Myths About ADHDHow Much Do You REALLY Know About ADHD? Find Out Here!
Myth: ADHD Is Caused By Poor ParentingOne of the most prevalent myths about ADHD is that it is "caused" by poor parenting. To test this hypothesis, a study by Goodman and Stevenson (1989) involving twins found that it was genetic factors and not a shared family or parenting environment that accounted for about 80% of ADHD symptoms.However, for children already diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, negative parenting behaviors such as being critical and domineering can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, such negative parenting behaviors can also increase the risk of children developing other disorders such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder (Barkley, 1998).
Myth: All Kids With ADHD Are Hyperactive Hyperactivity is just one category of ADHD symptoms. The other two are Inattention and Impulsivity. Inattentive children may appear to be unmotivated, spacey daydreamers, and impulsive children tend to blurt our answers to questions and engage in risky behaviors. This is one of the more potentially damaging myths about ADHD because children with inattentive symptoms often go undiagnosed.
Myth: Children And Adults With ADHD Are Stupid And Will Never SucceedFalse! Children and adults with ADHD are capable of thriving. In fact, some of the world's most powerful and successful people suffer from ADHD. See this list of famous people with ADHD.Myth: Kids Act Out On PurposeChildren with ADHD cannot control their symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disorder.Myth: Children Eventually Outgrow ADHDADHD is a chronic condition that often continues into adulthood, but it can be managed and controlled with proper treatment.Myth: ADHD Is A “Made Up” DisorderAnother of the common myths about ADHD is that it is a made up disorder created by pharmaceutical companies in order to generate additional profit. However, studies show that ADHD is a chronic disorder that has a negative impact on virtually every aspect of daily emotional, academic and work functioning (Barkley, 1998). Children and adults with ADHD have higher rates of other psychiatric disorders, higher frequency of hospitalizations, emergency room visits and total medical costs compared to individuals without ADHD (Liebson et al., 2001).Myth: Medication Is The Best Treatment Option For ADHDMedication is often prescribed for ADHD, but it might not be the best option for your child. As a doctor who treats ADHD, and as the mother of a son with ADHD, the Total Focus Program is a great tool that teaches parents how to manage and eliminate difficult behaviors.For adults, the 30 Days To Better Focus program is a detailed, inspirational account of how a college student with ADHD learned how to manage her ADHD, graduate with honors from a top school, and start a successful business. Other effective treatments often include some combination of ADHD behavior modification, exercise, ADHD diet, natural remedies for ADHD, neurofeedback for ADHD, and adult ADHD coaching. Also, there are many other helpful techniques such as how to calm hyperactive children and how to create a calm home for children suffering from ADHD.
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