Separating Fact from Fiction: 5 Common ADHD Myths Debunked
Despite the prevalence of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in mental health conversations, many misconceptions still surround the condition, making it challenging for individuals to understand, manage, and seek help for the condition.
Does the condition exist at all? What symptoms are “real”? How can we have a fulfilling life with the condition?
Yes, lies and myths about the condition still persist more than 100 years after it was recognized.
In this blog, we at Faculty Minds – the top providers of teenagers counseling in Mumbai – separate fact from fiction to help you get more informed about the condition and end the stigma.
Myth #1: ADHD Affects Only Boys
Gender makes no difference when it comes to symptoms of the disorder. Girls are just as likely to have ADHD as boys.
However, because this myth persists, boys are more likely to be checked for the condition, leading to more number of diagnoses.
In short, the myth feeds itself.
Myth #2: ADHD Is Caused by Bad Parenting
The problem is not rooted in discipline; it’s caused due to brain chemistry. When a child suffering from the condition exhibits the symptoms, be it blurting things out or getting out of the seat in class, it’s not because of what they’ve been taught or about their upbringing.
Simply, they can’t control your impulses.
In fact, punishing the child for things he has no control over or being overtly strict can make the symptoms worse.
The right course of action is, in moderate and extreme cases, to approach a reputed mental health therapist in Mumbai and opt for professional interventions such as psychotherapy, behavious modification therapy, and drug therapy.
Myth #3: ADHD is a Learning Disability
Children facing this condition certainly face difficulties in school, which leads to the usual but misleading conclusion that ADHD is a learning disability. However, both conditions are distinct.
A learning disability makes it difficult for children to use symbols of a language, like letters and numbers. This makes it difficult for the children to master certain academic skills, like reading, math, or writing.
On the other hand, ADHD impacts different mental skills and executive functions, making it hard to focus and organize. It can make life harder in school, but not only in the academics department.
#4 ADHD Goes Away After Childhood
Most people exhibit the symptoms of the disorder in childhood. As they grow up, they acquire skills that help them better manage the symptoms. Some people see their symptoms get less prominent once they’re out of school.
However, ADHD never completely disappears. The symptoms change over time, which:
- No longer interfere with daily living.
- Become more easily manageable.
- Still persist challengingly but still don’t impede living.
Mostly, the disorder manifests itself in adults in the form of inattention. Some even show signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity. As your executive functioning and lifestyle change, ADHD can feel different with age.
#5 Adults Can Also Develop ADHD
Yes, a small number of adults do receive their ADHD diagnosis in adulthood. However, it doesn’t mean they just developed the condition. They’ve had it since their childhood. It’s just that they unknowingly managed the symptoms their entire life.
One requirement for a conclusive diagnosis is that the symptoms must exhibit before the age of 12, even if they weren’t evident. For instance, you may have gotten good grades in a test, you had to work twice as hard as everyone else.
Many adults with the disorder have high intellectual capacity, which they use to mask the symptoms. However, adulthood eventually reaches that chaotic point where their intellect can no longer hold up to the overwhelming responsibilities of household, work, and family.
The Bottom Line
ADHD has been established as a spectrum, which means that people can exhibit the disorder to various degrees. This means there’s more false information than ever circulating the internet regarding the disorder, and everything you read isn’t necessarily a fact.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with symptoms, it’s best to reach out to a dedicated provider of teenagers counseling in Mumbai to understand your situation and start working on managing it healthily. Our experts at Faculty Mind specialize in teenage mental health conditions, and can help you get started right away. Get in touch with us to know more.
