Myths, Misconceptions, and Stereotypes about ADHD

As far as mental illness is concerned, ADHD hasn’t yet been taken on a serious note.

Have you ever noticed any child spending hours studying and still scoring the lowest marks? Could this be a case of ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? Or is the child is just being lazy? Is ADHD restricted to children only?

The possible answers to all such questions will surely leave you wondering. However, this blog discusses different myths, misconceptions, and stereotypes people have about ADHD. You can read along to find an accurate picture of ADHD and clear the misconceptions in your mind.

What do you Understand by ADHD? and What are its Types?

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This is a behavioral disorder in which you face trouble controlling impulsive responses, paying attention, and concentrating on your work. Mainly the condition is classified as follows:

1) Predominantly inattentive:

In this case, you might find it hard to follow even quite simple instructions. And sometimes, you may get lost in your thoughts while forgetting all the minor details of the tasks.

2) Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive:

In this case, you gabble, run, and talk unknowingly. The chances of getting injured are usually high in this particular case.

3) Combined presentation:

In the case of combined presentation, you will notice the symptoms of the other two types. Also, this is the most common type seen among kids.

Seven Most Common Untrue Assumptions about ADHD Disorder

While social media facilitates the rapid dissemination of helpful information, it also spreads misinformation. Until recently, People were least aware of ADHD.

However, now, ADHD and many related disorders are all over the internet. Because social media does not require filters to publish or post any such data, the myths are circulating rapidly.

You might have heard of the false claim published in an article on NaturalNews.com in 2018. It stated that ADHD isn’t a real disorder, and this is merely a false put up by big pharma for the profit from drug supply.

Also, Dr. Dickinson argued the statement about the misdiagnosis of children when they wished to go fishing and hunting. It was clarified later with an explanation like ADHD is not really about the wish or needs of a child; it is all about the correct functioning of the brain.

Here are Some of the most common misconceptions, myths, and stereotypes related to ADHD are:

1. People with ADHD are Less Energetic/Lazy

Not being able to focus in class or completely lengthy tasks could be seen as laziness. However, that’s not the case. An individual with ADHD indeed puts in his best effort yet fails to outstand in the competition. And all this happens because of the impaired functioning caused by ADHD. So, instead of calling them lazy, you must empathize with them and help them get the proper treatment.

2. People with ADHD Disorder Have Less IQ

IQ has so far nothing to do with ADHD disorder. In fact, a person suffering from ADHD performs better in certain areas than other individuals.

Also, lower IQ is usually noticed in premature births. Children born prematurely often lack the full potential to involve in all activities. Either they suffer from brain misfunctioning or physical disability. However, the case is often confused with ADHD disorder.

[ Related: How can one manage Adult ADHD? ]

3. ADHD Patients do not Work Hard and Often Make Excuses

Trying harder to achieve something is not always the way out. You should analyze the cause before you respond. Likewise, if you have ADHD, you may fail to convince others, no matter how hard you try.

Therefore, before passing any judgment, make sure you know the cause and observe the symptoms.

[Did you know about ADHD hyperfocus superpower?]

3. People Have to Rely on Oral Medication for Long-Time

Medications are, indeed, effective in curing ADHD. However, they’re not the only solution to consider. Medicines are usually prescribed in combination with behavioral therapy to get the best results. And it works best when you initiate a healthy conversation with your child before visiting a doctor.

Your child might not feel comfortable with a medical team. So, noting minor details out of conversation could prove to be useful.

4. Males are more afflicted than females.

Due to behavioral differences, males and females show different symptoms. But this does not mean that one group is more vulnerable to ADHD than the other. However, proper assessment of the signs and symptoms in both sexes is essential to begin the treatment.

For instance, while visiting a specialist, make sure you:

• Talk about the right symptoms and signs
• Give minor details of the responses, replies, and reactions of the individual to different situations
• Do not forget to share the information in case the disorder follows a hereditary line

Please note: There is no such diagnosis to treat ADHD, but your specialist could arrange frequent question-answer sessions to note the necessary details. And in the case of adult males and females, the professional will look for specific symptoms to come to a conclusion.

5. The reason for poor concentration or impulsiveness is not always ADHD.

Several studies have identified the difference in the functioning of a normal brain and one with ADHD disorder. If you feel hard to concentrate, you might be distracted by something more interesting. So, poor concentration or impulsiveness is not always the case for ADHD.

Please note: Exact cause of ADHD is still unknown. Above mentioned statements are just the possibilities to consider.

Certain people, in general, may have difficulty focusing at all, followed by distractions and overthinking. Tap here to find out why that might be happening?

6. Kids with ADHD Outgrow it

The harsh truth is that most kids never totally outgrow ADHD. As the kids transition to adulthood, you may notice a change in symptoms, and the condition might improve the tool. However, that’s not what outgrowing is.

[ Related: Caring for a child with ADHD ]

Takeaway

ADHD is something that lowers your potential to give your best performance. You might feel stressed, anxious, and insecure about yourself. And that’s quite normal. Rather than worrying about the problem, you just need to look for the right solution.

Thinking of the condition where you could have some kind of mental disorder is really hard. Yet with a solution-oriented approach, it won’t be that hard to face reality. Therefore, you need to put your true efforts into spreading awareness about ADH-like disorders.

Moreover, to begin any ADHD treatment or diagnosis, make sure you do not fall into the myth trap. Apparently, a true understanding of ADHD myths and facts is necessary to avoid unwanted consequences.