Depending on the kind of test, this is an IQ ranging between 140 and 150. According to the definition used by Mensa, this means having an IQ that lies in the uppermost 2%, scored on an approved IQ test. He has started studying again and is happy with the advice the psychologist gave him.Ī generally accepted definition of “gifted” does not exist3. He still suffers from neck problems, but he hardly ever reports sick. A year later, the occupational health physician observes that Joost appears to be relaxed.

Within the association, he establishes several valuable contacts. He acknowledges a lot of what is contained in the documentation that he receives. Based on the results of the tests he had already undergone, he is accepted as a member. He overcomes his initial resistance to the idea and follows the advice. The psychologist advises Joost to request information from Mensa*, a worldwide association for very intelligent people. The tests and interview do not reveal any severe problems. Joost tells the psychologist that he had been tested at high school but that his parents had refused to tell him the results of the tests. The results show that Joost scores very high in analytical thinking, amongst other areas. After completing a detailed anamnesis, the psychologist performs a number of tests. The occupational health physician suggests that Joost be examined by a psychologist specialized in work-related problems at the working conditions service. He functions adequately, his manager is happy with him. Additionally, he appears to be quite lonely, has little contact with his colleagues. Joost is rather anxious and very preoccupied with his health. The occupational health physician has a lengthy interview with him. He suffers from neck problems, as a result of which he regularly stays off work. Joost Bakker is a 42-year-old automation expert. During the surgery hours of the occupational health physician she bursts into terrible bouts of crying and the occupational health physician doesn’t know how to help her. However, she does not dare to voice her belief about this.

Alice has the impression that she is very intelligent and knows that she will not be able to perform simple work for a lengthy period of time. After a year, an occupational disability examination assesses that she is able to do work of a simple nature for 20 hours a week. She goes in search of therapy, in the course of which much suffering during her youth is revealed. The occupational health physician diagnoses a burn-out. One day, it all becomes too much for her. She tries to ignore this and hardly ever reports sick for work. However, a colleague has been bullying her for years. She works as a researcher for a government service and has gained many qualifications through self-study in the evenings. To illustrate our point, we present two case studies.Īlice Wismeijer is a 38-year-old woman. And what can occupational health physicians and insurance doctors do with this information? What are the characteristics of the problems of the gifted at work. Some become ill and even permanently occupationally disabled. But just like a number of gifted schoolchildren, some gifted employees do not function adequately and are unhappy as a result2. It is increasingly being realized that gifted individuals have the capacity to help solve complex problems1. Thus, a gifted employee who is not functioning as required becomes a valued worker providing a unique contribution at work. When their motivation is restored, people with very high intelligence are capable of high-quality work and of solving complex problems. The solution can lie in a change in the job requirements or working conditions medical or psychotherapeutic treatment is then rendered unnecessary. Based on certain characteristics and signals, occupational health physicians and insurance doctors are able to recognize giftedness and to bring the subject out into the open. The problems at work are explained using examples from the work floor. This article describes some characteristics of gifted people. Hardly any scientific research on this topic has been performed.

Their high intelligence can cause them to dysfunction when adapting to the work situation, sometimes leading to absenteeism and disability. Gifted adults (people with a very high intelligence 2% of the population) sometimes are not able to function adequately at work.

Gifted adults signs