Top 5 Myths of ADHD Debunked
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the most commonly disputed and misunderstood behavioral disorders. Despite extensive studies revealing the symptoms and treatments for ADHD, there are several common misconceptions that people continue to believe.
Myth #1: ADHD is not a valid, medical disorder.
Despite Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder being legitimately recognized as a medical disorder by major institutions, such as the American Psychiatric Society, the U.S. Department of Education, and the National Institutes of Health, many people still believe that ADHD is not a real medical diagnosis.
Research has proven that ADHD is a biologically-based disorder, caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain.
Myth #2: Quiet, shy children do not have ADHD.
Hyperactivity is not the only symptom of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Children who seem predominantly inattentive and have difficulty recalling the details of a conversation or instruction may suffer from a sub-type of ADHD, commonly known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
Myth #3: Girls are never diagnosed with ADHD.
ADHD is not gender-specific, and girls may be diagnosed with ADHD as easily as boys. Boys are at least 2 times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, but ADHD approximately 5.5% of girls in the U.S. Girls typically display symptoms of ADD. However, girls are often more inattentive than hyperactive and impulsive.
Myth #4: ADHD can only be treated with medication.
Though there are many medications for the treatment of ADHD, behavioral therapy and modifications to the school and home environment have also shown positive treatment results. Creating environments where children with ADHD can thrive is an important part of ADHD treatment.
Myth #5: Children diagnosed with ADHD possess below-average intelligence.
Recent studies reveal that children diagnosed with ADHD are actually above-average intelligence. Though children with ADHD sometimes suffer from learning disabilities, they are often very intelligent, creative thinkers. Many famous creative people were thought to have ADHD, such as Mozart, Salvador Dalí, and Abraham Lincoln.
At AGC Pediatrics in Calhoun and Cartersville, our board-certified pediatricians understand the severity of this neurobehavioral disorder. We provide individualized behavioral and medication treatment plans for our pediatric patients diagnosed with ADHD.
Myth #1: ADHD is not a valid, medical disorder.
Despite Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder being legitimately recognized as a medical disorder by major institutions, such as the American Psychiatric Society, the U.S. Department of Education, and the National Institutes of Health, many people still believe that ADHD is not a real medical diagnosis.
Research has proven that ADHD is a biologically-based disorder, caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain.
Myth #2: Quiet, shy children do not have ADHD.
Hyperactivity is not the only symptom of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Children who seem predominantly inattentive and have difficulty recalling the details of a conversation or instruction may suffer from a sub-type of ADHD, commonly known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
Myth #3: Girls are never diagnosed with ADHD.
ADHD is not gender-specific, and girls may be diagnosed with ADHD as easily as boys. Boys are at least 2 times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, but ADHD approximately 5.5% of girls in the U.S. Girls typically display symptoms of ADD. However, girls are often more inattentive than hyperactive and impulsive.
Myth #4: ADHD can only be treated with medication.
Though there are many medications for the treatment of ADHD, behavioral therapy and modifications to the school and home environment have also shown positive treatment results. Creating environments where children with ADHD can thrive is an important part of ADHD treatment.
Myth #5: Children diagnosed with ADHD possess below-average intelligence.
Recent studies reveal that children diagnosed with ADHD are actually above-average intelligence. Though children with ADHD sometimes suffer from learning disabilities, they are often very intelligent, creative thinkers. Many famous creative people were thought to have ADHD, such as Mozart, Salvador Dalí, and Abraham Lincoln.
At AGC Pediatrics in Calhoun and Cartersville, our board-certified pediatricians understand the severity of this neurobehavioral disorder. We provide individualized behavioral and medication treatment plans for our pediatric patients diagnosed with ADHD.
Speak to Board-Certified ADHD Specialists at AGC Pediatrics
Every child expresses ADHD symptoms differently, and requires different treatment options. At AGC Pediatrics in Cartersville and Calhoun, GA, our board-certified pediatricians work closely with our in-office clinical psychologist, Dr. Tim Chomyn, and our board-certified social worker, Shawn Haggard, to develop treatment plans which encompass social, academic, and home environments for a holistic ADHD care plan.
In our conveniently located offices, parents and children with ADHD find a welcoming staff and a faith-based practice dedicated to the success and health of our pediatric patients. Contact Nurse Mary Stewart at (706) 625-5900 or via email to schedule your ADHD consultation and learn more about our ADHD treatment options.
In our conveniently located offices, parents and children with ADHD find a welcoming staff and a faith-based practice dedicated to the success and health of our pediatric patients. Contact Nurse Mary Stewart at (706) 625-5900 or via email to schedule your ADHD consultation and learn more about our ADHD treatment options.
