Common ADHD Myths and Facts - Common ADHD Myths

Written by Metro Area Adult ADHD Network

Common Myths About ADHD

From a UK Perspective: With thanks to Michelle Richardson (ADHD Nurse), Ryegate Children's Centre.

Myth:

Children naturally outgrow ADHD.

Fact:

In some children, the overactive behavior of ADHD decreases during the teen years. But inattention often becomes more challenging during early high school years when students must organize homework assignments and complete complex projects. Some children do not experience any symptoms of ADHD in adulthood, while some experience fewer symptoms. Others have no change in their symptoms from childhood to adulthood.

Myth:

ADHD is caused by too much white sugar, preservatives, and other artificial food additives. Removing these things from a child's diet can cure the disorder.

Fact:

Studies have shown that very few children with ADHD are helped by special diets. Most of the children who do respond to diets are very young or have food allergies. Sugar and food additives have been ruled out as causes for ADHD.

Myth:

Poor parenting is responsible for ADHD behaviors in children.

Fact:

ADHD is a physical disorder caused by differences in how the child's brain works. Anxiety-producing factors, such as family conflicts or disruptions, can aggravate the disorder, but they do not cause it.

Common Myths About ADHD Stimulant Medications

Myth:

Children treated with stimulant medications will become addicted or will be more likely to abuse other drugs.

Fact:

Stimulant medications are not addictive when used as directed. Studies have shown adequate treatment of ADHD may reduce the risk of substance abuse.

Myth:

Children must be taken off stimulant medications by the time they become teenagers.

Fact:

About 80% of children who need medications will need them as teenagers.

Myth:

Stimulant medications stunt growth.

Fact:

While stimulant medications may cause an initial, mild slowing of growth, this effect is temporary. Children treated with ADHD stimulant medications ultimately reach their normal height.

Myth:

Children build up a tolerance to stimulant medication. They end up needing more and more of it.

Fact:

While your child's medication may need to be adjusted occasionally, there's no evidence that children become tolerant to medication or require more of it to be effective.

Other contributors to this article: Becky Booth, Wilma Fellman, LPC, Judy Greenbaum, Ph.D., Terry Matlen, ACSW, Geraldine Markel, Ph.D., Howard Morris, Arthur L. Robin, Ph.D., Angela Tzelepis, Ph.D.

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