1. ADHD is caused by eating too much sugar
While sugar does not cause ADHD, excessive intake can definitely worsen existing symptoms. According to the Drake Institute, sugar affects ADHD by increasing brain dysregulation, which can intensify symptoms.
2. People with ADHD are lazy, they simply need to try harder
This is a big misconception. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects one’s ability to regulate attention and control impulses. People with ADHD are often highly motivated when engaging with activities they find interesting, sometimes even experiencing hyperfocus.
Psychiatrist Dr. Edward Hallowell compares the ADHD brain to “a Ferrari engine with bicycle brakes.” This analogy explains that their difficulties are a part of the condition, not a result of laziness.
3. People with ADHD are less intelligent.
Although Individuals with ADHD often perform lower on IQ tests, this is likely due to distractibility, processing speed, and working memory difficulties, rather than an indicative of their intelligence. When ADHD symptoms are managed, individuals often perform similarly to their typical peers on cognitive tasks. Therefore, it is more a reflection of their impulse control issues than a reflection of their intelligence.
4. ADHD only affects boys
This is a pretty common misconception. ADHD is not a gender-specific condition; it can affect anyone, regardless of gender. Boys are more frequently diagnosed because their symptoms, like hyperactivity, are often more noticeable. On the other hand, girls are often socialized to be ‘calmer’ and may mask their symptoms, such as the urge to act impulsively, which can make ADHD less obvious in them.
5. ADHD always gets better with time and it can be cured
Another myth is that ADHD always gets better with age or that it can be completely cured. While it is true that some people are able to manage their symptoms as they get older, more often that not, ADHD symptoms continues into adulthood. There is no known cure for ADHD, but with the right treatments and strategies, people with ADHD can live successful lives.
David F. Velkoff, M. D. (2024, April 16). Sugar & ADHD: Does sugar make ADHD symptoms worse?. Sugar Consumption & ADHD: Does Sugar Make ADHD Worst? | Drake Institute. https://www.drakeinstitute.com/sugar-consumption-and adhd#:~:text=For%20children%20with%20ADHD%2C%20sugar,brain%20dysregulation%20which%20exacerbates% 20symptoms.