ADHD: Facts And Myths About The Condition
According to the American Psychiatric Association, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is “considered a chronic and debilitating disorder.” The Centers for Disease Control states that it is “one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood.” Some research shows that ADHD may have a link to other mental health conditions, like obsessive compulsive disorder, a learning disability, anxiety, and depression.
Despite its place in the mental health conversation, many myths still surround the condition. These myths can make it challenging for individuals to understand, manage, and seek help for the condition. Some question whether the condition exists at all, what symptoms are “real,” and how ADHD individuals can have fulfilling lives while managing the condition.
ADHD (formerly referred to as the diagnostic entity “attention deficit disorder or ADD”) is a very real condition with actual symptoms, and despite the misconceptions and misinformation, many individuals lead very happy lives while managing the disorder.
Is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder real?
Many people still question whether ADHD is an actual disorder. Some people believe that this disorder is used as a catch-all diagnosis applied to every child who has trouble paying attention in school. Others believe that ADHD is fake simply because it is a mental health condition; since the disorder cannot be physically seen or measured like physical illnesses, it “does not exist.” High diagnosis rates, increased prescription of meds, and lack of information about why this disorder develops may all contribute to someone not believing ADHD is real. Additionally, individuals who have never experienced or known someone with ADHD may not think it is an actual diagnosis because it has not impacted them personally.
Despite these beliefs, ADHD is an actual condition that can be classified by criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5. Additionally, a large body of research supports the existence of this disorder and its associated symptoms. The specific causes of ADHD are not understood yet, but that does not negate the fact that the disorder itself does exist. Acknowledging the reality of the disorder can be crucial for individuals to gather accurate information, manage their symptoms, and find support when overcoming challenges associated with ADHD.
Other common misconceptions about ADHD symptoms
One major misconception surrounding ADHD is that it’s a catchall diagnosis for any child who has trouble paying attention. Realistically, a lack of proper resources and time may contribute to the increase in childhood diagnoses, not a lack of evidence for the condition. Time explains this phenomenon as a fundamental misunderstanding of the diagnostic criteria for the condition and the chronic nature of the condition.
According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, the main symptoms as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity; but the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual lists specific conditions and symptoms that must be met for a diagnosis, and the American Medical Association and American Academy of Pediatrics has developed diagnostic guidelines based on the DSM. To receive a diagnosis and treatment plan, a child must “have most of those 18 symptoms [of the condition], most of the time, in most areas of their lives.” It is not as simple as saying a child doesn’t pay attention and then receiving a diagnosis. The National Institutes of Mental Health has a helpful FAQ about ADHD that may provide enough information for someone to seek a potential diagnosis.
Some say that pediatricians (who are frequently the first step in a childhood diagnosis) do not spend the proper time it takes to make an accurate diagnosis because they are so busy. They may even believe that doctors can confuse some of the symptoms, like in attention, with hearing problems or an auditory processing disorder. A child showing symptoms of ADHD, including trouble focusing, can take hours to analyze through the “gold standard” of questionnaire analysis. However, questionnaires are usually filled out by parents, teachers, and others who interact with the child or observe their behavior, not just pediatricians. These professionals may also refer parents to specialists like a child psychologist for further diagnostic testing or treatment.
Another common misconception about ADHD is that it can develop from a lack of discipline or bad parenting. This can be rooted in the incorrect perspective that ADHD individuals are simply poorly behaved compared to other kids and that stricter rules or more discipline will correct “problem behavior.” Research indicates that ADHD is likely caused by a combination of factors, many of which are not yet fully understood. This is supported by the fact that ADHD does not target one specific demographic; ADHD diagnoses are common in children with different income levels, family environments, and geographic locations. Parenting may play a role in managing symptoms, but it is caused by other factors.
Because children are diagnosed with ADHD more often than adults, there is an older misconception that they will “outgrow it” and that adult ADHD is impossible. This simply isn’t true; symptoms from childhood will often persist into an ADHD individual’s adult life. Coping skills, getting older, and learning how to manage the symptoms may make it seem like someone has grown out of ADHD, when in reality, they may have just improved at masking the symptoms more effectively. The attitude that a child will eventually grow out of ADHD can also be harmful if it prevents the child from seeking help managing it. ADHD symptoms can lead to academic, social, and personal difficulties that can impact a child’s self-esteem.
There are many other misconceptions surrounding the diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment. These misconceptions can perpetuate stereotypes, lead to more misinformation, and possibly prevent those who need to treat ADHD from doing so. By analyzing misconceptions and learning more, it is possible to have a more accurate understanding of the condition to better support those affected.
Moving forward
Research continues to eliminate misconceptions surrounding ADHD when possible. For example, the World Federation of ADHD published a paper that laid out 208 evidence-based conclusions about the disorder to directly challenge some of these misconceptions.
Many other research studies suggest that ADHD may be more complex and interconnected than what was thought in the past. Fortunately, a growing list of specific symptoms, associated language, and diagnosis options can give diagnosed individuals a better chance of learning the truth about the condition and how it may affect their personal lives. Additionally, treatment options continue to expand so individuals can find a combination of factors that best manage their unique symptoms. Common treatment options may include stimulant medication, lifestyle changes, and behavioral therapy.
While the misconceptions around ADHD may never truly disappear, there are more and more options available for ADHD individuals to manage their symptoms. Forbes explains that technological advances could positively impact those with ADHD by allowing them greater opportunities for accommodations like smartwatches, digital calendars, and many other useful applications. Continuing to develop new technology, resources, and treatment options could have a significant impact on those with ADHD. These processes could help determine what is most effective in managing specific symptoms and developing intervention strategies.
Seeking help on the journey
Separating the truth from misconceptions about this disorder can be important for individuals with the disorder and those close to them. A clear understanding of the facts can contribute to the overall quality of life when managing ADHD and its symptoms.
Online therapy can be an excellent option for those looking to learn more and become more confident in their understanding of ADHD. A mental health professional can provide accurate information and specialized resources about the condition, potentially leading ADHD individuals to better understand it and find effective ways to manage its symptoms. Online therapy can also be especially beneficial for those with ADHD because of the flexibility it allows; patients can schedule sessions around their schedule and participate in therapy from the comfort of their own space instead of a traditional face-to-face therapy session.
Online therapy
Online therapy has become a popular option since the pandemic, and studies show that it can be effective for those seeking treatment because it can provide treatment outside a traditional therapy setting while also reducing treatment barriers that might prevent individuals from otherwise seeking treatment. One study followed individuals and their families who transitioned to teletherapy during the pandemic and found that both the therapists offering treatment and the parents were largely satisfied with the results of the telehealth treatments. They did not note any negative impacts of the method on its effectiveness, and 66% of the parents (along with 53% of the therapists) intended to use it again in the future.
Takeaway
ADHD is a very real and widely recognized condition that can affect executive function, impulse control, working memory, and more. Despite this fact, there are many misconceptions surrounding it that can lead to further misinformation or stigmatization for those who have it. Some of the most common misconceptions are that it is not a real disorder, it is caused by unproven factors (like diet, too much sugar, screens, or parenting styles), or that most kids diagnosed with ADHD may eventually outgrow it. Separating truth from misconception can be critical for ADHD individuals to receive the support and treatment they might need to manage their symptoms. Recognizing that it is a real and treatable condition and not just a part of the human condition is a significant step in more deeply understanding the disorder and improving the lives of those with it.
How true can an attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis be?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a real diagnosis that has faced undue stigma over the last couple of decades. It's recorded in both the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The DSM is the primary source of diagnostic information for mental disorders in the United States, and the ICD is used for diagnosing mental and physical diseases in the rest of the world. Both documents list attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, its symptoms, and three subtypes: the combined, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, and predominantly inattentive presentation.
Because of the stigma surrounding this disorder, the international community collaborated to release the World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement, affirming worldwide support that ADHD is an actual condition that adversely affects children and adults globally.
Can my attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder child have a normal life?
Anyone with ADHD can likely lead a normal life with proper treatment and management of the condition. Outcomes are likely best when the disorder is identified and treated as early as possible, but there's no evidence to suggest that this disorder dooms a child to failure or unhappiness. In fact, studies indicate that around 50% of children will experience at least partial remission by the time they reach 25 years old.
However, ADHD is still a chronic condition, and teaching a child appropriate behavioral management techniques and how to properly use medication will likely be beneficial. If parents and caregivers work with their children to help them manage the symptoms of their condition throughout their childhood, they will likely be able to lead a normal, happy life.
Do scientists understand attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder?
It's probably unlikely that any scientist who studies ADHD will claim to understand it completely. Despite this, knowledge about the condition continues to grow, and new research is conducted constantly. Researchers and clinicians have a better understanding of this disorder than they did a decade ago or in years before that.
Treatment options also continue to expand, with new medications and behavioral management strategies being developed regularly. Clinical psychology, psychiatry, and behavioral medicine continue to develop ways to conceptualize this disorder. Understanding ADHD completely may take quite a while, but the current understanding is sufficient to help many people relieve their symptoms.
Why does attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder exist?
The underlying causes of this condition are still under investigation, but research has revealed at least some of the risk factors that lead to a person getting the condition. Research has indicated that genetic factors contribute to ADHD; a child of a parent with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is more likely to develop the disorder than a child whose parents do not have it.
Social and environmental factors also play a role. Evidence suggests that exposure to lead and other contaminants may contribute to the condition. Mothers who smoke and drink while pregnant are more likely to have a child with ADHD. There's also some evidence to suggest that adverse childhood experiences, such as poverty and violence in the home, can increase the risk of ADHD.
Does ADHD go away?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is considered a chronic condition that likely lasts a person’s entire life. However, research suggests that around 50% of children diagnosed with ADHD will experience significant symptom remission by age 25. Although ADHD cannot be cured, it can be treated and managed, and most people report a significant reduction in symptoms once they learn behavior strategies to manage the condition and take the appropriate medication.
Is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder all in the mind?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting the brain, so it can be considered to be “all in the mind,” but when people use that phrase, they often mean that symptoms are merely a lack of willpower or resilience. That is not the case. There's overwhelming evidence that ADHD causes changes in brain structure, connectivity, and chemistry. It's also associated with comorbid conditions that can impact function, such as sleep disorders, learning disorders, and substance abuse. Diagnosing this disorder has recently been a controversial process, but new standards based on robust evidence have begun to standardize the procedure.
Does attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder no longer exist?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder exists and is an actual condition, although it may be overdiagnosed. However, despite the controversy surrounding how to best diagnose ADHD, there's an overwhelming consensus among mental health and medical professionals that it's an impactful condition that requires treatment. The American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Medical Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Mental Health all agree that ADHD is legitimate.
Is ADHD considered a mental illness?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder can be considered a mental illness, though it's more commonly referred to as a mental or neurodevelopmental disorder. In addition to the underlying condition, it's associated with several comorbidities, with mental illnesses like anxiety and depression among them. It also has a kinship with some things that are not considered mental illnesses, like learning disabilities. The term “mental illness” is not highly specific and often functions as a catch-all for any condition that affects a person's thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
How do people with ADHD think?
People with ADHD likely think similarly to most people but may need to dedicate extra mental energy to managing behavior and emotions. They may also need to break information into smaller chunks or think slower due to impairments in working memory and processing speed. However, evidence suggests that higher-order cognitive functions, like problem-solving, abstract reasoning, and learning, are likely intact in people with ADHD as long as comorbid conditions are not present.
How serious can an ADHD disorder be?
ADHD is considered a serious disorder that can have a lifelong impact if not managed properly. It can affect a person’s education, employment, and social relationships. Children who do not receive treatment for their ADHD are likely to struggle to do well in an academic environment and may not be able to achieve self-control on par with their peers. There are also several comorbid conditions associated with ADHD, and leaving ADHD untreated can significantly impair coping strategies aimed at those conditions, significantly reducing the likelihood of developing healthy behaviors.
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