Behavior which an observer sees as unusual will be interpreted within the paradigm from which the observer views it. While psychomotor overexcitability can be seen as equivalent to the primarily hyperactive type of ADHD, the behavioral results of other overexcitabilities (sensual, intellectual, imaginational, and emotional) may be interpreted as indications of both ADHD and giftedness.
| ADHD | Overexcitabilities | |
|---|---|---|
| Originated by: | Psychiatrists primarily in the USA | Polish Psychologist and Psychiatrist K. Dabrowski |
| Indications: | Impulsivity and/or inattentiveness | Unusually strong reactions to stimuli |
| Seen as: | Pathological | A range from healthy to pathological |
| Needs from others: | External control, treatment (medication), and/or intervention (behavior modification) in order to normalize behavior | Permission, resources, and encouragement to pursue interests and develop abilities and self. Behavioral or medical intervention if needed in order to allow the individual develop |
| Needs from self: | The internalization of external controls in order to fill socially acceptable roles | Self-understanding in order to reach higher levels of development |