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Writer's pictureEthan Andrews

Debunking ADHD Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction


Talk surrounding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has received a lot of scrutiny and debate over recent years. Access to information on this topic can be challenging to navigate and may not always be readily available or easily understood. 


Having a thorough understanding of what ADHD truly is and knowing the facts can start to create a better world for those experiencing it. The following aims to debunk some common myths about ADHD. 


Fiction: ADHD Isn’t Real 


ADHD, like any other physical or mental health condition, is a very real thing. Although you physically can’t see it like a broken arm or a visible wound, its impact can be just as significant on a person’s daily life. Importantly, ADHD is recognized by all major medical organizations as a medical condition. 


ADHD can present itself in many ways. Research suggests that it may be linked to brain differences, including volume reduction in regions like the neocortex and hippocampus (Ugarte et al., 2023). These changes could contribute to difficulties in working memory and executive functioning (i.e., emotion regulation, attention, inhibitory control).  


ADHD is also associated with many emotional and social symptoms, such as frustration, anxiety, depression, difficulty with social interactions, and social withdrawal, to name a few (Parke et al., 2021; Seymour et al., 2019; Zhang et al., 2021). It is important to consider these broad symptoms when understanding and supporting individuals experiencing ADHD. 


Fiction: ADHD is Over-Diagnosed 


The numbers for ADHD diagnoses have been rapidly growing since the early 2000’s. With such a spike in numbers, some people have begun to question if ADHD is being misdiagnosed or over-diagnosed.  


However, this increase in diagnosis may in part be explained by mental health professionals, physicians, and the public becoming more aware of ADHD (Abdelnour et al., 2022). Perhaps, we are now more accurately identifying ADHD in individuals who previously might have gone undiagnosed?  


Nonetheless, while these numbers are rising, there is still information leading experts to believe there is an underdiagnosis in female identifying individuals. While the research is mixed, research suggests this is because female's symptom presentation of ADHD is less overt than males and they engage in greater masking tendencies than their male counterparts, potentially leading to under recognition (Hinshaw et al., 2022).  


Additionally, many individuals may misperceive ADHD as a “childhood disorder,” failing to recognize its persistence into adulthood (Rivas-Vazquez et al., 2023). Therefore, using the term “overdiagnosis” when referring to ADHD might inadvertently create additional barriers for individuals seeking diagnosis. 


Fiction: ADHD Only Affects Children 


Building off the last myth, many people hold the view that ADHD only affects children. While it is true that ADHD symptoms present in childhood, it most certainly does not exclude adults in the matter.  ADHD typically develops during childhood, usually noted by age 12.  


A recent study has shown that roughly 6.76% of adults globally experience some symptoms of ADHD (Song, 2021). However, as per the last myth we discussed, it is most likely an underestimate. On average, 50% of children with ADHD will persistently experience symptoms into adulthood, whereas another 15% will experience fluctuating symptoms (Van Meter et al., 2024).  


ADHD symptoms may present differently and vary in severity in adulthood based on the level of stress an individual is facing. For example, adults with ADHD who also face elevated work stress tend to experience heightened symptoms (Oscarsson, 2022). These may include increased anxiety, frustration, interpersonal challenges, and decreased productivity. 


Therefore, we can see that ADHD is a life-long condition. Understanding how ADHD impacts adults is an important step to ensure that individuals receive the necessary support and resources to manage their symptoms effectively and thrive in various aspects of life. 


Fiction: ADHD is Debilitating 


ADHD comes with many stereotypes: “wild”, “lots of energy”, or even “lazy”. Using stereotypes such as these can perpetuate misconceptions about ADHD. While individuals with ADHD may face challenges, it's important to recognize that ADHD is not inherently debilitating. Instead, it is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, impulse control, and executive functioning. 


Moreover, recent research highlights the unique strengths that individuals experiencing ADHD may have (Sedgwick et al., 2019). For instance, individuals with ADHD may exhibit cognitive dynamism, characterized by rapid ideation and creative problem-solving. Courage and resilience are other traits often found in individuals with ADHD, enabling them to navigate challenges with determination. Further, high-energy may be a path to enthusiastically and creatively explore passions and hobbies. Socially, individuals experiencing ADHD reported heightened social awareness and positive self-acceptance. Humor was another common trait shared by those experiencing ADHD, with an ability to find lightness and laughter even in challenging situations. Interestingly, another common attribute reported by participants in the study was an appreciation for beauty and excellence (ABE), which involves noticing beauty in the environment and experiencing awe and wonder. This is a relatively new area of research in positive psychology; however, individuals high in this trait are often more agreeable, positive about life, and musical. 


By acknowledging and celebrating these attributes, we can challenge stereotypes and foster an environment of acceptance and empowerment for individuals with ADHD, allowing them to thrive and make meaningful contributions in various aspects of life. 


Conclusion  


In conclusion, debunking myths surrounding ADHD is essential for fostering understanding, support, and empowerment for individuals experiencing this neurodevelopmental condition. It is important to remember that ADHD is not a character flaw or a sign of laziness, but rather a complex neurobiological condition that impacts attention, impulse control, and executive function. By challenging stereotypes and promoting awareness, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment where individuals experiencing ADHD can thrive and reach their full potential. 

 

If you would like to learn more about ADHD and its management, contact us today for further discussion. 



References 


Abdelnour, E., Jansen, M. O., & Gold, J. A. (2022). ADHD Diagnostic Trends: Increased Recognition or Overdiagnosis?. Missouri medicine, 119(5), 467–473. 


Hinshaw, S. P., Nguyen, P. T., O’Grady, S. M., & Rosenthal, E. A. (2022). Annual Research Review: Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder in girls and women: underrepresentation, longitudinal processes, and key directions. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines, 63(4), 484–496. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13480 


Oscarsson, M., Nelson, M., Rozental, A., Ginsberg, Y., Carlbring, P., & Jönsson, F. (2022). Stress and work-related mental illness among working adults with ADHD: a qualitative study. BMC Psychiatry, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-04409-w 


Rivas-Vazquez, R. A., Diaz, S. G., Visser, M. M., & Rivas-Vazquez, A. A. (2023). Adult ADHD: Underdiagnosis of a treatable condition. Journal of Health Service Psychology, 49(1), 11–19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42843-023-00077-w 


Parke, E. M., Becker, M. L., Graves, S. J., Baily, A. R., Paul, M. G., Freeman, A. J., & Allen, D. N. (2021). Social cognition in children with ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 25(4), 519–529. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054718816157 


Sedgwick, J. A., Merwood, A., & Asherson, P. (2019). The positive aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a qualitative investigation of successful adults with ADHD. Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, 11(3), 241–253. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12402-018-0277-6 


Seymour, K. E., Macatee, R., & Chronis-Tuscano, A. (2019). Frustration tolerance in youth with ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 23(11), 1229–1239. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054716653216 


Song, P., Zha, M., Yang, Q., Zhang, Y., Li, X., & Rudan, I. (2021). The prevalence of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A global systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Global Health, 11(04009). https://doi.org/10.7189/jogh.11.04009 


Ugarte, G., Piña, R., Contreras, D., Godoy, F., Rubio, D., Rozas, C., Zeise, M., Vidal, R., Escobar, J., & Morales, B. (2023). Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): From abnormal behavior to impairment in synaptic plasticity. Biology, 12(9), 1241. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12091241 


Van Meter, A. R., Sibley, M. H., Vandana, P., Birmaher, B., Fristad, M. A., Horwitz, S., Youngstrom, E. A., Findling, R. L., & Arnold, L. E. (2024). The stability and persistence of symptoms in childhood-onset ADHD. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 33(4), 1163–1170. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-023-02235-3 

 

Zhang, S.-Y., Qiu, S.-W., Pan, M.-R., Zhao, M.-J., Zhao, R.-J., Liu, L., Li, H.-M., Wang, Y.-F., & Qian, Q.-J. (2021). Adult ADHD, executive function, depressive/anxiety symptoms, and quality of life: A serial two-mediator model. Journal of Affective Disorders, 293, 97–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.06.020 

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