ADHD: Understanding the Facts and Busting the Myths
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is the most common behavioural problem affecting children. Its main cause has not been established yet but vast research suggests that ADHD may run in families. Symptoms include hyperactivity and impulsivity, as well as the inability to focus attention. There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about what actually causes a person to develop ADHD. Some say it is due to bad parenting, incorrect diet, etc. It is also believed that ADHD only affects men in general.
Facts and Myths
First of all, I guess we have to stop putting the blame on parents. There has been no scientific evidence suggesting poor parenting as well as nutrition may lead to the disorder. Apart from genetics, scientists suspect that there are certain factors that contribute to ADHD. These include chemical imbalance and brain changes. Some experts believe that imbalance in the neurotransmitters – chemicals in the brain that transmit nerve impulses may actually trigger the development of ADHD. Nevertheless, 80-90% of ADHD cases have been linked to genetic reasons.
Another misconception about attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder is that it is more likely to affect males. Some even think that females can never develop the condition. This is completely false. According to Stephanie Sarkis, a psychotherapist who has done intensive research on ADHD, the disorder affects women just as it affects men. The problem is – it’s harder to diagnose whether they have ADHD because females tend to internalise the symptoms whilst males externalise them (in most cases). For instance, instead of being hyperactive and impulsive, girls with ADHD tend to stay in one corner, stare at the window and behave as if she’s very distant from everyone else.
In most cases, girls with ADHD are diagnosed only when they reach college, or have started working. But at some point, they will find it hard to meet their increasing need for attention. And that’s the only time they will figure out ‘something’s wrong’. Still, many of these girls remain undiagnosed.
Maybe it’s true that men are more likely to develop ADHD. Or, maybe both girls and boys are. We can’t really establish a strong conclusion here. We have to remember that studies only base their data from medical inputs such as diagnoses. As mentioned, many women choose not to be diagnosed.
There are however, some signs that can help determine whether girls (or women) have ADHD. These people tend to demonstrate bossiness and a loud personality. They are spaced out, often daydreaming. They are messy and disorganised, and are better off alone. There is also a tendency for their suppressed emotions to turn into anxiety problems.
Another myth that we should bust: only children can have this condition. ADHD can take place at any point in life; it’s just that most cases are detected during childhood.
Hope this article helps eliminate some of the confusions you may have about ADHD. Remember, parents are not to blame. ADHD is a biological condition that is greatly influenced by our DNA. While records show that it affects men in general, it is a behavioural disorder that can also affect women. Furthermore, while there is no known cure for ADHD, there are effective ways to manage and reduce the symptoms.
Dear Readers,
Do you agree that girls (or women) are also prone to ADHD? What do you think can be done to encourage them to seek treatments? Maybe with more knowledge there can be various forms of therapy made available?
Share your ideas comments below.