Debunking 6 Misconceptions About ADHD

Have you recently heard or read on the Internet how “Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder isn’t real” or that “people with mental disorders are just lazy”? These are two common examples of misconceptions around the world. These fallacies and myths have been around as long as the disorder itself, and the adverse effects of this false information are very real and damaging. 

People with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can seem restless, have trouble concentrating, and would often act on impulse. It’s the most common neurodevelopmental disorder that is first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. The national prevalence of the disorder in the United States was 3.5% in 2022. 

Despite its prevalence in all parts of the world, many still have close-minded and misinformed perceptions of this disorder. Luckily, this page debunks the most common misconceptions about Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder! 

They Don’t Need Medication

Mental health disorders like ADHD are like most diseases. Aside from therapy and meditation, many patients find medications helpful to help alleviate their symptoms. Different medications are prescribed since the disorder isn’t one size fits. Some would have severe symptoms, while others don’t. 

For example, if a patient is having trouble focusing, a psychiatrist may prescribe them stimulants like Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) or Concerta (methylphenidate) and non stimulating like Catapres (clonidine) to improve concentration and impulse control. 

A psychiatrist’s work description is finding the proper medication that fits a particular person based on their need for help. It can be a trial and error process; there will be times when the psychiatrist would adjust the dosage based on how a patient is doing, so they can find the right fit. 

It Isn’t a Real Medical Disorder

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders includes Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It’s a professional guide created by the American Psychiatric Association and features the most updated scientific literature that psychiatrists and psychologists use to make a diagnosis. It’s the official “bible” for mental health disorders. 

Notable medical, educational, and psychological organizations, including the U.S. Department of Education and the National Institutes of Health, also recognize the disorder. 

The disorder is also biologically-based. Numerous research has resulted in an imbalance of chemical messengers or neurotransmitters in patients’ brains. This is why therapy, meditation, and medication is important.

The Disorder Only Affects Boys

Children and adults can be diagnosed with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, regardless of gender. However, the prevalence between the two sexes doesn’t have the same rates. Boys are diagnosed three times as often as girls. On the other hand, the ratio between adult females to males is closer to 1-to-1. 

The difference between these numbers could be externalizing behaviors, e.g., constant fidgeting, interrupting others, excessive talking, etc. These behaviors are more commonly associated with boys than internalizing behaviors that are more common in girls, e.g., daydreaming, leaving tasks unfinished, etc. 

Girls tend to be left undiagnosed because girls with the disorder are less physically hyperactive. Also, they’re more mentally and emotionally hyperactive, which adults tend to notice less. 

People Who Have the Disorder Are So Lazy and Stupid

Did you know that Bill Gates, Leonardo da Vinci, David Neeleman, Mozart, and many other successful people had Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? Just because one has been diagnosed with the disorder doesn’t mean one can’t be a high-achieving individual; these individuals are proof of that. 

A Child Who Plays Video Games Can’t Possibly Have the Disorder

Individuals with the disorder can be utterly distractible in other settings and be highly focused in another setting, like playing video games. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder doesn’t entirely mean that there’s no attention. It means that attention is dysregulated. 

So that means that activities, tasks, and environments that are highly stimulating for the individual can lead them to hyperfocus. Typically, when the task is mundane and less stimulating, that’s usually where individuals with the disorder would be distracted.

It’s a Result of Poor Parenting

As mentioned above, the disorder results from brain chemistry and not environmental sources like lousy parenting. In addition to genetics, other possible causes of this disorder include brain injuries. 

So, when a child yells something or does something impulsive, it isn’t because he learned it from his parents. It’s simple because he can’t control his impulses. In fact, when parents are overly strict with their children about things they can’t control, it can worsen a patient’s symptoms. A diagnosed patient should undergo professional interventions, e.g., psychotherapy, behavior modification, and drug therapy. 

Final Thoughts

When one person takes the first step to educate themselves on disorders like these, they make the world a better place. When one person knows the truth about the disorder, you can be another medium to help debunk the prevalent misconceptions that many still believe. 

Mental health disorders often have numerous misconceptions since they can’t “see” the symptoms, compared to bruises or chicken pox. However, it doesn’t diminish the experiences of patients everywhere. In fact, it makes it much more valuable to advocate for them and help debunk these myths.