ADHD Facts and Myths
Although much
remains unknown about the causes of ADHD, believing in myths and not the facts may be detrimental to the well
being of your child.
ADHD facts about the nature of
this behavioural disorder are aplenty and yet there still exists many myths about it. Granted that much is still
not known about this medical condition, but believing in myths can be detrimental to kids as it delays
their diagnosis and treatment.
One fact is that the disorder is for real, and yet there are
people who go around claiming that it does not exist. This group of people claimed that the whole thing is a
hoax perpetuated by the psychiatric community and pharmaceutical companies for financial gains. Researchers have
been aware of ADHD for a couple of decades now.
Another fact is that it has been in existence for a very long time already.
However, it was only in recent times that the scientific community has been able to describe it clearly. But to the
ignorant, it is a childhood epidemic of the 1990s.
All children with ADHD are hyperactive is not a fact. It is a
myth because some of them are merely inattentive, not hyperactive.
Another myth is that ADHD only affect boys. The ADHD facts are
that girls too can have it but they are generally not as aggressive as boys.
Medication is the only cure is a myth. Successful treatment
requires a multi-prong approach and medication represents only one of these approaches. The others include
behavioural therapies and teaching remediation skills.
The ADHD facts concerning learning are that some children
are smart and can pick up new knowledge very quickly. This is in contrast to some myths that all children
inflicted with it have learning difficulties.
THERE are many myths and fallacies floating around. Here are
the truth behind some most common ones.
Myth: There is no such medical
condition as ADHD.
Fact: ADHD disorder is a medical disorder, not a condition of the child's will.
Myth: It is caused by bad parenting.
All the child needs is good discipline.
Fact: It is not caused by bad
parenting, however, parenting techniques can often improve or worsen
some symptoms.
Myth: ADHD is a life
sentence.
Fact: Although the symptoms
usually continue into adulthood, the person learns ways to cope with
the symptoms. Some of them have plenty of energy, are creative,
and can often accomplish more
than people who do not
have the condition.
Myth: Having ADHD means the person
is lazy or dumb.
Fact: Some highly
intelligent people have it, so it has nothing to do with a person's intellectual ability.
Myth: The diagnosis is
confirmed if certain medications (psychostimulants) have a positive effect on
what seem to be
symptoms of ADHD.
Fact: Children without ADHD
respond to psychostimulants similarly to children who have it. A trial of
medication is not used to diagnose the condition.
Myth: Medication will make a
person seem drugged.
Fact: Properly adjusted
medication helps sharpen a person's
focus and increases his or her ability to
control behaviour.
Myth: Psychostimulants are no longer
useful after puberty.
Fact: Affected teens and
adults continue to benefit from medication treatment.
Myth: Children with ADHD are
learning to use the condition as an excuse for their behaviour.
Fact: It is a disability, and
children have to learn ways to deal with theirsymptoms (inattention,
impulsivity, and
hyperactivity) that cause them to have difficulties in life.
Myth: Children outgrow
it.
Fact: About 70 per cent to 80
per cent of children with this disorder continue to have symptoms during
their teen years,and about 50 per cent have symptoms into adulthood.
Myth: If a child has ADHD, he or she
can always be diagnosed in the health professional's office.
ADHD Facts: A
child may not always show symptoms of ADHD, especially in an unfamiliar setting.
Evaluating a child from one office
observation may result in failure to recognise or diagnose symptoms.
Continue reading to learn about ADHD disorder
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