Intelligence is a characteristic that can be easily perceived in many aspects of life, and psychiatrists, because of their training, are able to identify highly intelligent individuals. This occurs for two main reasons.
The first is related to the way highly intelligent people express themselves. Language and vocabulary are often clear indicators of a sophisticated mind. Those who are above average in intelligence often have an extensive vocabulary and a remarkable ability to deal with abstract, logical and subjective reasoning. This ease in switching topics of conversation, combined with the speed of reasoning and even the way of moving or looking, are signs that can indicate a high level of intelligence. This observation is part of what psychiatrists analyze in clinical interactions.
The second reason is related to the professional training of psychiatrists and psychologists. Assessing cognitive ability is a fundamental step in many psychiatric assessments. When a psychiatrist or psychologist is developing a treatment plan, the patient’s intelligence needs to be considered. This is crucial to distinguish between behaviors and thought patterns that result from psychopathology and those that may be related to specific cognitive abilities. In short, understanding intelligence helps the professional to plan appropriate and personalized interventions.
Furthermore, in forensic settings, where psychologists work in the judicial system, detailed psychological assessments are part of their daily work. In these cases, intelligence tests and their interpretation are fundamental components. The ability to identify an individual’s intelligence helps to understand their behavior in legal situations, aiding in more complex decision-making and diagnostic processes.
So yes, psychiatrists and psychologists have the training and tools to recognize highly intelligent people. Intelligence is not only observed during clinical interactions, but is also part of the assessment and treatment processes, ensuring that the professional can understand the patient’s cognitive and behavioral nuances.
Dr. Flávio Henrique has a degree in medicine from UFCG, a medical residency in psychiatry from UFPI and more than 10 years of experience in the field of psychiatry.