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    ADHD

    Beyond the Labels: Challenging Misconceptions and Myths About ADHD

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    Beyond the Labels: Challenging Misconceptions and Myths About ADHD

    Believing in myths about ADHD can cause shame and prevent individuals from seeking treatment.

    Despite advancements, misconceptions and stereotypes about ADHD still exist. These beliefs may include thinking that individuals with ADHD are lazy, lack willpower, are stupid, careless, or that ADHD is just an excuse and can be overcome with more effort.

    It’s possible that if you or your child has ADHD, you may have internalized some of these inaccurate beliefs and others as well.

    The problem?

    Believing in false ideas about ADHD can hinder you from getting proper treatment and resorting to ineffective strategies. Internalizing ADHD stereotypes can also cause feelings of shame and confusion about your symptoms and identity.

    Parents of children with ADHD may also experience guilt and uncertainty about how to support their child.

    To alleviate these concerns, we will be debunking five of the most prevalent misconceptions about ADHD.

    ADHD myths and misconceptions

    Despite the abundance of studies and research conducted on ADHD, there are still persistent myths and misconceptions surrounding the condition that continue to exist. Nonetheless, compared to years ago, we now have a much greater understanding of ADHD.

    Myth: You can’t have ADHD if you get great grades

    Fact: When someone with ADHD aces a tough test or has a high-level career but can’t locate their homework or keys or remember to pay a bill, you might think it’s related to lack of effort or conscientiousness.

    It is a common misconception that individuals with ADHD are lazy or lack conscientiousness when they excel in certain areas but struggle with seemingly simple tasks like finding their keys or paying bills. This can be confusing for both the individual with ADHD and those around them, according to Roberto Olivardia, a clinical psychologist who specializes in treating ADHD and also has the condition himself.

    Olivardia emphasizes that intelligence is not related to ADHD. Instead, the condition affects executive functioning, which is comprised of cognitive skills such as mental flexibility, working memory, and self-control. These skills include the ability to shift attention to a different task, hold information in our minds for a short time, and resist impulsive or unhelpful actions like speaking out in class.

    To put it simply, these executive functions are responsible for a range of intricate behaviors such as attention, planning, time management, decision-making, and task initiation.

    The truth is, even seemingly effortless tasks can demand sophisticated brain processes, which may not be as efficient in individuals with ADHD.

    Thus, finding it hard to locate keys or pay a bill could be a result of the brain not having the necessary information at the time.

    Myth: ADHD doesn’t really affect girls as much as boys

    Fact: Decades ago, it was once believed by experts that only boys were affected by ADHD. But currently, we know that this is not accurate. Girls and women also suffer from ADHD in equal numbers.

    However, it is now known that girls and women are just as likely to experience ADHD. Despite this, boys are still more likely to be referred for evaluation and diagnosed with ADHD. In a 2018 survey, 12.9% of boys were diagnosed with ADHD compared to 5.6% of girls.

    Why is this?

    According to a 2020 expert paper, instead of bouncing off the walls and being disruptive, girls with ADHD may:

    According to an expert paper from 2020, girls with ADHD may:

    • daydream
    • be disorganized
    • feel overwhelmed
    • have issues with “internalizing disorders” such as anxiety

    Girls who have ADHD may adopt coping mechanisms to conceal or manage their challenging symptoms.

    Nevertheless, their often more subdued symptoms are more prone to being overlooked, particularly when parents and teachers are preoccupied with more pronounced, disruptive behavior.

    However, despite the differences in how ADHD presents in girls, they still encounter difficulties. The aforementioned 2020 expert paper highlights multiple studies revealing that girls with ADHD may encounter:

    • bullying
    • relationship difficulties with parents, siblings, and peers
    • low self-esteem
    • elevated rates of early or unplanned pregnancies
    • self-harming behavior

    Myth: Only white kids (and adults) get ADHD

    Fact:Research indicates that ADHD affects people of all ethnicities and backgrounds. However, studies show that Black and Hispanic children are more likely to be underdiagnosed and undertreated for the condition.

    A study published in the JAMA Network Open journal has revealed that there are also disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD based on race and ethnicity. The study analyzed data from 238,011 children and found that Asian, Black, and Hispanic children were less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD compared to their white counterparts. Additionally, white children were more likely than children of other races to receive treatment for their ADHD.

    The reasons behind these disparities are multifaceted and involve several factors, such as:

    • Biases (explicit and implicit) from teachers and healthcare providers
    • Mistrust of the healthcare system
    • Stigma in the community about mental health and medication
    • Limited access to healthcare providers.

    Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can have negative impacts on various aspects of a person’s life. A 2015 review highlighted the following consequences:

    • long-term relationship problems
    • lower education levels
    • substance and
    • financial issues and job instability
    • car accidents

    Myth: If my child has to take ADHD meds, I haven’t done my job

    Fact: The fact that ADHD is not visible to others often leads to a social stigma against taking medication. It’s normal to feel reluctant or view medication as a last resort due to this societal pressure.

    You shouldn’t blame yourself for not doing enough to help your child with ADHD.

    For many kids and teens, medication is an essential part of their treatment plan, alongside personalized behavioral strategies and therapy. It’s normal to feel hesitant or view medication as a last resort due to the societal stigma surrounding medication for mental health conditions.

    However, it’s crucial to look at medication as no different than getting glasses for vision or insulin for diabetes.

    A healthcare or mental health professional who specializes in childhood ADHD can work with you to find the right treatment regimen for your child, with the goal of reducing hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention with minimal side effects. Not every child with ADHD will need medication, and it’s essential to avoid comparing your child’s situation with others, even siblings.

    Every child is unique, and parents want to explore all possible tools to help their child, including medication if appropriate. Many patients are grateful when their parents consider medication, and it can be life-changing.

    Myth: People with ADHD just need to try harder

    Fact: Comparing the struggles of people with ADHD to someone with poor eyesight, telling them to simply try harder to overcome their symptoms is not a viable solution.

    Just like how people with poor vision need corrective glasses, contacts, or surgery, people with ADHD require support and treatment to manage their symptoms.

    Dr. Lara Honos-Webb, a psychologist and author of “Six Super Skills for Executive Functioning,” helps clients with ADHD develop their executive functioning skills and work toward their own objectives. This support is essential for individuals with ADHD, much like how people with poor vision require glasses or contacts for assistance.

    For example, Honos-Webb helps clients with:

    • identifying and harnessing their unique gifts
    • setting meaningful (to them) goals
    • separating goals into a series of small, strategic steps
    • boosting motivation
    • managing mood

    To put it briefly, individuals with ADHD should not try harder, but should try differently by embracing their natural tendencies and finding systems that work for them.

    The goal is not to eliminate ADHD, but to reduce symptoms and develop strategies to capitalize on their strengths.

    Treatment can help in this process, and it is important to remember that everyone’s journey is unique.

    Next steps

    There is no need to let stereotypes about ADHD discourage you from seeking treatment. Despite the fact that ADHD is a complex and challenging condition, there is reason to be hopeful. As Olivardia points out, “With management and treatment, people with ADHD can thrive and realize their potential.”

    If you are looking for a professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, the following organizations may be helpful:

    If you’re looking for virtual support groups for ADHD, the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) is a great resource.

    They offer online support groups where you can connect with others who have ADHD. CHADD is another organization that offers support for families and individuals affected by ADHD.

    They have ways to connect with other parents of children with ADHD or adults who live with ADHD.

    If you’re looking for a therapist who is sensitive to your cultural background, these organizations may be able to assist you:

    In essence, it is crucial to seek out a healthcare or mental health professional who is compatible with your preferences and way of life.

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