ADHD stands for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. There exists lots of information - and misinformation - about what ADHD is; how it affects children and adults; and how to manage it. View the information below to see some of the biggest myths regarding ADHD:
1. ADHD only affects boys.
Although boys are diagnosed at a rate of two to three times more than girls, we know that ADHD exists in both boys and girls. Often, girls are seen to be exhibit more symptoms of the Inattentive type than the Hyperactive type; this may be one reason we easily see the symptoms in boys versus girls.
2. The only treatment for ADHD is medicine.
Many may advocate for the treatment of ADHD through medication. However, research states that the best management of ADHD comes through a combination of medication and behavioral management. Each child or adult living with ADHD should research ALL possible options and consider his/her own personal health for management before proceeding with a treatment plan.
3. ADHD is easy to diagnose.
Many of the symptoms of ADHD also look like symptoms of other mental health difficulties, such as anxiety or depression. Some behaviors that are ADHD-related can show up due to poor sleeping or eating habits. It is best that any clinician and/or medical doctor who is diagnosing ADHD looks for the presence of symptoms over an extended period of time and considers one's personal health history.
If you or a loved one feels you have ADHD, reach out to your school counselor, school psychologist and/or primary care physician for more information.
1. ADHD only affects boys.
Although boys are diagnosed at a rate of two to three times more than girls, we know that ADHD exists in both boys and girls. Often, girls are seen to be exhibit more symptoms of the Inattentive type than the Hyperactive type; this may be one reason we easily see the symptoms in boys versus girls.
2. The only treatment for ADHD is medicine.
Many may advocate for the treatment of ADHD through medication. However, research states that the best management of ADHD comes through a combination of medication and behavioral management. Each child or adult living with ADHD should research ALL possible options and consider his/her own personal health for management before proceeding with a treatment plan.
3. ADHD is easy to diagnose.
Many of the symptoms of ADHD also look like symptoms of other mental health difficulties, such as anxiety or depression. Some behaviors that are ADHD-related can show up due to poor sleeping or eating habits. It is best that any clinician and/or medical doctor who is diagnosing ADHD looks for the presence of symptoms over an extended period of time and considers one's personal health history.
If you or a loved one feels you have ADHD, reach out to your school counselor, school psychologist and/or primary care physician for more information.