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Beyond the Myths: Breaking Down the Misconceptions About ADHD

Did you know that this past month was Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Awareness Month?

If not, we’re glad you’re here. Despite being one of the most researched and documented neurodevelopmental disorders, ADHD remains shrouded in misconceptions and myths.

With more online resources now than ever, it’s easy to self-diagnose — which is valid! However, if you’re pursuing medication management services or you want ADHD-specific therapy, a diagnosis may be necessary. Even if you choose not to get a formal diagnosis, it’s still important to know everything you can about how your brain works and how you perceive the world.

Let’s break down exactly what ADHD is.

ADHD symptoms 101

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.  Contrary to common stigmas, ADHD is not a result of poor parenting, laziness, or lack of intelligence. It affects both children and adults and impacts daily life, relationships, and productivity.

There are three subtypes of ADHD:

Myths about ADHD

Until recently, ADHD was common among children in the U.S., but now the numbers are growing exponentially. Regardless of why this is, the myths from the past still linger around, causing many people to believe outdated information and harmful stereotypes about ADHD and the people who live with it.

1. ADHD almost always only affects males.

This long-standing misconception assumes ADHD predominantly affects young boys, leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment in girls and women. However, research suggests otherwise. ADHD affects both males and females, with some studies indicating a 1:1 male-to-female ratio – showing it impacts both sexes equally. Girls are more likely to present with inattentive symptoms, such as disorganization, daydreaming, and difficulty completing tasks. These symptoms might be mistaken for anxiety or depression, leading to a misdiagnosis — something that can have significant consequences depending on your situation.

2. An ADHD diagnosis is only based on symptoms.

Some people think doctors diagnose ADHD just by asking a few questions. However, doctors use a thorough evaluation to diagnose ADHD. This includes talking to patients and families, using behavioral questionnaires, conducting attention and cognitive tests, performing medical exams to rule out other conditions, and reviewing medical, social, and school history. Doctors work together to ensure an accurate diagnosis. This comprehensive approach helps doctors understand the individual’s specific needs.

3. Medication is the only treatment option for ADHD.

It’s easy to assume medication is the only solution for ADHD. While medication can help, other treatments also work well. These treatments may include other outpatient services like talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or mindfulness training, which can improve your organizational skills, emotion regulation, and focus. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and improving sleep hygiene can reduce symptoms and support overall brain health. Learning strategies to manage time and emotions also can be incredibly useful in developing habits that make your life easier – not more complicated. When you meet with your provider, they will work with you to create personalized treatment plans that combine these approaches to help you manage your ADHD effectively.

4. Only stimulant medications work for ADHD.

While we’re on the topic of medications, another common myth about ADHD is that only stimulant medications can treat the symptoms. However, non-stimulant medications, like Strattera and Intuniv, can also be effective. These medications work differently than stimulants by targeting different neurotransmitters (chemicals in your brain). Nonstilumants also tend to have fewer side effects, but you may wait longer to notice the full effects. Another option is to prescribe other medications, like antidepressants, off-label. The goal is to find the right type of medication that works for you and your unique mental health profile. No one case of ADHD looks the same, so your medication management should reflect that.

5. ADHD only affects kids and goes away with age.

Contrary to popular belief, ADHD doesn’t automatically disappear when kids grow up. In reality, most children with ADHD will continue to experience symptoms into adulthood, manifesting differently with challenges such as:

6. ADHD is overdiagnosed.

A final myth about ADHD is that it’s overdiagnosed. Given the seemingly “massive” number of diagnoses that have appeared in the past few years, many people assume that it’s losing its legitimacy. However, statistics show that 7.1 million kids under 18 have a new ADHD diagnosis – which is a million more than in 2016 — and that’s for a reason. Researchers and clinicians understand neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD so much better than in the past, so they’re able to diagnose more effectively and notice warning signs. Doing this helps people, kids and adults alike, to get the treatment they need to succeed in whatever they choose to do in life.

If you believe you have ADHD or are curious about any other neurodevelopmental, mental health, or medical concerns, schedule an appointment with one of our providers to learn more about how your brain and body work.