ADHD is a very common disorder that is usually detected from childhood. However, many myths still circulate that attribute this problem to the parents or to the child’s lack of will. These types of beliefs have no scientific basis and only serve to label the child or generate a feeling of guilt in her parents.

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The most common misconceptions about ADHD

The ADHD is an invention

Many consider ADHD to be a disease invented by pharmaceutical companies to sell their drugs. However, this disorder was already described in the literature as early as 1865. Later, in 1950, it was known as Minimal Cerebral Dysfunction, and then, in 1980, it was called Attention Deficit Disorder.

On the other hand, the symptoms of this disorder are similar in different cultures, and its incidence rate is also quite similar. In fact, it has been appreciated that people with ADHD who do not receive treatment tend to work below their means, progress less professionally and have a higher risk of using drugs, regardless of culture and socioeconomic status.

ADHD is the fault of the parents

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means that in many cases there is a genetic charge and that at its base there is a different brain chemistry, which conditions higher psychic functions. In fact, these changes affect the child’s ability to regulate his attention, his activity level and his impulses. Therefore, it is not a disorder caused by “bad education”, although it is true that the lack of rules at home and certain situations, such as a traumatic divorce or the arrival of a new sibling , they can aggravate the symptoms.

ADHD disappears in adolescence

ADHD is not a developmental characteristic, therefore, it does not always disappear in adolescence or even in adulthood. Statistics indicate that a third of children with ADHD will no longer have this problem in adolescence, but another third will continue to suffer from ADHD in adulthood. What happens in many cases is that the symptoms fade over time, becoming less visible. For example, a restless child who runs from one place to another, as he grows up, can channel that restlessness by giving nervous tapping with hands or feet In addition, with proper treatment, many people learn to live with impulsiveness and inattention, developing more effective and adaptive strategies.

ADHD only affects kids

Many people they believe that ADHD is a problem exclusively for children. However, what happens is that the symptoms of girls tend to be less striking since it is often simply inattention, not hyperactivity. On the other hand, ADHD in children is usually associated with oppositional and defiant behavior, so that the picture is more striking and parents or teachers tend to ask for specialized help more frequently. On the contrary, ADHD has been associated with depressive symptoms in girls, and in some cases there are not even learning disorders, at least until they are 10 years old. For this reason, many cases of ADHD in girls are not even diagnosed.

Drugs to treat ADHD are harmful

Many parents think that it is better to resort first to psychological therapy and, if this does not work, then use medication. At the base of this belief lies the fear that drugs are dangerous. However, the truth is that in many cases psychological treatment and family and school intervention are not enough to deal with ADHD, and it is necessary to resort to drugs, which serve to balance the levels of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and adrenaline. dopamine.

This means that, although the treatment of ADHD should never be limited exclusively to medication, there are cases in which it is necessary. In fact, there are currently different medications whose efficacy and safety have been proven and, although it is true that they may have adverse effects, these are minimal compared to the benefits they report.

Children with ADHD are just lazy

Many people think that ADHD is just a matter of laziness and lack of will. However, parents of a child with ADHD They know that in many cases, even if the little one makes an effort, it is difficult, if not impossible, for him to stay focused for long periods of time or control his impulsiveness.

It is important to keep in mind that both the level of activation As attention are complex neurological processes, in which different neurotransmitters affect, therefore, it is not simply a question of lack of will or laziness. Also, putting these kinds of labels on the child will only make them feel worse. In fact, studies have even shown that many of these kids have above average intelligence, they just need an extra push.