Myth & Facts ADHD

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.