Facts About ADHD You Must Know

It is a behavioral issue; it is a result of bad parenting; it only affects children and goes away with age. These are just a few misconceptions surrounding attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or what is better known as ADHD. Before we go into exploring some of the ‘facts’ about ADHD let us first understand what it really is.

ADHD is a disorder that has been diagnosed in children and adults alike. It is normally characterized by problems in paying attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The given symptoms can be seen in any kind of setting – family, academic, occupational etc.

While ADHD can be said to be characterized by three basic behavior types it is not necessary that all three can be seen in every diagnosed person or child. At times only one symptom may be seen or a combination or symptoms.

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Symptoms of ADHD can be seen in a very young age and if diagnosed at the right time it is possible to keep it within control. Studies have shown that boys compared to girls are more prone to this disorder. The fact that boys are considered hyperactive by nature often results in the condition going unnoticed and hence undiagnosed.

In general too, there are quite a few misconceptions surrounding the disorder which are often mistaken as facts. In order to acquire a healthy approach toward ADHD we need to see in a clear light.

ADHD Facts

Nobody’s fault: The upbringing of a child is the responsibility of the parents. The attitude and behavior a child develops is greatly influenced by the environment he lives and grows up in. And this very fact often leads people to think that ADHD is a disorder resulting from ‘bad’ parenting. It is not so. ADHD is nobody’s fault but a disorder of the brain which needs to be diagnosed and treated. Due to awareness now ADHD in adults is also being diagnosed.

It is a non-discriminatory disease: Facts about ADHD prove that it is a brain related medical disorder and not an acquired habit or behavior. It affects the brains of a person, usually at a young age, and requires proper treatment. It is non-discriminative and a person suffering from ADHD can easily mingle with the crowd.

Not always physical: With the word hyperactive associated with the disorder one often conjures up images of a child jumping from one place to another, climbing on to furniture, constantly moving around and not having the patience to stick to one job. This need not always be the case. A person with ADHD may also seem to appear calm on the outside but there may be a million things racing around in his mind.

Does not go with age: There is no permanent solution to an ADHD condition diagnosed in childhood. It is a common misconception that as a person grows up the disorder slows down and gradually goes away with time. The fact is that it arrives to stay and hence we come across ADHD in adults as well. Symptoms or behavioral disorders may change from time to time but do not go away completely.

Not related to intelligence: If you think that ADHD affected people are dumb or unintelligent think again. To name some we have actor Will Smith, Olympic champion Michael Phelps and Virgin Founder Sir Richard Branson. Need we say more about ADHD and intelligence?

Only medicine cannot help: While it is true that ADHD in adults and children need to be treated we cannot ignore the fact that only medication will not help. In fact medication will only help if provided the proper support and understanding from near and dear ones. This has to be done in a very gentle and caring way which helps the affected person realize his or her strengths and work upon it.

Facts about ADHD confirm that it is a brain disorder and needs proper care and attention to keep it within control. At the same time the affected person must be helped towards working upon his strengths and building a bright future for himself.