Misconceptions About ADHD

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is among the most common neurodevelopmental disorders and yet, highly misunderstood. The myths around ADHD make it tougher for those suffering from it to get the right support. If you suspect your, your child or loved ones have ADHD, then here are the top misconceptions about it that you need to forego.

Misconception #1: ADHD Is Not A Real Medical Condition

ADHD is a genuine medical condition, with millions of kids and adults suffering from it in the US alone. In fact, the brain development of those who have ADHD is different from those who do not. Kids with ADHD are more prone to have substance disorders and anxiety. This condition also affects the quality of life immensely, with difficulty in planning, initiating, and organizing tasks. 

Misconception #2: ADHD Is A Learning Disability

ADHD interrupts the learning process, but is not a learning disability in itself. The reason for the popularity of this myth is that some learning disabilities usually occur simultaneously with ADHD. But ADHD does not cause difficulty in specific skills per se like writing and reading.

Misconception #3: Kids With ADHD Outgrow It Eventually

Treatment can help ADHD but the condition is chronic and may last throughout one’s life. So kids will never totally outgrow ADHD, though the symptoms can get lesser eventually with treatment.

Misconception #4: Girls Do Not Get ADHD

Boys are often more hyperactive or display several behavioral issues than girls. As a result, parents don't recognize ADHD in young girls, which makes it tougher for them to be referred for an evaluation of ADHD. The issue with the myth that girls do not get ADHD is that, oftentimes, this condition goes untreated in girls and their ADHD progresses. This also increases issues with their antisocial personality, anxiety, mood, and other comorbid disorders. 

Misconception #5: Poor Parenting Is The Cause Of ADHD

Despite the fact that poor parenting aggravates ADHD and its coexisting disorders, it is not the reason for ADHD in itself. The main causes of ADHD are genetic and neurological factors rather than social factors such as parenting.

These were some of the most popular misconceptions associated with ADHD. As a parent, it is crucial to learn more about the condition for early detection of ADHD in children. Some of the symptoms of Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder include the following:

●      Fidgeting with hands or feet

●      Excessive interrupting

●      Lack of organization

●      Difficulty in sustained attention

●      Losing things

●      Not following through on instructions

●      Blurting out 

If you think you or your child is suffering from ADHD, then having a consultation with a licensed professional is a good first step. Formal assessments, such as psychological or neuropsychological testing is likely to be recommended to help diagnose ADHD, as well as identify any other emotional disorders that may exacerbate symptoms.

Interested in an ADHD consultation? Contact me at drnicoleandreoli@gmail.com