There are a lot of myths surrounding ADHD, some are true, some, not so much. Here are a few of them.
If you are a parent, or you work in education, then I'm sure you have heard a lot about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It has become such a common topic of conversation in parenting circles and in the classroom that it is difficult to separate fact from fiction. So, what is ADHD?
ADHD is a chronic brain disorder that is typically diagnosed in children between 3-17. The disorder typically presents itself with inattentive behavior, hyperactivity and poor impulse control. If left untreated, the disorder can affect a child's school performance, friendships and their self esteem.
Although there is so many differing opinions about the best way to treat the disorder, there are also a lot of myths floating around out there. So, to make it easier to understand, here are the last 5 ADHD myths, that aren't true.
- ADHD can be cured by taking medication – There is no cure for the disorder, although a combination of medication, therapy and teaching coping skills can help minimize the symptoms and keep the negative consequences to a minimum; there is no way to make the disorder go away completely. However, with the medication, children can focus long enough to learn better coping skills and learn how to manage their disorder.
- Sugary drinks and snacks cause ADHD – This is completely false. In fact, recent studies have shown that sugar doesn't really make kids hyper at all. Sweet treats make them happy and happy kids are more rambunctious, but there is really no correlation. Of course, teaching kids healthy eating habits and providing healthy snacks is always the best way to go.
- ADHD can be treated without medication – Parents are hesitant to medicate their children, and I can't say that I blame them. This myth however, is only true in very rare, and probably mild cases. It is the same as saying that diabetes can be treated by making dietary changes. In some borderline cases, that may be true, but the best result come from a treatment plan that includes medication, coping skills and therapy to teach relaxation and anxiety control.
- Children with ADHD are not as smart – This disorder has nothing to do with IQ. In fact, some very gifted children often struggle with ADHD. What makes this myth seem true is that many children with the disorder do poorly in school. The bad grades are generally a result of inattentiveness and disorganization rather than intellect. Also, kids with ADHD have a hard time focusing on a standardized test for extended periods of time, and tend to test poorly.
- ADHD is something you grow out of – This myth is still being spread, but it just isn't true. As we get older, it's easier to learn how to control the behavior and/or mask it with drugs or alcohol. Adults with untreated ADHD can have problems with depression, anxiety and even substance abuse. They are more likely to have problems holding down a job long term and may also have personal and legal problems. When the disorder is treated, adults with ADHD can have very happy, productive lives.
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What do you think about these ADHD myths? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
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By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for EducationJobSiteBlog, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
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