Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common, and widely misunderstood. Let’s bust some myths and get a better understanding.

Last week we detailed the basics of ADHD, and this week, we’re diving into the many myths about the condition, and the harmful stigma these myths create.

ADHD: Myths and Facts

People with ADHD “just can’t concentrate”

While it is true that people with ADHD can be easily distractible and impulsive, someone with ADHD can focus intently on an activity.

People with ADHD can concentrate when they are interested in or intrigued by what they are doing. New, unusual, or exciting things capture their interest, and their attention is directed there.

When someone has ADHD, they have a different mental and emotional system of evaluating what to do and when to do it. Mostly, they prioritize tasks according to their emotional importance. Individuals with ADHD more easily concentrate on those things that are challenging, rewarding, and fast-moving.

Girls don’t get ADHD

In general, young girls aren’t as likely to be as hyperactive as young boys or display as many behavioral issues compared to boys, so people often don’t recognize ADHD in girls.

As a result, girls are less likely to be referred for an evaluation of ADHD.

The problem with this myth is that, because girls with ADHD often go untreated, their condition can progress, increasing issues with:

• mood
• anxiety
• antisocial personality
• other comorbid disorders in adulthood

It’s for this reason that it’s really important to improve our ability to identify girls with ADHD and provide them with the support they need.

People with ADHD are less intelligent

Children and adults with ADHD are often forgetful, inattentive, or make careless mistakes. Some people mistake this behavior for a lack of intelligence. This simply isn’t true.

Studies show that most individuals with ADHD are of average intelligence. A study on adults with ADHD showed there’s little difference in the intelligence of people with ADHD compared to others. The study found that those with ADHD who scored lower on intelligence tests had other preexisting conditions. These conditions include a learning disability or other cognitive impairment.

People with ADHD often perform at a lower level than their peers at school. This is because they have trouble staying organized, paying attention to detail, and completing tasks. However, their academic performance isn’t due to a lack of intelligence. With proper management, individuals with ADHD achieve academic success.

Having ADHD “isn’t that serious”

While ADHD isn’t life-threatening, it can have serious implications on a person’s overall quality of life. Compared to the general population, people with ADHD are more likely to have anxiety and mood and substance use disorders.

Meanwhile, one common experience among my patients with ADHD is that it’s difficult to keep up with work responsibilities, and they’re constantly monitored or on probation.

This means they live in continual fear of losing their jobs and not being able to keep up financially, which can take a toll on their personal life.

Folks with ADHD may require more time to complete tasks in order to thrive. Unfortunately, while these sorts of accommodations may be available in educational settings—think longer test-taking time or quiet exam rooms—employers may not be as willing to accommodate.

ADHD isn’t a real medical disorder

Research has demonstrated differences between a brain with ADHD and one without it, in addition to differences in how brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and glutamate operate.

The parts of the brain involved in ADHD play an important part in our “executive functions,” such as planning, organizing, and initiating tasks.

Twin studies also suggest that ADHD has a genetic component, where in identical twins, if one twin has ADHD, the other is likely to have it as well.

Poor parenting causes ADHD

Though structure is important for a person with ADHD, constant punishing for symptoms such as blurting out words, restlessness, hyperactivity, or impulsivity can be more detrimental in the long run.

But because many would view this type of behavior as the child simply being “poorly mannered,” parents often find themselves being judged for not being able to control their child.

This is why professional interventions such as psychotherapy and medications are often required.

ADHD: The Stigma

What is ADHD stigma?

Stigma is a negative stereotype or perception about certain characteristics, often based on misinformation or misunderstanding. It can lead to harmful consequences, especially when health is involved. Mental health conditions are frequently subject to stigma.

Despite growing public knowledge and awareness of mental health conditions, there are several common misunderstandings about ADHD that lead to stigma.

How stigma affects people with ADHD

Stigma can make it challenging to live with ADHD. It can also make it difficult for parents or guardians who care for children with ADHD.

ADHD stigma might cause challenges in social, job, and school settings. It may also affect how a person with ADHD views themself, especially if they start believing the negative stereotypes about ADHD. This is called internalized stigma or self-stigma.

ADHD symptoms, such as impulsivity and inattention, affect everyday functioning and interactions with others. According to research from 2019, this means people with ADHD can sometimes be perceived as:

• impolite
• unreliable
• immature
• weak in character
• emotionally dysfunctional

Stigma can lead people with ADHD and caregivers to avoid seeking care, which means delayed diagnosis and treatment. Untreated ADHD is linked to several negative outcomes, according to a 2015 research review.

These include:

• anxiety
• depression
• personality disorders
• low self-esteem
• relationship difficulties
• job instability
• problematic parent-child interactions
• substance use disorders
• higher rates of crime and motor vehicle accidents
• increased mortality rate

There’s also stigma attached to treating ADHD with medication. Misperception about medications being an “easy fix,” or compensating for inadequate parenting, may make people with ADHD less likely to seek treatment.

Stigma in different age groups

ADHD is a condition that affects people of all ages. Therefore, stigma can affect people at any stage of life.

For example, adults with ADHD may fear disclosing their diagnosis at work due to stigma. Children may feel judged by their classmates at school for behaviors related to ADHD, finding it difficult to fit in and make friends.

Some research suggests children with ADHD are four times more likely to be rejected by their peers compared with neurotypical children. This can happen after even just a few hours of interaction.

In adulthood, different kinds of stigma can make it more challenging to live with ADHD. Participants in a 2018 study reported experiencing effects from:

• internalized stigma
• anticipated discrimination
• perceived public stigma

In addition, the media generally covers stories about ADHD in children in classroom settings. This creates the impression that adults don’t experience the effects of ADHD and reinforces the notion that ADHD isn’t a real condition or that it always ends after childhood.

In reality, estimates suggest 50 to 70 percent of children with ADHD will continue to have it in adulthood.

How stigma affects caregivers

Caring for a child with ADHD can have its own challenges. Many caregivers in this situation navigate stigma.

It’s possible you’ve felt scrutinized by other parents, the child’s teachers, and even healthcare professionals. Stigma can affect the caregiving and treatment choices you make, such as deciding whether or not to have your child take medication.

These feelings may be caused by affiliate stigma. Affiliate stigma is a type of internalized stigma that affects family members or caregivers of people with a condition, such as ADHD.

Research from 2020 suggested affiliate stigma can :

• lower quality of life
• increase stress
• affect the level of care given to the person with ADHD
• lead to less cooperation with healthcare professionals
• cause negative attitudes toward ADHD diagnosis and treatment

How to combat ADHD stigma

Education is a powerful tool that can reduce stigma. Research has found that personal contact with people who have ADHD and education about ADHD myths are two effective ways to reduce stigma.

If you want to help combat ADHD stigma, consider sharing:

Your own story

If you’re living with ADHD or caring for a child with ADHD, you can raise awareness by sharing your story. Take advantage of opportunities to increase awareness of the condition in your own social network, local school systems and organizations, news outlets, and beyond.

Information about treatment

Inform others that medication is not a way to compensate for inadequate parenting or laziness. Instead, it works by correcting ADHD brain chemical differences, and it’s usually effective.

New research findings

Sharing information about ADHD research can reduce stigma by demonstrating the medical validity of the condition. For example, a 2017 brain imaging study revealed neurologic differences in boys with ADHD when compared with neurotypical peers. This allowed researchers to identify different subtypes of ADHD in the group.

Reputable sources for learning

Organizations, like Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) and CHADD, are good places to start for ADHD resources and support.

This article was brought to you by the Proactive Health Management Plan in partnership with Healthline.