Misconceptions & Myths Regarding ADHD

Carter Limb

Introduction

As a person who deals with the challenges of ADHD, misinformation about the

disorder heavily impacts my life and others. Misconceptions and myths about ADHD are

becoming increasingly prevalent in the public consciousness. This has been detrimental

to employers, sufferers of the disorder, and trust in mental health professionals. This

paper aims to correct and dispel misinformation, addressing doubts about the

disorder’s validity. It is important to note that the myths and misconceptions listed in

this paper incorrectly characterize ADHD and mental disorders should always be

evaluated with proper, peer-reviewed research.

Misconception 1: Laziness

One of the most prominent misconceptions about ADHD is that it is simply the

act of laziness and procrastination, assuming the behaviour is forced and can be

countered if the people suffering from the disorder “stop faking it”. The issue with this

claim is the assumption that those with the disorder have control over their behaviour.

Described in “Inside The ADHD Brain: Structure, Function, And Chemistry” from the

Attention Deficit Disorder Association, they list that the route cause of ADHD seems to

relate to the amount of norepinephrine in the brain, as that is synthesized into dopamine

that the brain utilizes heavily. Its main effect is how the brain utilizes dopamine in the

Frontal Lobe: The part of the brain that is responsible for management of tasks and
control of oneself. Malfunctioning of this area of the brain would result in behaviour like

impulsivity and difficulty maintaining concentration/focus. Otherwise known as

Executive Dysfunction, this different behaviour of the brain is what constitutes the

majority of symptoms of ADHD for people, and can vary in intensity. Medication can be

an aid to helping those that deal with the disorder handle day-to-day life, but it is not

always sufficient.

Myth 1: Medication is the Only Way

This topic of treatment for the disorder leads into a myth regarding how to treat

it, being that medication is the only solution. The disorder is largely characterized by

how individuals act. This means that whichever way can be utilized to help the

behaviour can be a sort of treatment. According to the AAFP, various other

evidence-supported, non-medicinal methods to treat the disorder are available. Aid like

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), education on the disorder, Meta-Cognitive Therapy

(MCT) can help said individuals manage their disorder throughout life. The differing

therapies help individuals put into perspective their disorder, with CBT focusing on

repairing one’s views and fears, while MCT focuses on recontextualizing their disorder

and learning new behaviours that counter negative thoughts and actions.

It is worthy to note that other treatments do exist, but lack supporting evidence

and rely on the word of others that have tried them. Listed in the article “ADHD and

Complementary Health Approaches” from the NCCIH, “many adults and children use

complementary health approaches such as omega-3 fatty acids, melatonin, herbs and

other dietary supplements, special diets, neurofeedback, and several mind and body
practices, including acupuncture and meditation to control ADHD symptoms. (NCCIH,

2023)” These practices are not necessarily backed with evidence that proves they are

effective. Nevertheless, they can ease the minds of those with ADHD, acting potentially

as a placebo.

Misconception 2: The Disorder is Overdiagnosed

A specific trait from this misconception stems from how, in more recent years,

diagnoses of ADHD have been increasing. Summarizing from What We Know About

ADHD Overdiagnosis from Healthline, concerns about overdiagnosis relate to the

potential misunderstanding of how ADHD represents itself in children, and the

difference in diagnoses between males and females. It is unclear whether or not it is

truly misdiagnosed, but misdiagnoses do happen due to several factors. Some

symptoms of the disorder can present in multiple other disorders, leading to overlap and

potential confusion. There are a considerable number of misdiagnosed patients, but the

disorder isn’t exactly considered “overdiagnosed”.

An issue that stems from this misconception leads to the thought that the

disorder lacks proper background and certainty in its symptomology and persistence in

the population. Misdiagnoses still do happen regardless of how effective one’s criteria

is, partly because of human error and the complexity of the human brain. Credibility of

the disorder falls at these types of accusations, and can risk those that are seeking aid

to second-guess their decisions that would otherwise prove beneficial to their lives.

Myth 2: People Grow Out of the Disorder

Not as many diagnoses are made/focused on when it comes to ADHD in adults

as it is in children. Whenever one thinks of the disorder, many think of the hyperactivity

and impulsiveness of children. These behaviours can appear to disappear as they get

older. According to what is described in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults:

What You Need to Know from NIMH, the expressed behavior of ADHD in adults is the

main symptoms of the disorder: “Inattention–having difficulty paying attention,

Hyperactivity–having too much energy or moving and talking too much,

Impulsivity–acting without thinking or having difficulty with self-control (NIMH, 2021)”.

More specifically, Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity will manifest in challenges

with everyday tasks. These can be things such as “Engaging in tasks that require

sustained attention… Being easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli… [and]

Interrupting or intruding on others (NIMH)” All in all, the difficulties one faces in life will

still appear regardless of age, with the likely contributor to masking of the disorder

being learned mechanisms that help one function.

Concluding Thoughts/Connections

ADHD is complex, and the challenges people face from it will follow throughout

their entire lives. These issues will transform over time and manifest in different ways,

as well as their behaviour changing over time and creating discrepancies between

childhood and adulthood. This could be interpreted as an overdiagnosis with the

difference, but is far likelier that those who suffer from ADHD and haven’t been

diagnosed learn mechanisms that help aid them in their lives, creating less of a worry

and focus on the potential of having the disorder. Medication is not the only way of

treatment, as the disorder is heavily behavioural and thus can be altered with therapy
and even placebo treatments. Learning to live with what one is given is the method to

dealing with ADHD, rather than having a “cure it” mentality.

References

A. (2020, January 30). Treatment and management.

https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/patient-care/prevention-wellness/emotio

nal-wellbeing/adhd-toolkit/treatment-and-management.html

D. of H. (2021). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults: What you need to know.

National Institute of Mental Health.

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd-what-you-need-to-know

Herndon, J. (2021, September 21). Is ADHD overdiagnosed? learn what the research

says. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd-overdiagnosed

N. (2023, August). ADHD and complementary health approaches. National Center for

Complementary and Integrative Health.

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/adhd-and-complementary-he

alth-approaches

Team, A. E. (2023, September 27). Inside the ADHD brain: Structure, function, and

Chemistry. ADDA - Attention Deficit Disorder Association.

https://add.org/adhd-brain/