The Myths & Facts About ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has been widely debated over for the last couple of decades as more and more children are being diagnosed. Some people think that people with ADHD are lazy, stupid and lack will power, however ADHD has been recognized by the National Institute of Health and the US department of Education as a biologically based disorder. Most often ADHD is diagnosed in children however since 1978 adults have been formally diagnosed with adult ADHD as well. This is undeniable especially since most children who are diagnosed with ADHD will grow up with the same disorder. To better understand ADHD in its entirety you need to understand what is myth and what is fact.

MYTH-ADHD is not a real problem. ADHD is a lack of willpower.FACT-ADHD is neurobehavioral developmental disorder. It is a chemical imbalance in the management systems of the brain. ADHD is a legitimate diagnosis by major medical, psychological, and educational organizations using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It is also recognize by the NIH and US department of Education as a biologically based chemical imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain.

MYTH- ADHD only affects boys.FACT- Although it has been confirmed that boys are 3 times more likely than girls to develop ADHD, other risk factors are still being debated. Therefore ADHD is not a genetically male disorder.

MYTH- Children with ADHD eventually outgrow their condition.FACT- Approximately 70% of children diagnosed with ADHD will continue to have symptoms up through adolescence and 60% will continue to experience symptoms into adulthood.

MYTH- ADHD is a result of bad parenting .FACT- Parenting doesn’t cause ADHD. Children with ADHD cannot control the impulses that make them misbehave. They are not taught to act this way; it is the chemistry in the brain. However, some parenting techniques can improve the intensity of the symptoms.

MYTH- You can’t have ADHD as an adult if you weren’t diagnosed as a child.FACT- Some children are undiagnosed, or misdiagnosed during childhood. Others can cope with their symptoms as a child therefore not fully experiencing or recognizing their symptoms until adulthood. Therefore diagnosis of ADHD is prevalent and adequate.

MYTH- It is impossible to accurately diagnose ADHD in adults.FACT- Although there isn’t one test that diagnosis ADHD in adults. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and American Medical Association clearly documents and lists symptoms of ADHD in both children and adults and medical professionals have specific standards on diagnosing such disorders.

MYTH- People with ADHD are stupid and lazy.FACT- Many people with ADHD have an above average intelligence. However, the imbalances in the brain cause symptoms, which make the person look like they are stupid or lazy. Many legendary people are thought to have had ADHD. People who can successfully manage their disorder have gone on to be CEO’s and owners of companies that are still successful today.

MYTH- Everyone experiences symptoms of ADHD at some point; intelligent people can overcome these symptoms.
FACT- ADHD has nothing to do with intellect. Many people with ADHD are very highly intelligent. Everyone can experience the symptoms of ADHD. In people without ADHD it’s normally due to over stimulation, attitude , mood, or fatigue. For people who suffer from ADHD they are chronically impaired by their symptoms.

MYTH-Someone with ADHD can’t be depressed, anxious, or have psychiatric problems.
FACT- Someone with ADHD is actually 6 times as likely to experience another psychiatric or learning disorder.

MYTH- ADHD medication causes people to abuse drugs.FACT- The prescription medication used for treatment of ADHD has been proven safe and effective. It is more likely that untreated patients with ADHD have a higher risk to abuse drugs due to addictive tendencies. Treatment reduces the risk.

Don't let these commonly believed myths mislead you. The more you know about ADHD, the easier it will be for you to handle it.