Dr. Jakir Hossain Laskar, PhD
Understanding More on the Origins of ADHD: Dispelling the Myths
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a common yet a widely misunderstood neuropathological condition around the world. There are millions of children and adults who are affected by it, however it continues to be shadowed with many misconceptions and stereotypes. This is perhaps why, understanding the science behind the origins of ADHD is crucial for breaking the myths and accepting the facts.
As one of the world leading experts on the subject of ADHD, in this article we are going to explain the most common misconceptions regarding the condition and provide the proven scientific evidence.
Myth 1: ADHD Does Not Exist
Fact:
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder and is listed as such in the American DSM-5. It is one of the most common disorders that is found around the world and even major medical associations such as the WHO and the American Psychiatry Association have recognized it. ADHD has certain structural and functional differences in the brain. These are related to areas that are associated with Attention, Impulse control and Executive functioning.
Myth 2: People With ADHD Are Only Children
Fact:
ADHD is one of those conditions that are most commonly diagnosed at a young age, however, symptoms persist and can exist in different forms in adults. Even though hyperactivity declines, symptoms of ADHD would appear in its place, such as time management and organization. Surprisingly even today a lot of adults are undiagnosed with ADHD which in turn is harmful to both themselves and the society.
Myth 3: Laziness can be justified if a person has ADHD
Fact:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not a personality disorder, nor is it an outcome of not trying. This is a medical condition that affects any person’s ability to focus, control their emotions or their behavior. It is this condition, ADHD, that makes it difficult for many people to complete certain tasks because of varying chemistry composition in their brain that includes dopamine and norepinephrine which are essential in concentrating and being motivated.
Myth 4: Bad Parenting Is The Cause of ADHD
Fact:
ADHD cannot be caused by how a child was raised. It is a hereditary disorder that is congenital in nature and a neurological disorder. Genetics have proven that around 75% of ADHD cases are inherited. A few external aspects such as exposure to behavioral and environmental toxins during bed time, a baby born with low weight or a baby born before due date are some reasons that might contribute to Baby’s ADHD, but upbringing alone does not directly affect it.
Myth 5: Individuals with ADHD will always be hyperactive
Fact:
Hyperactivity is only a mere manifestation of ADHD and not all individuals suffering from the disorder have any form or type of hyperactivity. For starters there are three sub types of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
Predominantly Inattentive Type: Examples include inability to remain focused on a task as well as easily being distracted, along with forgetfulness.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Examples include grinding one’s fingers or toes or being incapable of remaining tolerant for an extended period of time.
Combined Type: This particular type is a combination of the two aforementioned types and includes both hyperactivity and inattention.
A wider population including women, during their childhood, may have been diagnosed with other behavioral disorders as the inattentive symptoms of ADHD aren’t that pronounced.
Myth 6: ADHD Medications Are Dangerous
Fact:
The prognosis for ADHD is generally good when medications are involved due to the attentive monitoring of a qualified and registered healthcare professional. Apparent evidence of s adhs, like dopamine and norepinephrine inhibitors in the body when taken stimulants whose prescription might include both compounds, is also made available. Adverse effects can occur but they are often tolerable, and medication is just one element in a multifaceted treatment regime that may include counselling and changes in diet.
Myth 7: People with ADHD Can’t Focus on Anything
Fact:
Becoming interested in something leads to hyperfocus, which is a fascinating condition where people shift their energies to an object or an activity. The problem comes in managing the attention as concentration gets tough in a not so interesting activity. In any case, it does not imply that one has no capability, it makes one tinier to the dominant action the brain decides to prioritize.
Myth 8: ADHD Is a Result of Modern Technology
Fact:
To a certain extent yes, too much screen time can worsen the condition but causation is one thing and correlation is another. Tons of research published on the subject long before there were smartphones and video games already confirm case examples that resulted in ADHD. What may be the problem are the new devices but certainly not the root cause of the disorder.
Myth 9: Nutrition alone is enough to put an end to ADHD
Fact:
While it is true that diet can affect the brain for the better, it opposes the diagnosis of ADHD on its own. There are some modifications such as cutting down on sugar intake and artificial additives that can help address some issues together with omega 3 supplementation which can also help. However, this is very rarely the case as multitasking is usually the best approach which may include, behavioral therapy, drug intake, and dietary modifications.
Myth 10: People with ADHD have a below average IQ
Fact:
ADHD has no link whatsoever to a person’s intelligence. Rather, as we know, people with ADHD are within the intellectual spectrum. On the contrary, several People with ADHD have excellent imaginative skills and are extremely gifted in conceptualizing. These individuals struggle not with their intelligence but with their executive functionality skills.
Some Facts about ADHD
Where the ‘problem’ lies:
Research suggests that individuals with ADHD possess structural ‘qualities’ which determine the region that is involved in planning, the prefrontal cortex, and other areas including the activity of the brain.
Brain Chemistry:
A lack of dopamine and norepinephrine, which are critical in attention and reward mechanisms, has been blamed for the development of the disorder.
Family Trees:
An individual has a high chance of being diagnosed with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This is provided that one of their close relatives (siblings, parent) has been diagnosed by a doctor.
Other Risk Factors:
These factors are not the root cause of the disease, but they raise its likelihood, such as stress during the prenatal stage, exposure to cigarettes and increased risk of alcohol during breastfeeding.
Flushing Away From Misinformation
In order to comprehend ADHD one should have empathy, use practical knowledge, and know how to break the bias. If ADHD is seen more as a biologically based signaling disorder, then we can reach out to those who struggle with it in a better way.
It is critical to notify a doctor if you believe you or someone you know is suffering from ADHD. When treated and managed adequately, ADHD is not a difficult challenge to overcome and resolve.
