6 Myths About ADHD
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
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Straight Talk on ADHDAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was first described more than 200 years ago. In the years since, a lot of myths about ADHD have developed. Some of these myths still persist today. It’s time to set the record straight on some common myths about ADHD. -
Myth: ADHD is not a real disease.There was a time when people thought bad parenting caused ADHD. Some also believed eating too much sugar was a cause. These are myths. There's probably nothing a person does or does not do that causes ADHD. The fact is that it's a common brain disorder. The exact cause is not known. Researchers now think that genes passed down through families may play a role. Brain imaging studies show changes in the brains of people with ADHD. But, they're still checking into other possible causes, too.
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Myth: Children outgrow ADHD.Symptoms of ADHD usually start in childhood. Some children with ADHD do get better as they get older. But, most children will still have ADHD symptoms in their teens. Many of these teens will continue to have ADHD as adults. It's important for teens and adults with ADHD to continue working with their doctors. Do not expect to outgrow ADHD and do not stop treatment on your own.
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Myth: Girls rarely get ADHD.It's true that more boys than girls have an ADHD diagnosis. It's not true that ADHD is rare among girls. In fact, it's common. It's also a myth that ADHD is less serious in girls. Truth is, it can be just as serious in girls as in boys. In fact, girls have a higher rate of suicide attempts and self-injury than boys do. Girls also have a higher rate of ADHD-related eating disorders. Also, as adults, ADHD is present at the same rate in males and females.
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Myth: Most children with ADHD are treated with stimulants.Stimulant medications are the main medical treatment for ADHD. They're not the only treatment. Education and behavioral therapy are also important treatments. Many children with ADHD do not need medications. In fact, for children up to age 5, the first treatment should be behavioral therapy. Although ADHD medication is effective at managing symptoms, studies show most adolescents and teens with ADHD don’t take medications.
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Myth: ADHD medications cause addiction.Stimulant drugs that treat ADHD can be addictive and dangerous for people who don't have ADHD. These same drugs are safe and effective for people who do have ADHD. It's true that people with ADHD are at higher risk for addiction to alcohol, drugs and smoking. But, it's not true medications that treat ADHD are the reason. In fact, studies show that treating ADHD with stimulant drugs may reduce the odds of someone becoming addicted to other substances.
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Myth: ADHD is hard to treat.There's no cure for ADHD, but that does not mean there's no treatment. Treatment may include medications, behavioral therapy, education on the condition itself, and treating other disorders related to ADHD. Treatment varies from person to person. Treatment also may need to change over time. However, treatment for ADHD works well. Medications do not lose their effectiveness with age. With the right treatment, most people can live full and productive lives with ADHD.
6 Myths About ADHD
