ADHD - Myth And Facts Debunked

 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is considered to be among the most widespread neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adults. In spite of the increasing awareness, there are still mistaken beliefs about ADHD, which cause misunderstanding and stigmatization with subsequent delayed diagnosis. To gain a clearer understanding of this condition and ensure that affected individuals receive good care and assistance, it is essential to distinguish between facts and myths. Here are some of the myths and facts debunked by a psychiatrist at Wales Psychiatry Centre, a leading clinic for providing the most advanced ADHD Treatment in Cardiff.

Myth And Facts Related to ADHD

Myth: ADHD is Not a Real Medical Condition

The brains of people with and without ADHD differ, as do the methods in which brain neurotransmitters like glutamate, dopamine, and norepinephrine function.

The brain areas involved in ADHD are crucial for human “executive functions,” including organizing, planning, and initiating tasks.

Fact: ADHD is a recognized neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in brain activity and structure. It's not a weakness in character.

Myth: ADHD is Caused by Parenting Styles

Some adults with ADHD bring their parents to their sessions of therapy, when they express regret for not doing more to help their child's development and symptom management when they were younger.

This frequently results from a false belief that ADHD is caused by "bad parenting."

This is untrue. For someone with ADHD, structure is crucial. Stricter parenting may make children who are at risk for ADHD more anxious and hyperactive, but there isn't a clear cause-and-effect relationship between the two.

According to research, family settings and parenting practices may influence how children's ADHD symptoms manifest, but they are not the cause of ADHD.

However, it may be more harmful in the long run to punish a child for symptoms like impulsivity, hyperactivity, restlessness, or blurting out words. For this reason, professional therapies such as medicine and psychotherapy can be beneficial.

Fact: ADHD is not caused by parenting but rather by neurodevelopmental disorders. Brain chemistry, the environment, and heredity all play a part. A supportive atmosphere can help manage symptoms, but it won't cure or cause the illness.

Myth: ADHD Occurs Only in Boys

Boys are diagnosed two to three times more frequently than girls, and they are also more likely to receive a diagnosis at a young age. Researchers are currently investigating whether there is a genuine difference in the condition's rate between males and females, or if differences in diagnosis rates are due to other factors, such as gender bias or variations in symptom manifestations.

However, even when their symptom profiles are the same, boys and men are more likely than girls and women to be referred for help, and women and girls are generally less likely to receive a correct diagnosis of ADHD.

Fact: The diagnosis is made two to three times more in boys than in girls, although 4.2 percent of girls were diagnosed with ADHD at some time in their lives.

Myth: ADHD Sufferers are Lazy

Unless it's related to an activity they really enjoy, ADHD symptoms may manifest as boredom, disorganization, and a lack of desire, which could be confused with laziness.

In reality, though, persons with ADHD may find it difficult to start and finish things that others may see as "easy," even while they genuinely want to succeed. 

For someone with this condition, going through mail or responding to emails can be scary because they take much more sustained mental work. This myth can be particularly harmful, as such judgments can make people feel like failures, leading to low self-esteem and a lack of confidence in their ability to pursue life goals. 

Fact: Their brain functions make people with ADHD desire to be focused, but they fail to control their attention, motivation, and impulse control.

Myth: Medications for ADHD are Addictive

Each of the formulations has an impact on the drug's supply to the brain and is designed to alter the drug's time of action during the day, as well as its rate of absorption. Despite these differences, the same drug, Methylphenidate or Amphetamine, is present in all classes of medicines. Both drugs have the potential to be addictive, but how they are used will determine whether or not they do so. When drugs enter the brain quickly, addicts feel like using them. Because of this, they prefer injectable or inhaled (sniffed through the nose) forms of amphetamine or methylphenidate. 

Facts: ADHD is treated with stimulant drugs that prevent addiction.

There are also many myths related to this condition. If you know someone who is suffering from this condition or has myths related to them, ask them to get psychiatric help and answers from an expert for better management of this condition.

Seek Professional Help for ADHD at Wales Psychiatry Centre.

The Wales Psychiatry Centre is one of the premier psychiatry clinics, where Dr. Raman Sakhuja, the best adult psychiatrist in Wales, practices. He and his team present the diagnosis and best treatment options for managing ADHD. 

Book a consultation with Dr. Raman Sakhuja today for better insights.