5 Common ADHD myths debunked

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April 15, 2016 |by Contributor |with 0 Comments

 

Without insight into ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) – its causes, symptoms and impact – it’s easy to misunderstand the condition …

ADHD myths

The idea of an ‘ADD kid’ has so often been misrepresented by popular culture that many people don’t know what the condition actually entails and what it’s like to live with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Here are a few myths surrounding ADHD and the realities of the condition:

Myth: ADHD is a made-up condition, constructed by pharmaceutical companies to make money.

Fact: ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, affecting around 8 to 10% of children and 4.4% of adults worldwide. It’s estimated that up to 75% of adults with ADHD are undiagnosed.

Myth: ADHD in children is a result of bad parenting.

Fact: ADHD is not a result of bad parenting. No one knows exactly what causes ADHD, but it’s thought to be a combination of genetics and environmental factors. ADHD means that some chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters, don’t work properly.

Myth: A child with ADHD can easily grow out of it in adulthood.

Fact: Historically, ADHD has been considered a childhood disorder, but this isn’t true – more and more, research shows the condition persists into adulthood. In fact, up to 65% of children with ADHD continue to experience the disorder into adulthood, which is why the correct medication and treatment plan is all-important.
RELATED: Critical parents linked to kids' persistent ADHD

Myth: It’s possible to develop ADHD as an adult.

Fact: There’s no such thing as adult-onset-ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD need to be present from before the age of seven in order for the condition to be classified as ADHD. Even if ADHD is only diagnosed when the patient is an adult, that doesn’t mean the symptoms weren’t present in their childhood – they probably just weren't noticed or diagnosed correctly.

Myth: ADHD medication, such as methylphenidate, is a gateway drug for substance abuse later in life.

Fact: The right ADHD medication will help manage the symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity in people with ADHD, to help them reach their full potential. If left untreated, ADHD can manifest in substance abuse later in life, as teens and adults attempt to find their own coping mechanisms for their symptoms. With the correct treatment plan, however, ADHD medication can help reduce the chances of substance abuse.

Myth: You can identify a child with ADHD because they’re always ‘bouncing off the walls’.

Fact: Although both girls and boys can show symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, these symptoms often manifest very differently. Boys’ symptoms tend to be more ‘external’ – they act out, run around, struggle to sit still and can be physically aggressive.
ADHD symptoms in girls, however, tend to be more ‘internal’ – they are often daydreamers, who sit and stare out the window and withdraw from the class. They are prone to low self-esteem and anxiety and often engage in taunting, name-calling and teasing their peers.

Myth: People with ADHD aren’t as intelligent as others.

Fact: Having ADHD doesn’t make the person any less capable or intelligent – it simply means they need the right treatment plan to help them reach their full potential. People with ADHD are often highly intelligent, creative and show original thought.
Comorbid conditions (or associated conditions), such as anxiety, are common in people with untreated ADHD, which is why they often struggle to fit in and are seen to be unmotivated and unfocused. With the correct medication and a holistic treatment plan, people with ADHD can thrive.
If you recognise symptoms of ADHD in yourself, visit a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis, medication and treatment plan. If your child, loved-one or friend seems to display these symptoms, advise them to seek a formal diagnosis from a healthcare professional. For more information, visit My ADHD on Facebook.