10 Myths + Misconceptions About ADHD
"You should just try harder to focus." "You're so lazy." "You're an adult - adults don't have ADHD." "Well, don't we ALL have trouble focusing. Maybe everyone is a little ADHD."
Uhhg. How many of these have you heard? I bet all of them and more, right?
Unfortunately, when it comes to ADHD, there are more myths and misconceptions than you can shake a stick at. While research and awareness have come a long way in the last several years, there are still a lot of misunderstanding and stigmas surrounding an ADHD diagnosis, and plenty of people who think they know better than you and your doctor or therapist.
Let's dive into some of these misconceptions and try to set the record straight, shall we?
#1 - "Everyone is a *little* ADHD."
Ummm, FALSE. Having trouble focusing occasionally or being a little forgetful or unorganized does not equal ADHD. Sure, everyone struggles from time to time, but unless your attention issues are negatively impacting your life on a daily basis, chances are you're pretty neurotypical.
Claiming that everyone is a *little* ADHD might seem like a fairly benign claim, but people who make these kinds of statements are invalidating an entire demographic of people who genuinely struggle with a neurodevelopmental disorder. Not cool, man.
#2 - "ADHD is something kids have. You'll grow out of it."
Oh man, wouldn't that be wonderful? Unfortunately, research shows that approximately 85% of children diagnosed with ADHD continue having symptoms well into adulthood. In fact, many people aren't diagnosed AT ALL until adulthood. (Umm, hi. That's me.)
Whether it's because they were able to mask their symptoms well and internalize their struggles, or because many educators or parents missed the signs and never had them tested, adult diagnoses are fairly common. Thankfully, in recent years ADHD awareness has risen significantly and people who always thought there was something wrong with them are having lightbulb moments and seeking help.
#3 - "It's not ADHD. You're just lazy."
People with ADHD don't avoid certain tasks on purpose. Quite the opposite, actually. Many times, we're internally screaming at ourselves to just get started, but our brains won't cooperate. Neurotransmitter deficiencies effect executive function, meaning people with ADHD have an extremely difficult time with planning, prioritizing, time-management, focus, task-initiation, and working memory, among other things. This can make even seemingly simple tasks like making a phone call or sending an email feel overwhelming.
#4 - "Girls are less likely to have ADHD than boys."
Nope. While boys do tend to be more outwardly hyperactive, which often leads to an earlier diagnoses, girls tend to internalize their symptoms and their struggles often get overlooked. This internalization actually makes girls and women more susceptible to comorbid disorders, including anxiety, depression, antisocial personality, and mood disorders.
#5 - "You can focus on (reading, video games, insert whatever random hobby here) for hours on end, so you can't have ADHD."
So the thing that most people don't understand is that ADHD isn't just a *lack* of focus, it's the inability to *regulate* our focus to the appropriate things.
If something is engaging and stimulating, our brains eat. it. up. We can zone in for hours (often to the detriment of every other responsibility) and barely come up for air. However, it can be nearly impossible for us to stay focused on things that don't interest us.
#6 - "ADHD is a behavior issue, not a real medical disorder."
Science says that's wrong, pal. The brain chemistry of those with ADHD differs significantly from the norm. While no single cause for the disorder has been pinpointed, research has shown that ADHD has a very strong neurobiological basis.
Brain chemistry, development, and genetics all come into play. Studies have shown that ADHD tends to run in families, and parents and siblings of a child with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves. (In fact, many adults are diagnosed after having their child evaluated and realizing that they, too, share many of the same symptoms.)
#7 - "ADHD is caused by bad parenting."
Absolutely not. We've already talked above about the science behind what actually causes ADHD, but it's worth mentioning again that there is no evidence showing that ADHD can be brought on by lax parenting skills.
HOWEVER, there are absolutely tips that parents of a child with ADHD can adapt to help them function better at home. Positive reinforcement, consistent daily structure, encouraging exercise, breaking tasks into manageable pieces, and limiting distractions are all great ways to help mitigate a child's ADHD symptoms. Planning systems (like my ADHD-friendly student planner) are fabulous tools to help them visualize and learn to prioritize daily tasks in a way that makes sense to their brains.
#8 - "People with ADHD are always hyperactive."
While hyperactivity can absolutely be a sign of ADHD, it's not the definitive symptom. In fact, there are different types of ADHD, including hyperactive, inattentive, and a combination of both.
Outward signs of hyperactivity - fast talking, fidgeting, constant movement - are typically what people associate with ADHD, but hyperactivity can also be an internal symptom for many. These people might be outwardly still, but inside, their minds are racing at 100 miles per hour in 25 different directions, making it impossible to zero in on one specific thought or task.
#9 - "ADHD meds are basically meth and can lead to drug abuse."
Studies have actually shown that the opposite is true. People who are properly treated for the ADHD symptoms are LESS likely to have a substance abuse problem than those who aren't treated. This is likely because those who do not seek help - whether from medication, behavioral therapy, or both - are more likely to also suffer from anxiety and depression and self medicate with illicit drugs for relief.
That being said, medication is just ONE tool in an arsenal of available ways to help treat ADHD. Therapy, nutrition, daily exercise, and other lifestyle changes can all be beneficial ways to mitigate symptoms.
#10 - "I have ADHD so I'll struggle for my whole life and never 'get it together.'"
While ADHD is a chronic disorder, and chances are YES you will have to deal with it forever, that doesn't mean that you'll never find a way to manage your symptoms and find a sense of normalcy.
First of all, find a doctor or therapist that actually listens to you and is well versed in ADHD treatment. Not every professional is equally qualified, and not every person you see will be a great fit for you. Advocate for yourself and find someone who can treat you in a way that actually works.
Next, find organization and time-management systems that work for YOUR brain. The reason so many things you've tried haven't worked is because they've been designed by neurotypical people FOR neurotypical people. There's a better way, friend. Find resources and systems designed by neurodiverse humans that understand that way your brain works. (*AHEM* I offer a WIDE array of planners specifically built for just this purpose. And I've heard they're quite useful.)
