5 Common Misconceptions About ADHD.

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding ADHD which have been around as long as the condition has itself, and the negative effects they have created are very real, including stigma and the hindrance of accurate understanding of the condition. The irony is that the older we get, the less visible ADHD becomes due to a lack of understanding of the condition, causing many then children, to start masking as a way of fitting in. This unfortunately only adds to the misconceptions, when adults appear normal but are stating that they are not.

As a way to smash the stigma, we intend to take 5 of the most common misconceptions we hear at Beyond ADHD clinic and declare the truth.

Myth 1 – ADHD is Just an Excuse for Laziness and Lack of Discipline.

Truth

One of the most damaging misconceptions about ADHD is the belief that it is an excuse for laziness or a lack of discipline. ADHD is a neurobiological disorder characterised by impairments in attention, impulse control, and executive functioning, and individuals with ADHD often face challenges in sustaining attention, organising tasks, and managing time, making it difficult for them to complete tasks as efficiently as others. The added symptom of hyperfocus, being able to zone in and focus on something they’re interested in, can sometimes add to this notion of “lack of discipline.” It's important to recognise ADHD as a legitimate medical condition rather than a character flaw.

Myth 2 – ADHD is only a Child’s Condition.

Truth

ADHD is not a condition limited to childhood; it persists into adolescence and adulthood for many individuals, and while symptoms may manifest differently as people age, the core features of ADHD can continue to impact daily life. Adults with ADHD may struggle with maintaining focus at work, meeting deadlines, and managing responsibilities. It is also important to understand that rather than ADHD symptoms getting better as a person reaches adulthood, they can get worse, and it can be the first time that the symptoms have been noticed as a problem, due to life becoming more complex and expectations are often greater. 

 Myth 3 – If You’re not Hyperactive, You Don’t have ADHD.

Truth

ADHD manifests in three subtypes: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined, therefore not everyone with ADHD exhibits hyperactive behaviour. Many individuals with ADHD may struggle with internal restlessness or have difficulties sustaining attention without necessarily being hyperactive. It is often thought that children with hyperactive and impulsive ADHD tendencies will grow out of it, whereas children with symptoms of inattentiveness will usually find they get worse as they get older, as life becomes more challenging.

Myth 4 – Everyone has some ADHD Symptoms, Working Hard can Overcome Them.

Truth

At different stages in life, we will all experience some of the symptoms associated with ADHD, such as difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, and difficulty organising ourselves or our families, the difference is that people with ADHD find that these symptoms are present all the time, and not just during certain life circumstances. They are also severe and have such an impact that daily life becomes extremely challenging. It is also a myth that ADHD only affects people with lower intelligence, but it can affect people of all levels of intelligence. Being clever or hard-working may mean that you can work harder but it will also make it harder in the long run to cope with life, having masked your difficulties for so long. 

Myth 5 – ADHD is Primarily a Male Disorder.

Truth

ADHD used to be thought of as a childhood disorder, that presented mainly in boys, however, both males and females, children, adolescents, and adults can suffer from ADHD inattentiveness, hyperactivity and combined. Hyperactivity is often seen first, as it presents physically in the body, but the inattentive side of ADHD can often be missed, especially if the individual is not overly disruptive. While it’s true that symptoms of ADHD can present differently in boys and girls, it is thought that more girls suffer from inattentiveness, such as being disorganised or not concentrating well, which can be masked by working for longer or utilising help from their peers to get homework done.

The Process of ADHD Assessment and Diagnosis.

If you think that you or your child may have ADHD it is important to understand the process of gaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis in the UK. You can get an ADHD assessment in the UK both through the NHS and privately. The NHS is free and accessed through your GP who will then refer you for assessment through the NHS waiting list, which can be long.

During your ADHD assessment, a psychiatrist, psychologist, or specialist nurse will assess you in person or via video call, during which you will discuss your mental health and family mental health history, along with questions about hyperactivity and inattention. Currently, to receive a diagnosis, you must display at least 6 symptoms of each which are present now and when you were a child. After the ADHD assessment, if a diagnosis is given, your clinician will discuss treatment options with you, which is usually either medication, therapy, or a combination of both.

Beyond: How a Private ADHD Clinic in Manchester can Help.

Getting an ADHD assessment and diagnosis through a private ADHD clinic is always the quicker option, and for most people, waiting to go through the NHS pathway is often not viable. At Beyond, we truly believe in the power of knowledge and fighting the stigma that has built up around ADHD from common myths and misconceptions. 

We are a private ADHD clinic in Manchester, founded by a team of people who have ADHD and powered by personal experience. We provide the most up-to-date, evidence-based ADHD assessment and treatment options for children and adults.

 So, if you would like to start your journey into understanding yourself better, contact Beyond, a private ADHD clinic in Manchester today.