A study conducted in 2005 found that four per cent of American adults have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. However, even with this number indicating the widespread nature of the condition, several misconceptions exist. Here are some of the mistaken beliefs society has on children with ADHD, and ADHD itself.
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It’s not a real disorder.
Some people question whether or not ADHD is real. And yes, it is. It has been discovered that there is a strong biological component attached to ADHD. Studies have shown children with ADHD have gene variations that other children do not.
ADHD doesn’t disappear as kids grow up. The symptoms simply evolve. Even if they seem less hyperactive, adults who were once children with ADHD would have difficulty completing everyday tasks, especially ones that are boring. These adults always feel a restlessness within, and an itch, wanting to be always on the move.
Studies have found this to be false. In fact, the opposite was discovered. Patients with ADHD who take stimulant medication are much less likely to develop a substance addiction compared to those who don’t take the meds.
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Everyone has ADHD.
Sure, everyone feels restless at one point or another. People have this feeling of easily getting bored, distracted, and overwhelmed. Much of this can be attributed to technology, not genetics. A person with ADHD gets distracted a lot more often, and the consequences are much steeper.
Dr. Curtis Cripe is a neuroengineer with a background that includes child neurodevelopment, among other disciplines. He is also the head of the Research and Development department of the NTL group. For more on Dr. Cripe and his work, follow this Facebook page.
