Myths:
- "ADHD is not a Real disorder". ADHD cases have been described as far back as 1775, according to Adam Weikard, a published author.
- "ADHD is a Childhood Disorder". A hefty 35-65% of ADHD cases persist into adulthood (Owens, 2015) with 4% of adults 18 or older live with ADHD
- "Poor parenting causes ADHD". Genetics and neurological factors (pregnancy, birth complications, and brain damage) are main causes of ADHD.
- "ADHD affects only boys". Although males are nearly three times more likely to be diagnosed, ADHD does not discriminate against gender, age, culture, or ethnicity. Girls often display atypical behavior and therefore can be more difficult to diagnose. This behavior can include: being withdrawn, low self-esteem, daydreaming, verbal aggression, and attention impairment leading to difficulty in academics.
- "Children who take ADHD medication are more likely to abuse drugs in adolescence". In fact, having untreated ADHD increases the risk of abusing narcotics and alcohol.
Additional Information
- ADHD is real mental medical disorder that is on the rise; professional diagnosis and treatment advised.
- The diagnosis procedure is a multi-step process and can be difficult to diagnose; this is in part to symptoms resembling the classic trouble-maker.
- Other mental disorders often coexists with ADHD; co-existing conditions include: oppositional defiant disorder, bed-wetting, depression, learning disabilities, sleep disorders, substance abuse, Tourette's syndrome, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder.
- Resource: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html and http://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/facts-statistics-infographic#12