Busting Six ADHD Myths

One of my favorite things about my job is that I get to give people a great gift: awareness. 

Really, I love it! People come to my office with questions about their wellness, wondering about this thing or that thing that is going wrong, and get to give them an expert opinion and watch them make choices from a place of empowerment. That is what gets me out of bed in the morning!

And sometimes, that insight can be life-changing – not just because of the proper treatment they can get, but because of the perspective it offers.

When you meet someone who has been dealing with confusion, time blindness, and procrastination for their whole lives, and you tell them it is not because they are lazy – but instead their brain chemistry has been working against them – you can be a part of helping them realize that there is hope for getting better, and watch their eyes light up.

Many who suffer from ADHD must deal with these symptoms and others, as well as the psychological fallout from them. It is only a slippery slope from “I have trouble managing my time” to “I will never accomplish anything.” 

So for the last week of Mental Health Awareness May, I want to debunk some common ADHD myths, in case this awareness adds value to you or someone you know.

MYTH #1: ADHD is not a real condition.

The term “ADHD” has been hijacked by our culture to represent a general distractedness, restlessness, or even forgetfulness – this has watered down the diagnosis, and even led some to believe that the condition does not exist.

However, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a very real condition, as recognized by the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Psychiatric Association.

There are marked differences between a neurotypical brain and a brain with ADHD, and studies show it may even be hereditary.

MYTH #2: ADHD is a learning disability.

Some symptoms of ADHD can impact learning – there is truth there. Concentration and focus are crucial elements of the learning process!

But there is no direct disruption of learning by ADHD. It has no effect on reading, writing, or calculation ability, and medication, along with practical mitigating strategies, can help lessen the symptoms’ impact.

MYTH #3: ADHD is the result of bad parenting.

No – ADHD cannot develop because of “bad parenting.”

It might be easy to mistake a child (or adult, for that matter!) dealing with ADHD with one who has not been raised with much structure, or whose parents have been lax in their responsibilities.

In fact, it is due entirely to brain chemistry.

In addition to a dysregulation of the dopamine system, research shows that people with ADHD have decreased blood flow as they are attempting to concentrate, as well as an excess of limbic activity. This creates a perfect storm for focus to fail, and even for mood to suffer.

MYTH #4: Those who medicate their ADHD are more likely to abuse drugs.

This actually could not be further from the truth!

This idea comes from the fact that ADHD is often treated with amphetamines, a heavily regulated family of drugs.

But the current understanding is that people who medicate their ADHD are actually less likely to abuse substances than those not medicating, potentially because of the medication’s ability to help with impulse control (in fact, some ADHD medications are also used to mitigate other addictive behaviors, like binge-eating disorder).

MYTH #5: You can outgrow ADHD.

A dangerous myth, actually.

It is true that some symptoms of ADHD may get easier to deal with as one matures. Like with anything, the more time goes by, the more chances you have to educate yourself, the more you equip yourself with resources, the easier it gets to manage.

But these symptoms do not naturally fade over time.

In fact, adults with untreated ADHD are especially susceptible to other mental health issues, troubled personal lives, and addictive tendencies. 

MYTH #6: Having ADHD makes you stupid or lazy; no one with ADHD ever amounts to anything.

Absolutely not!

Before someone knows they have ADHD, they may believe they are just not capable of dealing with life. They may believe they are fundamentally beyond help, or broken, and that they will not accomplish anything of significance.

Let me tell you again: this is absolutely not true!

Yes, the symptoms of ADHD can impact your executive functioning. Yes, that can get in the way of achieving goals and even just day-to-day life. BUT that does not make you any less capable of amazing things.

Lots of notable names have overcome symptoms of ADHD to impact the world – just see if you recognize some of the names on this list here, and know that if you have ADHD, you are in good company.

When we find ourselves judging – either ourselves or others – often, it is just because we do not know enough.

We do not have all the perspective we need in order to understand why we do what we do, or why they do what they do – and if we did, we would be much better positioned to give grace all around!

Plus, if we knew, we could better offer help – again, to ourselves and to others. Awareness really is a gift, no matter how you look at it.

Do you know someone with ADHD? Send them this email to let them know you see them. Invite them to subscribe for more solutions in the future.

Do you yourself deal with it? Know that there is help to be found – you are not alone, nor beyond hope – and you are seen.

And always feel free to reach out and ask for help if you have any questions at all. I am available to help you start your health journey anew!

Make today your masterpiece!

Florina