ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a common mental health disorder. Still, it can often be misunderstood or even go undiagnosed, leading to daily challenges affecting some of the most essential parts of our lives. Without proper treatment, young people can struggle in school, leading to poor grades and behavior that negatively affects relationships and development. These issues then transfer to adulthood, making it difficult to keep up with demands related to a job, family, and other responsibilities.
In the last decade, the number of reported ADHD cases among children and adults has increased. Many believe this could be caused by social media, which is creating more awareness about ADHD and thus more people are deciding to have assessments. But like any online information, what’s out there about ADHD can be misleading.
In this blog, PrairieCare’s Youth Services Medical Director, Chad Puffer, DO, unpacks the five most common misconceptions surrounding ADHD. Dr. Puffer provides a clinical lens to break down ADHD myths, and shares how to get proper support if you or your loved one experience symptoms.
Read on to get a clearer, more compassionate understanding of what ADHD truly is—and what it isn’t.
Quick Links
- Five misconceptions of ADHD
- Treatment for neurodevelopmental disorders
- Get a no-cost mental health screening
What Is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosed in children, and it can persist into adulthood. Its main characteristics are related to inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
The signs of ADHD can change with age, and can also mimic the symptoms of other mental health disorders. Knowing the general signs of the condition can help you decide whether or not to reach out to a primary care provider or mental health professional for an assessment.
Common signs may include:
- Inability to finish school assignments, work tasks, or chores
- Failure to pay attention or daydreaming often
- Losing things easily or forgetting about daily tasks
- Inability to stay organized
- Difficulty waiting their turn in various social environments
- Restless behavior, such as fidgeting or being in constant motion
- Issues with listening, often talking when they should be following directions
- Talking too much and interrupting others
- Acting and speaking without thinking
If you or a loved one is showing signs of ADHD, the best thing you can do is contact a professional. Call our team for a no-cost mental health screening at 952-826-8475 or fill out our request form to get started today.
Breaking Down 5 Misconceptions About ADHD
Dr. Puffer has been PrairieCare’s Medical Director of Child and Adolescent Services at our Rochester location since 2020 and has practiced psychiatry for 8 years. He has extensive experience working with patients who have ADHD or suspect they have ADHD. Since some symptoms can be passed off as “normal” kid behavior or can disguise themselves as other mental health disorders, it’s important to get the facts from a licensed clinician.
Here, Dr. Puffer discusses the top five myths about ADHD.
Myth #1: ADHD only affects kids and eventually goes away.
“Though ADHD is commonly first diagnosed in childhood, many people diagnosed with ADHD as a child continue to meet the criteria for this diagnosis into adulthood,” says Dr. Puffer. “In fact, studies suggest that 40-60% of children diagnosed with ADHD will go on to have significant ADHD-related challenges in adulthood,” he added.
Occasionally, the diagnosis of ADHD is first made in adulthood, and estimates report that 2.6% of adults globally meet the criteria for ADHD. However, more adults are being diagnosed with the condition due to several factors, including more access to healthcare, less stigma around mental health, and more awareness of ADHD symptoms.
“In a clinical setting, the current diagnostic criteria require that several symptoms of ADHD were present before age 12, so adults seeking this diagnosis for the first time will likely be asked questions about their functioning at school and home during childhood,” Dr. Puffer explains. So if you are experiencing symptoms and they’re interfering with daily life, the best thing you can do is reach out to a mental health professional.
Myth #2: People with ADHD are all hyperactive.
“Currently, ADHD is divided into three subtypes based on the specific symptoms observed by a provider and reported by the patient,” says Dr. Puffer. These differences in the brain’s executive function result in the following subtypes:
- Predominantly inattentive: This subtype is characterized by an inability to focus. Signs can include missing vital details, having poor memory, or struggling to stay organized. This subtype is diagnosed when people don’t experience hyperactivity or impulsivity.
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive: Constant movement and action is the main symptom of this subtype, such as being unable to sit still or talking out of turn. Combined: In this subtype, people show symptoms of both types of ADHD—inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. This is the most common ADHD subtype.
Myth #3: Medication is the only way to manage ADHD symptoms.
“Medications are far and away the most effective treatment for ADHD, but they are not the only treatment option,” says Dr. Puffer. He described two main approaches that his patients and families have found helpful for children and adolescents, instead of or alongside medications:
- Psychosocial interventions, including establishing regular daily schedules, reducing distractions, and offering rewards for positive behavior
- School-based interventions, such as tutoring, classroom accommodations, and skills training
“These interventions may be preferable for younger children, and are typically used with medications for school-aged or older children,” says Dr. Puffer. Since everyone is different, some methods may work better than others depending on the person. A mental health professional can help you and your child find adjustments that make a big difference in daily life.
As with other mental health disorders, you’ll likely see many interventions suggested for ADHD, from physical activity and mindfulness practice to elimination diets and essential fatty acid supplementation. While some of these approaches may help, there’s less concrete evidence of their benefits. Exploring naturalistic or alternative options can be a great complement to treatment, and Dr. Puffer recommends considering these options with your treatment provider as part of a wholistic approach to symptom management.
Myth #4: All of a sudden, everyone has ADHD.
It’s true that the number of children diagnosed with ADHD has increased over time. In fact, CDC surveys suggest that the prevalence of ADHD in 1998 was 6%, which rose to 9.6% in 2018,and then to 11.3% in 2022. For adults, there has also been an increase. One study showed that adults are now diagnosed with ADHD four times as often as children, with the prevalence of adult diagnoses doubling between 2007 and 2016.
“It remains unclear whether the increase in diagnoses is related to an increase in symptoms in the general population or simply more awareness when symptoms emerge,” said Dr. Puffer. Either way, social media and other digital platforms have introduced more accessible healthcare content that allows people to get help sooner—a vital component to better mental health outcomes.
Myth #5: ADHD can be diagnosed based on a social media post.
Absolutely not. “ADHD must be diagnosed by a licensed clinician with experience treating symptoms of ADHD,” said Dr. Puffer. That’s extremely important, in part because a diagnosis of ADHD can be complicated by many factors, including the presence of other illnesses.
Most children with ADHD have one or more co-occurring mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, etc.) that can cloud the clinical picture. A mental health professional can not only diagnose ADHD, but can also help identify other factors that will assist in building an effective treatment plan.
But Dr. Puffer isn’t totally against using social media to guide mental health conversations. “Social media posts do help to reduce the stigma around symptoms of mental illness and help people to recognize symptoms that may be worth discussing with their clinician,” he says. “In my practice, I don’t mind when someone shares that they completed a survey online or gathered information from a social media post. This often serves as a starting place to discuss symptoms that may interfere with their health and well-being.”
Comprehensive Care for ADHD at PrairieCare
“ADHD and other mental health issues are not something to be ashamed of or to ignore,” Dr. Puffer emphasizes. “They can interfere with some of the most important aspects of our lives, including school, work, hobbies, and relationships.” He urges people to reach out today if they have questions or concerns about their own or their child’s mental health.
At PrairieCare, our team of clinicians has a wealth of experience in identifying and treating ADHD. Whether you have a child with emerging ADHD symptoms or you want to find new coping skills as an adult, we have services for all ages that can help. There’s no better time to get help for your mental health than now.
Get a No-Cost Mental Health Screening Today
Anyone seeking services can call our team anytime at 952-826-8475 to access a no-cost mental health screening and ask any questions you may have about starting therapy. You can also request a screening using our form, and our team will reach out to you within one business day to get started.
Not sure what a mental health screening includes? Click here to learn more about the benefits of calling PrairieCare for a screening.