Let's tackle common misconceptions about ADHD, starting with these 10 myths.
You can see our explanations of the myths below, with links taking you to longer articles from the ADHD Awareness Month coalition, a global collective of ADHD Organisations. These articles contain information about the scientists who''re combatting these myths, references to scientific studies, and useful infographics.
Myth: ADHD doesn't exist
Fact: There are more than 100,000 articles in science journals on ADHD (and its precursor labels), with references to it in medical textbooks going back to 1775! Neuro-Imaging research evidence shows that ADHD is associated with impaired function of the pre-frontal cortex of the brain.
To learn more read Russell A. Barkley's article by clicking the link below.
Myth: ADHD is just an excuse for laziness
Fact: ADHD is really a problem with the chemical dynamics of the brain and it’s not under voluntary control. People with ADHD are able to hyper-focus on things that really interest them.
To learn more read Thomas E. Brown's article by clicking the link below.
Myth: All children grow out of ADHD
Fact: While some people might not feel the symptoms of ADHD by age 21 or 27, significant symptoms and impairments persist in 50-86% of people with ADHD, and lots of adults suffer with the symptopms of ADHD. Many adults with ADHD go without a diagnosis, even if their children are diagnosed.
To learn more read Russell A. Barkley's article by clicking the link below.
Myth: Children with ADHD just need more discipline
Fact: Discipline and relationship problems are the consequences of ADHD behavior problems in the children, not the cause. All children need discipline, but parents of children with ADHD may need different strategies to discipline their children - better discipline, but not harsher punishment.
To learn more read Prof. Eric Taylor's article by clicking the link below.
Myth: ADHD medications are addictive
Fact: The therapeutic use of stimulant medications for ADHD actually prevents addiction, as shown in a widely accepted study from researchers of the University of California in San Diego, as well as two studies from Sweden based on tens of thousands of patients, and nearly 3 million health care claims.
To learn more read Stephen Faraone's article by clicking the link below.
Myth: Everyone has a little ADHD
Fact: ADHD is a lifelong, often chronic condition caused by a physical difference in the brain. Whilst everyone can be distracted or forgetful, for people with ADHD, this is due to their condition and not just an irregular part of life.
To learn more read the Attention Defecit Disorder Association's article by clicking the link below.
Myth: ADHD is overdiagnosed
Fact: The rates of ADHD diagnosis vary due to the different diagnostic criteria and measurement in different regions, but research shows that more than half of children with ADHD in Europe have never been diagnosed.
To learn more read Prof. Eric Taylor's article by clicking the link below.
Myth: ADHD is caused by bad parenting
Fact: The idea that parents cause ADHD comes from the fact that many children with the disorder misbehave, but this simply isn't true. ADHD - the inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity - comes from the accumulation of many environmental and genetic risk factors.
To learn more read Stephen Faraone's article by clicking the link below.
Myth: ADHD only affects boys
Fact: Although boys are diagnosed two to three times more often than girls, about 4.2% of girls receive a diagnosis of ADHD at some point in their lives, and we are still learning whether these numbers actually reflect incidence or whether diagnosis of women and girls is underreported. This could mean that far more women and girls actually suffer from ADHD.
To learn more read Michelle Frank's article by clicking the link below.
Myth: People with ADHD can't concentrate
We're working with the ADHD Awareness Month coalition to release articles about the 10 myths, and this one isn't finished yet! Check back soon, or sign up for updates on when new mythbusters are released.
Supporting people with ADHD
If you or someone close to you has ADHD and needs support, there are plenty of resources available across the UK. ADDISS works with a number of organisations across country to provide advice and real support to parents of children with ADHD, young people, and adults. If you're in need of help, we're here.
We need your support
Our work wouldn't be possible without the generous support of people like you. There's still so much left to do in the fighting stigma around ADHD, so please give what you can.