Myth vs Reality
Myth – Adults Cannot Have ADHD. Children Outgrow It by 18.
Reality – Sorry. Adults can and do have ADHD. Part of the criteria is that someone must have had symptoms of ADHD prior to age 12, but symptoms can last into adulthood and beyond.
Some people do see diminished symptoms of ADHD as an adult as the demands of life change and coping skills improve, but reports claim that up to 70% of children diagnosed with ADHD will have symptoms into adulthood.
Myth – ADHD Is Caused by Bad Parenting.
Reality – Again, people get into trouble when they assign a cause and effect relationship to things. It’s true – inconsistent or permissive parenting styles can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, but they do not create ADHD. Likewise, a very consistent parenting style cannot magically cure ADHD.
Parents do have an important role in ADHD, though. Studies are showing genetic links associated with ADHD –ADHD may be a product of nature more so than nurture.
Myth – An ADHD Brain Is Too Active and Medication Helps Slow It Down.
Reality – People always talk about ADHD medication “calming” someone down. The truth is that many effective ADHD medications are stimulants. They actually speed up the body and increase alertness.
People with ADHD commonly have underactive brain management networks. Effective medications increase alertness and improve communication in the brain’s management system.
Myth – My Friend's ADHD Medication Helped My Focus – I Must Have ADHD.
Reality – If you wanted to study all night for a test or really focus at work without falling asleep, caffeine might be your drug of choice. Think of stimulant medication for ADHD as being supercharged caffeine.
Most people who took a stimulant would report feeling more alert, focused and attentive, but this does not mean that you have ADHD. It only means that you are finding a similar benefit. Remember, taking a drug that is not prescribed to you can be dangerous and potentially deadly. People who abuse stimulant medication can have problems with their cardiovascular health.
If you think ADHD might be a problem for you, seek appropriate mental health treatment.
Myth – ADHD Is Caused by Pesticides, Lead, Smoking and Chemicals in Food.
Reality – This is really more of the same. People search for links between substances and ADHD. There are relationships between pesticides, lead, smoking while pregnant, drinking while pregnant, other chemicals and ADHD symptoms.
To this point, there has been no definitive proof stating that any of these “cause” ADHD. If you find that certain substances make symptoms worse for you or your child, it would be foolish to continue exposure, but keep in mind that others have very different experiences.
Conclusion
With something like ADHD, it can be hard to know what is fact and what is fiction. Do your best to trust what you see and what you learn from reputable sources. Along the way, work to lessen your belief in urban legend and internet rumors.
The right information brings you closer to improving your ADHD or the symptoms of others. Know the facts to know ADHD.
