Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, often referred to as ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s behavior and causes symptoms such as difficulty paying attention and impulsiveness. Although ADHD is a recognized medical disorder, there are still many misconceptions about the condition.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, but it can continue into adulthood and have a big impact on many areas of life, including performance at school and work, relationships, and self-esteem. The condition can cause a variety of symptoms, which can range from mild to severe, that often fall into two categories:
- Inattentiveness, such as problems concentrating or focusing and being easily distracted.
- Hyperactivity and impulsiveness, such as fidgeting, acting without thinking, and excessively talking or moving.
Some people with ADHD may have a combination of symptoms from both categories, while others will only have symptoms from one of them.
Misconceptions and Myths About ADHD
Numerous misconceptions exist about ADHD, such as its cause and diagnosis. The following are some of the most common myths and misconceptions:
1. ADHD isn’t a real condition.
There are misconceptions that ADHD is not a real disorder and that it is just a symptom of factors such as poor parental discipline, poor diet, or inadequate socialization. However, this is not the case. Multiple scientific research studies have found clear differences between people with ADHD and those without it, and people with ADHD have real difficulty in functioning. Brain scan studies have shown variations in the development of the brain of people with ADHD, such as cortical thinning and reduced gray matter in the cerebral cortex area of the brain.
2. Children with ADHD outgrow the condition.
It is a common myth that ADHD is a childhood disorder that is outgrown in adulthood. Although some symptoms, such as hyperactivity and excessive physical movement, may decrease into adulthood, symptoms such as inattentiveness often remain throughout adulthood. Adult symptoms are typically more subtle than childhood symptoms and are therefore more difficult to define. However, poor organizational skills, forgetfulness, restlessness, extreme impatience, risk-taking behavior, and an inability to focus are often associated with ADHD in adults.
3. Poor diet causes ADHD.
Another misconception is that dietary factors such as eating too much sugar can cause symptoms of ADHD. Although there is some evidence to say that eating a diet high in sugar may increase certain ADHD symptoms in some children, such as inattention, there has been no research to support a link between sugar consumption and ADHD. The exact cause of ADHD is still unclear, but it can run in families, and factors such as premature birth, low birth weight, and exposure to toxins (such as lead) are believed to increase the risk of developing ADHD.
4. ADHD is overdiagnosed.
The rate of ADHD diagnosis in children has increased every year, which has raised questions about whether the disorder is being overdiagnosed. There are a number of explanations for this rise in diagnostic rates, including better awareness of the condition among parents, practitioners, and teachers, less stigma attached to an ADHD diagnosis, and better screening processes in place. There is also recent research to suggest that there is an increase in ADHD due to environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins during prenatal development.
5. ADHD cannot be treated successfully.
Although there is no cure for the condition, ADHD can often be managed effectively with a combination of treatments, including behavior therapy and medications. Treatment is individualized to suit the person’s unique needs and will depend on factors such as age, severity of symptoms, and whether there are any other underlying or coexisting health issues. Treatment techniques may also need to change over time. The main goal of treatment is to help the individual function successfully at each stage of their life, from childhood to adulthood. With the right support in place, individuals with ADHD are able to adapt and learn the necessary skills to function well with their condition and lead a successful life.
Treatment for ADHD in White Plains, NY
If you would like support with ADHD and learn more about the effective treatments available, contact the expert providers at Psyhance. We use cutting-edge, evidence-based medical care combined with holistic treatment methods to treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, and much more.
Our psychiatric nurse practitioner, William da Silva, provides in-person consultations, telepsychiatry, and customized treatment plans to ensure the unique needs of every patient are met effectively.Call us today at (914) 494-5395 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule an appointment.