Ten myths about ADHD

That attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is overdiagnosed, that it is a modern disorder that has recently appeared or that it can be avoided with good discipline at home are probably three of the most widespread false beliefs about ADHD. Having information about this neurodevelopmental disorder is the only way to break with these statements without any scientific basis, which only hinder the detection of ADHD and contribute to rejection or lack of empathy towards people who have it.

We invite you to reflect on some of the most common myths about ADHD and learn the explanation that debunks them.

• ADHD is a modern disorder that has appeared recently.
  False. The first medical description of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is documented in 1902, but there are even references to the symptoms of the disorder in documents much earlier than that date.

A brief history of ADHD

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• ADHD cannot be detected until the age of 6
  False. Symptoms can often be observed before the age of six. In any case, it is always advisable to pay attention to the warning signs and consult with the pediatrician. Early detection will always benefit the quality of life of the person with ADHD.
• If a person can concentrate on some tasks and not on others, it means that they do not have attention deficit.
  False. Sometimes a possible ADHD is ruled out because the person stays still and focused for hours doing things they enjoy, so when they can't concentrate on other activities, it's thought that it's because they're lazy or "mindless." The truth is that fun and motivating tasks can capture the attention of children and adolescents with ADHD, so they don't need to make any effort to complete them and can even become super-focused.
• ADHD can be prevented with discipline and good education at home.
  False. Proper education can improve or minimize the negative impact of certain behaviors associated with ADHD, but in no case will discipline prevent the onset of the disorder or make it disappear.
• A quiet and introverted person cannot have ADHD.
  False. Many children do not have such marked hyperactivity and impulsivity, that is, their subtype of ADHD is inattentive, so they tend to go unnoticed. In these cases, what stands out is that they make mistakes due to distractions or lack of attention, they seem not to listen when spoken to, they do not finish tasks and lose objects, for example.
• ADHD symptoms can disappear with a proper diet.
  False. Diet can influence the increase or improvement of some symptoms: for example, a diet with simple sugars or with many artificial colors can influence hyperactivity. On the other hand, a balanced, Mediterranean diet, with lots of fruit and vegetables, can improve some symptoms. But these are small improvements and in no case can we talk about controlling or eliminating the symptoms.

Do eating habits influence ADHD symptoms?

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• ADHD affects intelligence.
  False. People with ADHD sometimes perform poorly in school, but this is not because they are less intelligent. Intelligence has nothing to do with ADHD. People with ADHD have different IQs, just like people without ADHD. In fact, it is sometimes common for two conditions, such as high ability and ADHD, to coexist. This is known as “double exceptionality.”
• ADHD is not a cause for concern if it does not affect school performance.
  False. There are cases in which ADHD does not affect the person's school performance, but this does not mean that it does not cause them difficulties, which they overcome with their intelligence. However, it is possible that in the family or social sphere they have other problems derived from inattention or impulsivity, and this has an impact on their relationship with their environment and self-esteem.

How to know if my child has a learning disorder

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• ADHD is a disorder that is overdiagnosed.
  False. It is estimated that ADHD is not only not overdiagnosed, but is underdiagnosed, especially in adolescents and adults, and this underdiagnosis is more noticeable in the case of girls and women.
• It is advisable to "take a break" from medication during weekends and holidays.
  False. ADHD medications are not only prescribed to improve academic performance, but because they improve attention span and impulsivity, they can also prevent problems in other environments, such as social or family settings. However, treatment is always individualized and we must consult the relevant professional team.