When the general public develops false perceptions about a medical condition, it can be harmful.These false beliefs lead to stigma and can discourage people from getting assistance. Myths can have two interpretations. One is cozy and comforting—classic tales. The other is lethal—common yet incorrect ideas. Our early demise is a result of some misconceptions regarding ADHD. The renowned ADHD researcher Dr. Russell Barkley recently startled the ADHD community by revealing that those without an ADHD diagnosis pass away 12 years earlier on average. “I can’t believe that,” you might say at first, but then you should pause and give it some thought. Car crashes and injuries requiring ER visits are caused by our impetuous, careless, or easily distracted habits. Because of our propensity for taking chances, we enjoy risky but exhilarating hobbies like heli-skiing, motorcycling, bungee jumping, white water rafting, and free solo rock climbing. We may be depressed as a result of not understanding why we behave in ridiculous and undesirable ways, which makes us more likely to smoke, drink, use illegal substances, and overeat. Our unhealthy behaviors lead to health issues, which hasten our premature demise. Have you noticed that in the paragraph before, the word “undiagnosed” is bolded? If we receive treatment and a diagnosis before the age of 18, we have longer life expectancies. Receiving a diagnosis and treatment is essential. Our participation in potentially fatal behaviors is decreased by medication and other therapies. Our longevity can only be increased by receiving a diagnosis when we are young. Seven of the more damaging beliefs about ADHD are among the more than fifteen that exist. These are the fallacies that keep parents from getting a diagnosis for their kid, teachers from identifying ADHD in students in their classes, and doctors from diagnosing the condition correctly.
You are erroneous if you think that males with ADHD are energetic.
The idea that guys are the only ones with hyperactivity and ADHD persists, despite the fact that girls can also have ADHD. Although some girls exhibit hyperactivity, most girls are inattentive, meaning they lack hyperactivity. Conversely, some guys exhibit hyperactivity while remaining inattentive. Teachers, parents, and doctors will only find boys who exhibit hyperactivity if that is all they are looking for. Children of a different sex or those with a different symptoms of ADHD are disregarded and never identified in their early years. You are wrong if you think having ADHD precludes you from being intelligent. It is difficult to comprehend how this myth came to be.
Some individuals think that you have to pay close attention in order to do well in school
You couldn’t have ADHD if you received decent grades despite not paying close attention. Well, that nonsensical thought process has been repeatedly refuted. Despite not paying attention, many ADHD youngsters perform well in school and are frequently intelligent. However, the misconception persists, and a doctor may state, “Your child can’t have ADHD because he is intelligent and performing well in school.” Think again if you believe that having ADHD equates to being unable to focus. This myth has been adopted by parents. “What do you mean she can’t focus?” they quarrel. She spends hours sitting and playing video games. They refuse to have their child diagnosed with ADHD because they cling to the false notion that their child cannot have ADHD if she can concentrate on playing video games. The truth is that when something genuinely fascinates them, people with ADHD can focus—often hyper-focused. They can actually focus so intensely that it can occasionally be difficult to get them to go to a different task when instructed to do so.
If you continue to believe that poor parenting causes ADHD, it’s time to reconsider.
This myth downplays the overall effects of ADHD and falsely suggests that it may be easily treated if parents give their kids more discipline. When better parenting could be the solution, why do they turn to specialists for assistance? Parents may invest years in improving their parenting skills because they mistakenly think it will help their child overcome obstacles, only to find that their efforts are ineffective. Time is squandered, and an ADHD diagnosis is not pursued.
If you think ADHD isn’t a real medical illness, information from science shows it is.
This widespread misconception causes stigma. There is the opinion of ignorant friends, family members, and school staff. They think the parents shouldn’t seek medical attention because they are certain there is nothing wrong with the child. This is a fallacy that parents also fall victim to. They believe, “I need to discipline, nag and coerce my child more.” Later, when they realize that ADHD is caused by something else, they are overcome with guilt. They unintentionally humiliated and embarrassed their child for actions that he was powerless to stop. You are hurting people if you think taking an ADHD medicine is bad. Parents who give their children medicine for bipolar illness, anxiety, or depression do not face any negative consequences. However, when parents give their child this tried-and-true, most successful treatment for ADHD—which is as much a brain chemistry issue as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder—they face criticism. Some parents, even after learning of their child’s condition, have an unhealthy self-confidence. They “assist” their child without “turning to” medicine, as they put it. When parents do “resort,” they are usually shocked to learn that their child is not allowed to take their medication. The second most beneficial thing parents can do for their child is to get them on the right medicine at the right dose, even though receiving an ADHD diagnosis is helpful.
It’s time to dispel the myth if you believe ADHD is overdiagnosed.
While some studies indicate that we underdiagnose ADHD, especially in cases of inattentive ADHD, others show that we overdiagnose ADHD in some states and socioeconomic classes. Ninety percent of those with ADHD are thought to still be undiagnosed. Teachers, parents, and doctors may be reluctant to identify a child with ADHD due to the common misconception that the disorder is overdiagnosed. They may question, “Do I see ADHD wherever I look? Do I have a part in the overdiagnosis issue?” Even Nevertheless, medical professionals who recognize the overdiagnosis of ADHD caution against underdiagnosing kids, saying that the former is more harmful than the latter.
