It is estimated that approximately 7.2 percent of children worldwide have ADHD, while about 3.4 percent of adults are estimated to have diagnosed or undiagnosed ADHD. October is ADHD awareness Month. Join us in understanding the world from person live with ADHD.
ADHD is a term that commonly used to describe the brain condition that affects the way you act and focus. ADHD is usually diagnosed in school-aged children, but it can continue to cause problems into adulthood.
Despite groundbreaking research and clear neurological findings, people continue to harbour many inaccurate beliefs and promote some myths and fallacies about ADHD, which perpetuate misunderstanding, stigma, and shame. Learn the scientific truth about the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder here :
Myth #1. ADHD isn’t a real medical disorder
ADHD has been recognised as a legitimate diagnosis bu major medical, psychological, and educational organisations, including the National Institutes of Health and the US Department of Education. The American Psychiatric Association recognises ADHD as a medical disorder in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – the official mental health ‘bible’ used by psychologists and psychiatrists.
Fact :
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (formerly known as Attention Deficit Disorder) is biologically based. Research shows that it’s a result of an imbalance of chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters, within the brain. It’s primary symptoms are inattention, impulsiveness, and, sometimes, hyperactivity.
Myth #2. People who have ADHD are lazy – they never amount to anything
Adults and children with ADHD are often labeled as unmotivated, lazy, or even apathetic. These negative labels are unfair and hurtful.
Fact :
Instead of simple laziness or a lack of motivation, this “immobility” or “sluggishness” often reflects the impairments in executive function that can be associated with ADHD. Understanding these impairments is important in order to correct misperceptions about ADHD that tend to run rampant.
In fact, some of the great investors, artists and many well-known, high-achieving individuals from such as Mozart, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln as well as Richard Branson had/have ADHD.
Myth #3. People who have ADHD are hyperactive
The stereotype of adults and children with ADHD is that they are race around and can’t stop moving.
Fact :
Not all adults and children with ADHD have hyperactivity as a symptom. And for those who do, hyperactivity usually goes away or lessen as they get older. We need to realise that ADHD, in fact, has a range of presentations and wide rage of severity. There are three types of ADHD. One doesn’t have an impact on activity levels at all. This type of ADHD is sometimes called ADD, and it mainly impacts attention.
Myth #4. Only boys have ADHD
Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.
Fact :
While boys are more than twice as likely as girls to be diagnosed with ADHD, that doesn’t mean girls don’t have it. They are just more likely to be overlooked and remain undiagnosed. Part of the reason is that ADHD can look different in boys than in girls. Girls tend to have less trouble with hyperactivity and impulse control than boys do. They may seem more ‘daydreamy’.
Myth #5. ADHD is a learning disability
ADHD is a learning disability that create challenges in learning process.
Fact :
ADHD is not a learning disability. While ADHD symptoms can get in the way of learning, they don’t cause difficulty in specific skills like reading, writing and math. Some learning disabilities often co-occur with ADHD, however.
Disclaimer
ChangeMakr Asia does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
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Nanda Anggraini
An advertising copywriter and an avid novelist. Currently mastering the art of gardening. Her dream is to build her own permaculture farm for sustainable future in her hometown, Bandung, West Java Indonesia.
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