The Truth Behind ADHD Misconceptions...

Oftentimes, when we hear the word ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, we always think of the stereotypical image of a hyperactive little child who is always fidgeting, playing actively around, can't sit still, and has trouble staying focused on school. However, there is so much more to ADHD. 

There are lots of misconceptions about ADHD. Some may say that it may be a result of the child being spoiled, while others may have the opinion that it is really just an excuse for parents to not discipline their children. Whatever be the case, it's always best to get our facts straight.

Understanding these misbeliefs or wrong perceptions of people towards ADHD makes us more compassionate and wiser when interacting with them. Here are some of the few things that ADHD is not:

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ADHD is Not a Disease

People always tend to think that ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder can be a disease in itself. However, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, it is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development[1]. ADHD is not an illness that needs to be cured.  Some people would even say "Just take some meds and it will go away". It doesn’t necessarily work like that. People with ADHD need to learn how to manage the symptoms that they have while having the right support system to help them out.

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ADHD is Not Laziness

Oftentimes, when a person with ADHD is struggling with a certain task, people would immediately conclude that the person is just lazy. In reality, there’s a lot more going on than just laziness or procrastination. People with ADHD often find it hard to focus and retain information due to their hyperactivity or impulsivity. They also find it difficult to finish certain tasks because they are easily distracted by other things around them like music or background noises from the environment. In fact, when ADHD brains become focused and interested in a certain task, they are able to enter a state of high concentration called “hyperfocus”. This special trait common to people with ADHD provides extreme attentiveness or focus to a specific task of interest. 

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ADHD is Not a Phase that Everybody Goes Through

ADHD is not a "Trend".  It's not a phase that everybody experiences. In fact, ADHD is a lifelong disorder wherein people will have to deal with most of their lives. It is not just a feeling that people have that they just need to "grow out" of. ADHD is a lifelong mental condition that needs to be taken seriously and managed properly.

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Having ADHD is Not The End

Some people might have the idea that people with ADHD are not capable of living their own lives, much less have a job. However, this is really just one of the many misconceptions about ADHD. Many people with ADHD are able to lead successful careers and can contribute greatly to society despite having the neurological condition since they found ways on how to manage it and take advantage of their ADHD.

You just need to remember that having ADHD is not a bad thing at all! Self-awareness and acceptance is the key to living a fulfilling life. Having the right mindset and positive outlook in life may also help you in your ADHD journey. And to achieve this, you need to have a strong and reliable support system that understands and cares for you regardless of what you are going through.