the testing itself can make a difference. For instance, as a child grows and develops the test itself may change and therefore the results change. We have seen children with high IQs on infant testing only to consistently show only normal IQs on multiple testing for the remainder of their school age years. Certainly, a depressed child will not test well. But whether his/her IQ actually dropped???? I would be more worried about the cause of the depression and correct that initially. Then retest and see if there is a problem.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
Sorry to hear about your child. I can't tell you why your child's IQ should have dropped. Sometimes, the testing itself can make a difference. For instance, as a child grows and develops the test itself may change and therefore the results change. We have seen children with high IQs on infant testing only to consistently show only normal IQs on multiple testing for the remainder of their school age years. Certainly, a depressed child will not test well. But whether his/her IQ actually dropped???? I would be more worried about the cause of the depression and correct that initially. Then retest and see if there is a problem.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
I wonder if my IQ has dropped. It seems like it has. I used to be tested with over 150, one time 156 the other time 149 so I was told. But I have had over 200 seizures some as lomg as 45 minutes over the past two years and my intellect just doesn't seem to be there. My train of thought is flighty and aloof. It could be the neds I am on though, I don't know. It irritates none-the-less.