St. Christopher Academy Director Darlene Jevne on Myths About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
The Director of a successful alternative education program in Seattle, Washington, Darlene Jevne provides an explanation of common attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) myths.
MYTH: Children need to be hyperactive to have ADHD.
FACT: There are three main types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and a combination type. Many children with ADHD do not show hyperactivity symptoms, although they will still have difficulty focusing or achieving their goals.
MYTH: Poor parenting is largely responsible for ADHD.
FACT: No correlation has been shown between parenting style and the onset of ADHD. However, once the condition is present, parents can espouse child-rearing approaches that help control ADHD symptoms.
MYTH: Children will eventually “grow out of” their ADHD.
FACT: Untreated ADHD lasts a lifetime. Given proper treatment via behavioral therapy and medications, individuals can eventually learn to bring their ADHD under control. Many people with ADHD eventually excel at high-energy, high-intensity careers once they have developed coping strategies.
MYTH: ADHD predominantly affects boys.
FACT: Unfortunately, girls with ADHD remain under-diagnosed. Boys are more likely to develop the hyperactive, impulsive characteristics of ADHD, whereas girls are more likely to demonstrate inattentiveness. Untreated ADHD in girls has been connected to increased rates of substance abuse, suicidal ideation, and the development of other mental health issues.
MYTH: Children with ADHD tend to be overmedicated.
FACT: Studies of the prescription of medications for ADHD do not hold up this assertion. As diagnostic capabilities have improved, more children with ADHD are receiving treatment than in the past, but physicians overwhelmingly continue to err on the side of lower dosages.
MYTH: Vitamins, herbal remedies, and diet can cure ADHD.
FACT: These claims have not been proven, and many of them have been disproven. Although good diet provides a generally positive effect on health, it has little effect on ADHD. The use of megadoses of vitamins has also been shown to be ineffective, and it carries a serious risk of side effects. Other therapies revolving around thyroid dysfunction, candida yeast within the body, and sensory training either have been disproven or lack any convincing evidence of success.ni
