There are many myths and misconceptions about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – everything from doubting the very existence of ADHD to misjudging its severity.
Some of the misconceptions about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include the following:
ADHD is not a real disorder.
ADHD is a medical disorder, not a condition of will. ADHD affects certain areas of the brain, the executive area of the brain that deals with self-regulation. With neuro-imaging, we can see that these structures are three to ten percent smaller, and 10 to 25 less active than they should be. Children diagnosed with ADHD can be restless, fidgety, inattentive, easily distracted and struggle to focus on the smallest of tasks . It has been recognised as a legitimate medical disorder by chief medical, psychological, and educational organisations.
ADHD is not a big deal.
This misconception couldn’t be further from the truth. People with ADHD struggle in most areas of their lives. Big responsibilities like work or school and managing relationships or simple tasks like paying bills on time are all affected because of the symptoms of ADHD.
ADHD affects only boys.
In reality, girls are just as likely to have ADHD. Gender does not play a role in ADHD symptoms. It is true that boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls, because the myth that it affects only boys still largely persists.
ADHD only affects children.
Two thirds of children are likely to grow up to be adults that continue to have the condition, and it can last for a lifetime. The obvious symptoms such as hyperactivity disappear but the condition persists and adults with ADHD can have problems with a lack of motivation, planning, concentrating and time management. Poor performance at work, frequent job changes, risky sexual behaviour, unsafe driving, marital problems and gambling are some of the problems faced by adults with ADHD, according to Dr. Russell Barkley, author of Taking Charge of Adult ADHD.
ADHD medication will make a person seem drugged.
Properly adjusted medicine prescribed by a medical practitioner for ADHD helps sharpen a person’s attention and improves the ability to control behaviour.
People with ADHD choose not to focus or complete tasks.
ADHD is not about choice, but a matter of ability. A person with ADHD doesn’t choose to be inattentive or hyper; it’s something they just can’t control.
The symptoms of ADHD will go away on their own.
ADHD requires treatment and attention. If you’re sure that your child or someone you know is showing symptoms of ADHD, don’t wait to seek help. Consult a psychologist or psychiatrist immediately, create a healthy diet and exercise plan and try to reduce the distractions in the environment.
A person diagnosed with ADHD is just lazy and stupid.
There is no link between having ADHD and a person’s intellectual abilities. Some highly gifted and bright people have been diagnosed with ADHD.
In fact, recent research shows that people diagnosed with ADHD are of above average intelligence and more likely to be creative. Mozart, Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, Leonardo Da Vinci, Abraham Lincoln, George Bernard Shaw, and Salvador Dali were some of the great minds thought to have ADHD.
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