ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting about 11% of school-aged children. It is also very commonly misunderstood, meaning that raising a child with ADHD can be incredibly challenging. In this article, we will take a closer look at the facts about ADHD as well as some myths and misconceptions, so you can provide your child with the care, attention, and support they need to thrive.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. This disorder affects an individual’s ability to sit still, pay attention, store and access memories, manage emotions, and control impulsive behaviors. These issues stem from executive function impairments in the frontal-subcortical systems of the brain. ADHD presents symptoms during childhood. In about ¾ of cases, symptoms will continue into adulthood.
Signs and Symptoms
ADHD may present in three different ways: predominantly inattentive presentation, predominantly hyperactive presentation, or combined presentation. With predominantly inattentive presentation, individuals will have a difficult time organizing and completing tasks, paying attention to instructions and conversational details, remaining on task, and staying focused. Predominantly hyperactive presentation is characterized by a tendency to fidget or talk a lot, impulsive behaviors, and difficulty sitting still. Combined presentation will showcase an equal mix of each set of symptoms. With any type of ADHD, children may struggle in school, have difficulty making friends, and frequently get in trouble with adults and authority figures.
Diagnosing ADHD
Many of the signs of ADHD can overlap with signs of depression, anxiety, and a variety of physical illnesses. However, if your child showcases several of the following behaviors and those behaviors tend to cause difficulty in their daily life, it is important to visit your pediatrician for an assessment.
- Frequent daydreaming
- Tendency to forget or lose things
- Squirming and fidgeting, inability to sit still
- Talking too much and failing to listen to others, or tending to interrupt others in conversation
- Difficulty resisting temptation
- Trouble making friends
- Inability to wait their turn
- Restlessness—tends to run, jump, and climb almost constantly
Diagnosing ADHD is a complex process. First, physical conditions may need to be ruled out through health screenings from your pediatrician. If ADHD is suspected, healthcare providers will follow criteria in the DSM-5 to make a diagnosis. It is often beneficial to speak with family members, teachers, and daycare providers to understand your child’s behavior in different settings. People with ADHD will show a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with normal functioning or development.
In some cases, ADHD will go undiagnosed in childhood. Adults may be diagnosed with ADHD based on the same set of criteria, although symptoms will present differently with age.
Causes of ADHD
There are many misunderstandings related to the causes of ADHD. For example, it is a common belief that ADHD is caused by poor parenting, chaotic home environments, or even too much sugar. However, research does not support these claims. ADHD arises from neurological differences in the brain, for which heredity is a strong contributor. There are other potential risk factors as well, including difficulties during pregnancy, premature birth, exposure to alcohol or tobacco during prenatal development, lead exposure, and postnatal brain injuries.
Research has indicated that social and environmental factors like sugar intake, television exposure, and poverty do not cause ADHD. However, these factors can worsen symptoms and contribute to challenges with ADHD well into adulthood.
Common Misconceptions
As a parent, it’s important to learn all that you can about ADHD to help your child manage their symptoms and build effective routines and behaviors. However, there is a wealth of misinformation out there, so it’s equally important to recognize misconceptions about ADHD. Here are some of the most common ADHD myths:
- Myth: ADHD is not a real disorder. ADHD is a recognized neurodevelopment disorder outlined in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth edition (DSM-5). Brain scans have shown significant differences in brain development in individuals with ADHD, and research continues to deepen the understanding of this disorder as it relates to brain chemistry and development.
- Myth: ADHD is over diagnosed. Because the rate of ADHD diagnoses has increased significantly in recent years, some have questioned whether this disorder is over diagnosed. However, this increase is likely due to a decreased stigma surrounding ADHD, leading to an increase in awareness of this disorder, paired with clearer guidelines and protocols for making a diagnosis.
- Myth: Children with ADHD are overmedicated. Stimulant medications are prescribed to help manage ADHD symptoms, and these medications have been shown to be an effective part of treatment plans. Research suggests that use of ADHD medication is either appropriate or that the condition is undertreated with medication.
Treatment and Management
Early intervention is particularly beneficial for managing ADHD. Children are more likely to develop lasting positive habits if they begin earlier in their development. For most children, treatment will include a combination of medication and therapy. Parents may also find help through various support groups and professional resources offering strategies and routines that can benefit your family. Managing ADHD is an ongoing process. Additionally, it may include a variety of challenges and pain points. However, it is possible to help your child thrive with the right combination of clinical treatments, support at home, and positive daily routines.
Here at Integrated Behavioral Health, we treat patients of all ages, including kids and teens struggling with ADHD. If you are seeking care for your child or mental health support for yourself, connect with us to request an appointment with one of our compassionate, knowledgeable providers. Call 855-422-1618 to request a consultation.