10 Common Myths About ADHD

[David Baxter PhD]

10 Common Myths About ADHD
by Jasmine Hall (link removed by request)
November 16, 2010


Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been the subject of scrutiny in recent years due to the perception that it’s a faux-disorder. A patient isn’t diagnosed after an X-ray or blood test, but rather with a behavioral evaluation that considers his or her unique situation. The lack physical evidence fuels the skeptics despite the fact that many of them lack experience in dealing with the disorder. Just ask a parent of a child or an adult who suffers from ADHD, and they’ll tell you that it’s more than just the occasional loss of concentration — it hinders their ability to function to their potential, in school and social situations. The following myths have been perpetuated by people who don’t understand ADHD but have been debunked by doctors, mental health professionals and people who live with the disorder.

1. ADHD isn’t a real problem: It’s a common opinion that disorders like ADHD were devised by drug companies in order to make a few extra bucks, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, it’s a recognized disorder by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Medical Association (AMA), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and a majority of national psychiatric and psychological organizations. Acknowledgment of ADHD is almost unanimous by mental health professionals and researchers who have studied it.
2. ADHD is an excuse: As previously mentioned, ADHD is a legitimate disorder, and one that can hinder a person’s ability to reach their full academic and personal potential. Symptoms include: difficulty focusing on one thing, difficulty learning something new or completing a task, listening problems, general confusion and disorganization, the inability to sit still, the constant desire to be in motion, excessive talking, the inability to remain quiet for even short periods of time, and poor impulse control. A comprehensive list of symptoms is available by clicking the link.
3. Strict discipline can solve childhood ADHD-caused problems: Many people claim that strict discipline can solve a child’s behavioral problems caused by ADHD. Some skeptics tend to view it as a generational problem, asserting that children are spoiled and need to be more harshly punished for their actions. The truth of the matter is that children with ADHD lack sufficient impulse control and excessive punishment can prove damaging to their mental health. And while it’s important to set clear expectations and establish structure, it’s also essential that parents remain patient with their children.
4. All ADHD sufferers are hyperactive: Although constant hyperactivity is the primary problem associated with ADHD, it’s not the only symptom. Inattentive-type ADHD, or ADHD without the "H," has become more recognized by the medical community in recent years. A person can control their impulses while being inattentive, which can lead to substandard academic performance. Even shyness is characteristic of inattentive-type ADHD sufferers; children with the disorder require positive attention, as low self-esteem may become an issue.
5. ADHD indicates a lack of intelligence: A Yale report published in 2009 showed that about three of four people with ADHD and an IQ score of more than 120 experienced difficulties with memory and cognitive tests. On the other hand, people without ADHD with similar IQ scores didn’t have as many problems. ADHD doesn’t discriminate based on IQ score. People of all intelligence levels have it; many just need assistance in harnessing their capabilities.
6. ADHD medication causes a drugged feeling: A doctor or mental health specialist will determine the appropriate treatment for ADHD based on the unique needs of the patient. Side effects are closely monitored and if a medication has an adverse effect, the dosage will be lowered or it will be changed to something more suitable. The stimulant that’s typically prescribed comes in different forms, including capsule, pill, patch and liquid. Some have short-term effects while others have long-term effects. In short, there’s not one treatment that’s applied to everyone.
7. ADHD can be diagnosed through a medication trial: Psychostimulants have the same effect on people without ADHD as they do on people with ADHD, so a noticeable difference in behavior subsequent to taking a medication isn’t a true indicator that a person has the disorder. A person who thinks they may have ADHD should consult a doctor or mental health specialist, and he or she will make an assessment with the assistance of diagnostic criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association, or the American Academy of Pediatrics if a child is being examined.
8. ADHD diagnoses have become too common: According to the CDC, just three to seven percent of school-aged children had ADHD in 2006. Between 1997 and 2006, diagnoses of ADHD increased by an average of just three percent each year. A 2005 report by the CDC indicated that 4.4 million children aged four to 17 were diagnosed with the disorder, and just 2.5 million of them were prescribed medication. What’s more, many medical professionals and researchers assert that girls and minorities are underdiagnosed.
9. ADHD is limited to children: Many children who endure ADHD still battle it well into adulthood, and many adults will be diagnosed for the first time years after they’ve entered the real word. Instead of forgetting homework assignments, failing to complete in-class assignments and inefficiently studying, they may forget an appointment, produce at a slower rate than their peers, and exhibit a general lack of preparation. In many cases, the result is job instability and a lack of career fulfillment, which can affect their overall quality of life. Adults who think they may have ADHD shouldn’t hesitate to visit a doctor or mental health specialist.
10. People with ADHD can’t succeed: The lengthy list of talented people who have ADHD includes 14-time gold medalist Michael Phelps, four-time Super Bowl champion Terry Bradshaw, Kinko’s founder Paul Orfalea, and Virgin Group founder and billionaire Richard Branson. Additionally, great innovators, thinkers and leaders from the past are said to have shown symptoms of the disorder, like Albert Einstein, Beethoven, Charles Schwab and John Lennon. Given the sheer amount of people who have overcome ADHD to achieve their dreams, it’s clear that it doesn’t have to be an impediment to success.

 

[Ronbell]

This is a good thread.

I have finally been able to accept my diagnosis of ADHD. I have found coping mechanisms including medication to overcome this disorder. I can assure you that denying the existence of this disorder has far fledging effects than most people may recognize.

I have personally had doctors either tell me "I don't want to talk about this", or "even though you've been diagnosed with ADHD in the past; I'm not convinced. Your symptoms are more in-line with depression."

When you constantly hear these statements from not only doctors, but your peers as well, you become withdrawn; believe ADHD doesn't exist, and basically suffer in the dark. I personally have been set back a few years from the actions of others alone.

In 2004 I had moved to Halifax by myself after struggling through high school. (Not from a lack of intelligence, I scored between 120-130 in grade 9 IQ tests) I was dismissed by 3 consecutive doctors even though I had a current prescription for ADHD by my previous doctor. I was a very shy kid because of the strict mental abuse I had sustained from my crack addicted mother, so I didn't push the issue further and because of my aforementioned self doubts.

Within a year of ending my medication, my world crumbled. I had lost jobs, had no friends, and even ended up homeless for a few weeks. I then developed a depression, because I was incapable of making a better life for myself. I have lived very isolated, and anti-social because of my desire to not be drain on society like my mother. In my mind, in order to accomplish that goal I needed to remove any distractions so I could work towards that goal, but I was basically spinning my wheels(I am still a loner, but I'm making progress towards my goal).

I then managed to get in a community college in 2006 and successfully completed my first year. It took me another 2 years to finish the first semester of the second year, which I have never completed (It is the last semester required to complete my diploma). I should also note that I have never failed a class in college.

During the inbetween times, I lived in Ottawa, and the NWT. Leaving entirely on a whim, with absolutely no proper planning involved. When I landed in both cities, I literally had no money, and in Ottawa I didn't even have a job. Through a miracle of the cosmos, I had managed to find work within a few days off arriving.

I returned to Nova Scotia to complete my final year in September 2008, only to drop out after successfully completing the first semester. I still had self-doubts regarding the existence of ADHD at this point.

I then came to this board, and other forums similar to it to investigate further information on ADHD. As I read the testimonials, the similar behaviours, mannerisms struggles, and feelings of other people that have also been diagnosed with ADHD; I had removed any self doubt and built a strong foundation of confidence that ADHD was my Mt. Everest. The enemy had a face.

At that point, I was determined to find treatment for ADHD. At this point, my shyness that was prevalent when I was younger, had completely dissipated because of the nature of my work. I couldn't find treatment in Halifax (short of Strattera..don't get me started), and because I lost my job, I decided to go where the grass was greener: (well the money seems greener, but the grass sure isn't) Calgary.

I had visited 2 doctors, called other doctors who I knew weren't accepting patients to see if they knew of a doctor with knowledge of ADHD that I could see. The answers were generally "No, you're a drug addict, I don't want to waste my time" (Even though I had recent drug screening results from work), "Come back later" and "I'm sorry I can't help you."

I struck it lucky with an older doctor who was able to make a diagnosis just from looking at my body language. I have since been medicated again, and my life has taken a 180 degree spin.

I am now almost 4 months into a job, and haven't called in sick once (normally, I'd be up to a week and a half by now). I am also able to take the time to actually do my job properly instead of rushed. I have received positive reviews from my latest evaluation as well. Most importantly, I don't feel the burnout and mental fatigue I had previously, and finally feel like I'm not just working to save up until I quit again.

I'm able to stop and talk with roommates and other strangers in a social setting without the feeling of urgency to "go!, keep moving, you can talk to them later." Although I am still a loner, I don't seem as socially off.

I am aware of my academic inadequacies, and I have improved my writing ability and my ability to do math mentally through practice. My memory still needs work, but I'm working on it.

I feel like I'm a Hollywood depicted 19 year old kid (even though I'm almost 26) and I'm trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. That is my next struggle, now that I have found a way to conquer my ADHD.

I realize I have written a lot in this thread, but I want to give some tips that have helped reduce my symptoms dramatically, if you're not going to read anything, read this:

Tips for controlling ADHD
-Medications. Personally slow releaser Concerta (water pump released Ritalin {Methylphenidate }) has been successful for me. Others may respond better to Amphetamine (Adderall, etc) However, It doesn't last all day, and my lack of self control and irritability are signs that it has worn off.

-L-tyrosine. I specifically take this supplement 1 hour before I get up..(that's right, I set my alarm an hour before I'm going to wake up for work) and usually another one at the end of the day when the effects of the Ritalin have worn off. L-tyrosine may not be for everyone (ask doctor), but I have noticed that I'm actually able to get out of bed instead of fighting with myself for excuses to stay (even if I'm not tired).

-Omega 3's. As much as I'd love to be able to eat a fatty fish twice a week, I take 4mg's worth of these supplements a day. I have noticed an increase in concentration from omegas.

-Lower carb diets. I discovered this while attempting to diet back in January. In conjunction with the Omega 3's, I noticed an increase in concentration and a reduction in irritability.

-EXERCISE! This one helps too. Keeps your energy levels up, and I noticed my motivation wasn't as likely to diminish while unmedicated.

-No caffeine. Although some people think they're self medicating with caffeine, they really aren't. I have to spend more money than I can make in half a year fixing my teeth because of my old cola addiction.

-Vitamin D3: Because it's the winter months I'm less capable of synthesizing my own Vit. D. I take a 1000ui pill a day. You can overlook this if you don't suffer from seasonal depression, or if you're getting enough from food. Just remember: Vitamin D can be toxic at high levels. I believe recommendations are to not go higher than 2000ui. Health Canada says that if you follow their food guide to healthy eating you should be ok....but who does?

That's my speel. I hope it doesn't fall on deaf ears.

Had I not overlooked the naysayers, and maintained my dive to find treatment, I could very easily be homeless right now.