ADHD Facts and Myths: What To Believe (And Not)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the commonly found neurodevelopmental disorders in children. The mental disorder has a worldwide prevalence of around 5.3%, making it one of the prevalent disorders suffered by children. You cannot just grow out of this disorder; instead, it needs to be treated. If left unattended, there can be some serious implications in your adult life.

Children suffering from ADHD find it challenging to pay attention and control their impulsive behaviors. These can cause difficulties at home, school, or with friends. With effective and consistent treatment, a change can be developed in children’s behavior, allowing them to be more in control of their acts. 

If you are looking for reliable treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, then Cadabam’s Hospitals is one of the reliable names to consider. With experienced psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, counselors, and physicians on board, you can be certain of availing the best treatment for your child here.

After a thorough evaluation of the symptoms and overall health conditions, our group of medical professionals works together to create a personalized care plan for patients. To know more, book an appointment at Cadabam’s Hospitals. Call us at +91 97414 76476 or email at info@cadabamshospital.com.  

Some ADHD myths or facts in Children

What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD?

It is not unusual for children to have issues in focusing and behaving sometimes. But when this issue continues, then it turns out to be a matter of concern. If not treated timely, the symptoms can become severe and cause issues. Some of the symptoms of ADHD include – 

1. Being extremely forgetful
2. Excessively daydreaming 
3. Talking too much 
4. Fidgeting or squirming 
5. Constantly making careless mistakes 
6. Difficulty in taking turns
7. Unable to resist temptation 
8. Having trouble getting along with others 

Busting The Myths Of ADHD

Do you know ADHD affects certain areas of the brain that involve problem-solving, planning, understanding others' actions, and controlling impulses? Children with ADHD act without thinking. They are hyperactive and have trouble focusing.

Mostly all the children act this way, especially when they're anxious or excited. But did you know there are few assumptions about ADHD in Children or ADHD Myths? Below are some of the ADHD myths, along with key facts.

Some ADHD myths and Facts in children: 

• ADHD isn't a real medical condition.

ADHD is a legitimate diagnosis of a medical disorder. It is recognized even in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Its primary symptoms are inattention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity.

• ADHD affects only boys.

Boys have a more hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD and girls have Inattentive ADHD. Although this is beginning to change, diagnoses for girls have risen 55 percent from 2003 to 2011, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

1. Children with good grades don't have ADHD.
   Grades are not always the best indication of what a student is learning. Children with ADHD may also have issues with learning certain social skills rather than performing well in academics.
2. ADHD medication may cause other drug dependencies.
   There is this assumption that children who take ADHD medications are more likely to abuse drugs when they become teenagers. In fact, it is just the opposite. Avoiding medications for ADHD increases the risk that the individual will abuse drugs or alcohol. Having the right treatment reduces this risk.
3. People who have ADHD are foolish and lazy.
   They definitely are not lazy. In fact, many famous, high-achieving individuals, including Benjamin Franklin, Mozart, Abraham Lincoln, had ADHD.
4. ADHD is the outcome of bad parenting.
   When a child with ADHD disturbs their class, it's not because he hasn't been taught well by his parents. Rather it's because he cannot control his impulses. The problem is the chemical imbalance in the brain.
5. ADHD is a cause of eating too much sugar.
   Research doesn't support this, and it's doubtful that sugar intake can affect the chemical imbalance in the child's brain.
6. All children with ADHD are hyperactive.
   There are three types of ADHD: Predominantly Inattentive Subtype, Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive Subtype, and a Combined Subtype. Different children fall into different brackets. Not all of them are hyperactive.

How Is ADHD In Kids Treated?

Following are the treatment options that doctors use to help kids with ADHD – 

• Stimulant Medications – These are the most common type of drugs used to treat ADHD. It works to balance the brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These drugs help in controlling the symptoms of ADHD in kids. 
• ADHD Therapy- This includes behavior therapy, social skills training, counseling, family therapy, and parent skill training. It is performed by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional. 
• Lifestyle Changes - Changes in your day-to-day life can also help in managing the symptoms of ADHD. some of the things that parents can do includes - 

1. Be affectionate towards the children. 
2. Work to improve their self-esteem.
3. Communicate with them using simple words
4. Be organized

Why Cadabam’s Hospitals?

With over three decades of experience, Cadabam’s Hospitals assures of providing quality and effective treatment for ADHD. The multi-specialty team includes psychiatrists, psychotherapists, family therapists, counselors, and physicians. These groups of professionals together work to provide a comprehensive and personalized care plan for you. To know more, get in touch with the team at +91 97414 76476 or mail at info@cadabamshospital.com.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

What can cause ADHD in children?

 Following are some of the reasons that can trigger ADHD in children – 

1. Genes and heredity 
2. Brain anatomy and function 
3. Prematurity 
4. Prominent head injuries 
5. Prenatal exposures

Can ADHD go away?

While the symptoms of ADHD can be improved over time, the condition is rarely outgrown. One needs to stick to the recommended treatment plan to improve the symptoms of ADHD. 

Do the symptoms of ADHD get worse with growing age?

Aging can result in cognitive changes in both men and women. If during this time ADHD symptoms are not controlled, then adults will deal with a lifetime of memory struggles and issues related to cognitive functioning. 

What food should be avoided when suffering from ADHD?

Food with high sugar content, caffeine, allergens, artificial additives, refined carbs, etc., should ideally be avoided by people with ADHD.