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Professional counselor busts 6 common misconceptions about ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, or ADHD, comes in many shapes and sizes. Depending on where you look, the statistics are quite astounding. According to the CDC, for example, ADHD affects 11.4% of all children aged three to 17 in the US. Worldwide, 366 million adults have it. Its prevalence means its essential for neurotypical (and also other neurodivergent) people to understand what it is (and what it isn’t) and how it affects people. That way, we can be better, more sensitive communicators.
To be clear, its beneficial for everyone to understand how to communicate sensitively and effectively with people of all kinds. For now, were focusing on ADHD, and the myths and common misconceptions that exist around it. If you think theres a chance you have ADHD but you havent been diagnosed (yet), know that youre not alone. This article may provide some clarity.�
Understanding what ADHD is, and what it isnt
Healthline defines ADHD as a mental health condition. Others call it a disorder and a disability. Note that it is not a disease. It is not viral or bacterial. You can’t catch it. But if one or both of your parents have, or had, ADHD, the chances of you having it too are pretty high.
ADHD can but doesn’t always cause unusual levels of hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors.�
Some of its classic manifestations include having difficulty focusing or concentrating on tasks; forgetting to complete tasks; finding oneself distracted easily; finding it difficult to sit still for long periods; and interrupting people while theyre talking.�
Mayo Clinic adds that ADHD in adults can lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and other problems.
There are ways to medicate ADHD, although be aware that stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin have been shown to increase the likelihood of developing cardiomyopathy (weakened heart muscles).
ADDitude Magazine is an invaluable resource for people with ADHD and anyone wanting to learn more about the disorder. Its editors differentiate between three distinct types of ADHD �hyperactive-impulsive, inattentive, and combined �and oversee an operation comprising a magazine, podcasts, a website, and a whole directory of information about diagnosis, treatment, medications, and how to manage interpersonal relationships involving ADHD.
Licensed clinical counselor breaks down 6 common myths about ADHD
Alan Deibel is a licensed clinical professional counselor for Grow Therapy. He says that in order to communicate effectively and compassionately with people who have ADHD, its important to first boost your understanding of it.�
He breaks down the following six common misconceptions about ADHD.
1. ADHD isnt a real medical condition
Both the American Psychiatric Association and the National Institutes of Health acknowledge ADHD as a medical disorder, Deibel says.
Whats more, evidence indicates that genetic factors contribute to up to an 88% risk of developing ADHD. Others put the figure at 74%. Either way, its remarkably heritable.
2. ADHD is a phase
Symptoms may evolve or lessen over time or as one transitions from childhood to adulthood. However, most children carry their symptoms into adulthood, so ADHD should not be treated as a short-term complication.
Undiagnosed adults, Deibel says, may show problems with executive functioning, procrastination, substance abuse habits, excessive muscle tension pain, and poor emotional regulation.
3. People with ADHD just need to put in more effort
Deibel says unequivocally that ADHD is not about willpower. Therefore, asking someone with ADHD to just focus is akin to telling an individual with an eye impairment to see better. �
It wont work. Its not constructive. Their inattention stems from differences in brain function and structure.
4. Everyone with ADHD is hyperactive
As mentioned above, there are three types of ADHD. One of them manifests as hyperactivity.
While some people can be restless, others wont show this trait. Also, Deibel adds, hyperactivity often diminishes with age.
5. ADHD exclusively affects boys and men
Girls often have different symptoms. The reasons for this are complex, but Verywell Health writes that females may be under-diagnosed.
Males tend to have impulsive, hyperactive, and externalized traits, it adds. Females tend to have inattentive, internalized traits. Therefore, it’s often easier to spot a boy with ADHD than a girl with ADHD.�In simple, and slightly figurative, terms, boys wear their symptoms on the outside, whereas girls wear them on the inside.
Theres a similar obstacle when assessing whether or not an adult has ADHD, compared with a child. Over time, whether consciously or subconsciously, neurodivergent people often find ways of hiding their neurodivergent behaviors. This is called masking. �
6. Medicine is the cure-all for people with ADHD
Medication can reduce symptoms for many people with ADHD, but it isnt a cure, Deibel insists.
In most cases, a combination of stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medication and antidepressant medication are used.
WebMD has an extensive list of the stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants that people often take to manage their ADHD symptoms. However, it adds that the most effective treatment is often a “multimodal” treatment, involving medication, therapy, behavior changes, and skills training.
Alan Deibel is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) at Grow Therapy with over 12 years of diverse clinical experience.
