Don't be Fooled this April Fools' Day! - Understand the Myths and Facts About ADHD!
- Cheryl Gigler
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
You may have read or heard statements about ADHD on the internet or in the news. In this month’s series, we are going to separate fact from fiction!
Myth: ADHD Doesn’t Exist
Fact: ADHD is a Neurodevelopmental Disorder, brain based and characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity and emotional dysregulation.
Despite the name, having Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder doesn’t mean a person lacks attention. It means it is harder for them to control their attention or direct it towards certain tasks. It also allows the person with ADHD to hyperfocus on things that they enjoy. Symptoms begin in childhood and most frequently persist into adulthood. Many people don’t get a diagnosis until they are adults. It is estimated that 10.5% of children are currently diagnosed with ADHD, as well as 6% of adults.
"ADHD is not an intelligence deficit, it is a performance deficit."
- Russell Barkley, PhD
Nearly every mainstream medical, psychological and educational organization in the US has concluded that ADHD is a real brain-based disorder. ADHD is a recognized diagnosis in the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5, the standard diagnostic manual used by health care providers to diagnose mental health disorders.
Saying that ADHD doesn’t exist is to demonstrate ignorance. It is an uninformed viewpoint. We have all seen books, articles and speakers that question ADHD. Some critics of ADHD have a religious or political agenda. Some even have family members who doubt that they have ADHD.
A Misunderstood Disorder
Misconceptions and a lack of understanding about the impact of ADHD are rampant. This is exacerbated by the stigma associated with ADHD, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment, especially in adults. Some people view ADHD behaviors as a lack of effort rather than understanding that it is a neurological condition.
Stigma and Discrimination
Adults with ADHD often face stigma and discrimination, which makes them reluctant to disclose their disorder and to seek help. Stereotypes and negative perceptions abound. When ADHD is untreated, there are serious life consequences at school, work and in relationships. Awareness is critical in reducing stigma.
"Myths about ADHD are harmful stories that perpetuate stigma and pain."
ADHD is Well Researched
There are more than 100,000 articles in science journals and references in medical textbooks documenting ADHD, going back to 1775. There have been hundreds of research studies involving various methods of neuro-imaging. Neuro-imaging and significant research proves that ADHD is associated with impaired function of the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s management system.
ADHD Symptoms Arise from Executive Functioning Issues
Individuals with ADHD struggle with executive functioning issues such as goal directed future action, self-awareness, inhibition, memory issues, self-motivation, emotional regulation, time management, planning, organizing and problem solving. These mental abilities are important for self-regulation.
Whole Life Impact
ADHD impacts every domain of life such as family interactions, child rearing, managing daily household tasks, social functioning, educational success, meeting the demands of a job, managing finances and navigating relationships to name a few. Challenges in these areas reduce quality of life and can undermine a person’s self-esteem.
An “Invisible” Disorder
One of the challenges in accepting and acknowledging ADHD is that you can't see it. In other words, the brain doesn’t have a wheelchair. If you had a broken leg and hobbled around on crutches, people might hold the door for you and ask if you are ok. What people DO see with ADHD is the symptoms and behaviors, such as being late or forgetting an appointment. The assumption is that you could control it if you really wanted to.
ADHD Rarely Rides Alone
There are co-existing conditions that are often present in addition to ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or a learning disability. You can see JUST HOW challenging this disorder is! For someone to say ADHD isn’t real is not only false, but it adds to the existing burden that many children and adults face on a daily basis.
Bottom line, if you don’t accept (my) ADHD, you don’t accept me!
Awareness is Key
Awareness is key to reducing stigma. Addressing ADHD with diagnosis and early treatment greatly improves the quality of life. With medical support and coping strategies, people with ADHD can reach their full potential and be among the most successful.
This April Fools' Day, don’t be fooled by the myths that surround ADHD!
“To call ADHD a myth is to indicate that one is ignorant of science or that one is intentionally misleading the listener for some nefarious purpose as in propaganda. Neither is flattering and we should not suffer such fools gladly.”
- Russell Barkley, PhD
Get support from someone who has ADHD and understands its challenges. Schedule a free consultation today!
Resources
https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/myths-and-facts-about-adhd
Dear Mr. Kennedy- Anni Layne Rodgers, http://www.additude.com
National Institute of Mental Health, http://nimh.nih.gov
The Cleveland Clinic, http://my.clevelandclinic.org
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